Free Listing Advertise

Choosing a Private School for your Child in the UK




Choosing a school for your young one can be an overwhelming decision to make. With all the information available online along with the input of your friends and family; usually uninvited. We understand your struggle and are here to help!

 

Let's start by dissecting the types of private schools available to you based on the age group of your child. 

 

Pre-prep School

Usually schools that take up children aged 7 and under come below this category. This stage can also be categorised as a nursery for children aged 3-5.

 

Preparatory school

As the name suggests this stage comes after Pre-prep school, which means it covers children over the age of 7, up to the age of 11 or 13.

 

Senior school

Senior school's take up children aged 11 to 18. If you're looking for a boarding school for your teenager, this is the stage for it.

 

All through

Finally, we have the 'all through' school which takes individuals throughout all stages. Starting with the pre-prep school (3-7 years) up to senior school (18 years).

 

Curriculum

A school's curriculum allows an educational institution to lay out its vision for the knowledge, skills and values that its pupils will learn at given stages. Some schools offer more than one type of curriculum. We have laid out the types of curriculums available to you in the UK.


 

-       National Curriculum

-       International Baccalaureate

-       Pre-U

-       Scottish Highers

-       BTECs and the American AP

 

Information on Reports

School reports which are available online will give you a better idea of how the school has done so far. These are published by the organisation responsible for inspecting the school. Half of all independent schools are inspected by Ofsted. In the independent sector, there are well over 1000 preps/preps, with about 500 of them belonging to the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS) and/or the Independent Schools Council (ISC). Schools don't have to belong to an association to be considered worthy. However, don't forget to ask questions about the professional status of the school you're considering for your child.





10 factors to consider:


  1. Does the school fit yours/you child's basic requirements?

Consider your child's age, gender and the type of school you're looking for (same-sex/co-ed). If you have a specific senior/preparatory school set in mind for your child's future, find a pre-prep school that links/feeds into this specific school. As for 'all-through' schools, they provide an easy transition for the child from one stage to the next. However, a school that seemed fit for your 3 year old might not be suitable for a 13 year old.

 

  1. Is the location convenient for you and your child?

Choosing a school in a 10 mile radius will allow you to be flexible with your daily schedule. If it's a senior/all-through school, it would also make travel for your child easier.

 

  1. Is your child happy in the school setting?

Your child's happiness is possibly a deal breaker with these decisions. Although it is hard to measure before the school starts, there are a few things you can do to better your chances. Firstly, you can access the environment and the head. You can also enquire with other parents about their experience at the school. Followed by your own child's opinions after the open day.

 

  1. Do the school reports meet your standards?

As mentioned above, you can contact the organisation responsible for doing the schools reports in order to understand their professional status (Ofsted, IAPS or ISC).

 

  1. Do they have a good track record?

Ask questions regarding grades, qualifications provided, previous students destinations and observe the teaching quality on open days. Also research STATS records if relevant. 

 

  1. What extra curricular facilities are provided?

Investigate the school's facilities with teachers and other parents. Activities such as swimming, theater, dancing, music, art, sports, etc. Additionally, after school clubs, external qualifications (Eg: Duke of Edinburgh Award) and cost should be discussed.

 

  1. Does the school provide facilities your child is interested in?

This activity starts at home, ask your child a few questions about what they want to learn and why school sounds exciting. Observing your child is also a great way to dissect their interests.

 

  1. What is the quality of teaching like?

Consult with other parents, enquire about the qualification/experience of the teachers. Staff turnover is also an indicator of the work environment. Other factors such as school/class size, school inspection reports, rules and student discipline reflect upon the teaching standards of the school.

 

  1. What are the pastoral care facilities like? (medical care)

This aspect looks after the physical and emotional welfare of its pupils. Factors such as medical care, empathy from staff,  and after school provision should be considered.

 

  1. Does the school provide you value for your money?

This highly depends on each individual and their means. If you answered 'yes' to most if not all of the above questions, you've got value for service delivered. Make sure to have a budget in mind before your search for schools as this will act as a filter for your choices.




If you're still doubtful about finding a suitable school for your child, be sure to sign up with NurseriesandSchools and add your listing! With over a 1000 schools listed on our website, you'll be sure to find one that best meets your needs.

Downloads:

Submit your comment