St Edmund's
Choosing the right school: the “most stressful” decision….
“In a recent survey of 2000 parents by the Good Schools’ Guide, 43% ranked “choosing a school” as the most stressful decision they make as a family – more stressful even than moving house, which was cited by 28%.” The Times
I meet hundreds of parents agonising over this decision, so I can well believe the Good Schools’ Guide statistics.
Parents often feel overwhelmed with information. In Canterbury we have a rich range of Maintained Sector schools, Academies, Grammars and independent schools like St Edmund’s. So how do people choose? And how can the stress be minimised? Here are five tips.
1. Understand your child
Children are unique individuals. Each with their own strengths and weaknesses, needs and aptitudes, ambitions and anxieties. These characteristics evolve and change over time too. Where children experience difficulties in school, it is often because they are in a setting that doesn’t recognise their individuality or try to play to the child’s strengths.
2. Understand the school values
This is crucial. Rather than poring over exam results and leagues tables (though obviously this is also useful) I would encourage parents to consider carefully the self-professed values of the school. What do they believe in? How do they perceive themselves? What kind of school are they trying to be? Do these values chime with your own?
3. Meet the key people
Headteachers are busy people. However, they also are the embodiment of the values of the school and the ultimate decision-maker. You have a right to meet them before making such a crucial decision. Are they the kind of person that you trust with your child’s education and can work with going forward? I’d say I meet
90% of our prospective families in person in a typical year and it is part of my role that I enjoy and value.
I would also suggest that you request meetings with key people at the school in terms of your child’s needs and strengths. For example, if your child has special educational needs, you should see the school SENCO. If your child is an aspiring actor or athlete, you should ask to meet the relevant Head of Department.
4. Visit (at least once)
Schools will run formal Open Day which are always worth attending. They give you the chance to see the site and hear (usually from the Head) about the key strengths of the institution. However, these are show piece occasions. I also suggest that you visit the school on a normal working day. You will learn more about the reality of being at the school.
5. Read the inspection reports
Schools are legally required to publish their inspection reports on the school website, ours are here.
They provide objective, expert, third party analysis of what schools do well and where they need to improve – essential reading before making a decision.
If you can face it, when you are done with inspection reports, cast an eye over the school’s policies (also on the website). They will outline the processes and systems that govern a school’s daily operations and provide another useful insight into the reality of being there.
If you would like to meet me and/or other staff at St Edmund’s or book a personal visit please email admissions@stedmunds.org.uk