Head's Blog: Choosing the right Senior School for your children
January 26th 2018
I am sure that there are a lot of parents that are now thinking about the next stage for their children. As ever, attending Open Days and/or private visits will be on your agenda over the next few terms.
The difficulty is choosing what to focus upon on these tours? What does one look for? Here are some ideas:
- Inspiration – are the children inspired by what they are learning? Do you see vibrant and interesting lessons on your walkabout?
- Intellectual – is there deep learning that goes beyond the curriculum, i.e. external speakers and such like?
- Independence – how do schools encourage independent learning (by steadily transferring responsibility)?
- Independent coping – teaching the children how to be resilient. How do they respond to situations?
- Individual – how are pupils able to express their individuality?
- Inclusivity – is the school inclusive? On both a local and global level? Is it interested in serving others? Nurturing leadership in pupils?
In the end, it will be a ‘gut’ feeling…how many ‘wow’ moments do you feel when walking about the school. As ever, we are here to help and guide you through this journey – please come and speak to me and/or Mr Clark (Director of Studies) if you have any questions.
I have also included some useful links that you might be interested in reading:
- Points for parents to consider when choosing an independent school
- Parent power choose the right independent school
- Why choose an independent school
- School Show 2016 talks
- Attain guide choosing an independent school
