MyTeacherToolsWhether you are looking for a co-educational school in the local area or an established girls sixth form, picking the right school for your child will set them up for life. It helps to do your research in advance, and it helps to make your child feel like they have the right resources in place to take them through their studies. Here are some top tips to help to pick out the right school for your child.
Plenty of research
It goes without saying that researching the schools that you and your child are interested in will help you figure out which schools to avoid and which could be the right one. Start by assessing what these schools provide in terms of curriculum and additional activities they offer. Do they have the right subjects your child is wanting to progress in? Or, do they have a wide variety of subjects your child can explore at their pace?
Another element to consider in the research process is how other people perceive these schools. Are they having a range of good reviews or has there been a feature that’s been repeatedly mentioned that isn’t being addressed? It’s good to get your child into a school that has the right mindset and support system in place, and not just a good range of subjects to study.
The schools’ exam results
A good set of exam results are going to help immensely in your child’s progress through the school. If your child particularly needs a set of grades for a future career or further education, then the school should be providing the means for them to study harder and offer more support where necessary. Low grade performance at a school usually indicates that the teaching methods, support systems and guidance for students is poor and should be avoided if possible.
Your child’s commute
A small element that can change what school your child goes to easily is the regular commute. If there is no direct way to get your child to the school, and it becomes hard for you to drive them there every day, it isn’t worth the time pursuing. A good school should be also within your reach, especially if your child is going to a public school and has to be reliant on the catchment area.
Visit the schools
Open days are a great way to see how a school is run, the size a classroom can be and the other considerations you have in a school. You also get to meet the teachers and get a feeling of how they prefer to teach. It’s important to take part in open days, especially for private schools, to narrow down your search and make the most informed decision.
