Schools Guide

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Choosing the right school for each child can be a downright daunting task for parents, and one made even more difficult when considering the sheer choice available in the independent sector. For Service parents, two of the key questions must surely be whether or not to go down the boarding school route and, should you choose to do so, when is the best time to begin?

Some parents will have their own experience of boarding school (and that may or may not be a help), while others may be completely closed to the idea. Don’t dismiss the boarding option either because it is unfamiliar or because you might have an image fixed in your mind of spartan dorms and cold showers, where children spend their formative years being taught by distant and stern teachers: things have changed and boarding schools have moved on.

Research shows that, for the vast majority, the decision to board is a joint one between the parents and child. Of course, not all children are suited to boarding, but those who are do very well indeed by their schools (as schools do very well by their pupils). A good boarding school is a unique hybrid: somewhere between an educational community, a small independent nation and a large extended family. They offer stimulation and security, friendship and independence, and a very efficient use of time. Children have the opportunity to develop in their own space and begin to gain their independence in a structured environment. They broaden their horizons and learn to live with and be tolerant of their fellow human beings, many of whom come from very different backgrounds and different parts of the country or world. They have quality time to spend with their peers and time to take advantage of the huge range of activities on offer.

As for deciding when boarding should begin, choose a time that best suits the child and the family. Entering the world of boarding at preparatory level (aged seven) might indeed be the ‘best fit’, but your child may not be ready, or you may decide that a forthcoming overseas posting will be a tremendous experience for the whole family. Don’t feel pressurised into starting early; it might seem necessary, but it may not be right.

So how do you choose a school? Well, you might be tempted to go on the recommendations of friends, but do remember that they will have chosen theirs because they suited their particular children, and schools, like children, are all very different. A good starting point is the Independent Schools Council website (www.isc.co.uk), where you can conduct some initial research and look at locations and types of school, as well as access such things as inspection reports. Once you have identified a few possibilities – and always try to consider at least two or three – contact the schools for a copy of their prospectuses or DVDs. My advice is not to dismiss any of them at this stage but to go and have a look at all of them. Visits are absolutely essential and are likely to be the single most influential part of the process of choosing a school. Formal open days are a good way to gain an initial impression and schools advertise these on our website: www.isc.co.uk/ParentZone_ OpenDaySearch.htm. On these occasions everything is on show, but beware of stage management, which may not give you a true sense of the place. A personal visit on a normal school day can tell you a lot more, and you should then have the chance to have a good chat to the head as well. Use this time well. Think about what you really want from a school and ask the questions that are important to you (for some sample questions, see our advice on school visits: www.isc.co.uk/ParentZone_FirstImpressions. htm. During the visit always try to see beyond the gloss and the facilities, and look at the pupils: a glint in the eye, a confident spirit and the sound of laughter are all good indicators. Some schools offer prospective pupils a chance to sample boarding life; take up this offer if it is made and, if it is not, ensure you look as carefully at the boarding houses as you do at the classrooms.

Always sample the food!

Choosing a school is an extremely personal process so don’t rely on inspection (ISI) reports and league tables alone to guide you. The former may well be a few years old and the key is how the school has responded to comments and developed since then; the latter need to be seen in a broader context (such as selection, ability range and examination policies), because quite often the difference between one school and another one some 20 or 30 places lower down the list, is minimal. The real character and ethos of a school that is so important in challenging and inspiring children to reach their potential, whatever their ability, can only be discovered on a visit. Look out for a school that has originality and energy and, above all, don’t be afraid to follow your gut instinct: if a school feels right then it probably is right.

If you need any help at all, do use the Independent Schools Council free information and advice service (0845 SCHOOLS [7246657] or email information@isc.co.uk).