Top Tips for Choosing a School for Your Child

If you’re moving to a new area or looking to take your child to a new school in the same area, then you may be spoilt for choice – or you could be struggling to decide which school is best for your child. Either way, research and plan well for your child’s future, with this sixth form college in Hendon’s advice to choose the best school for your child.

Research the local area

This is the best recommendation for those moving into a new area. Research and learn about what’s best in the area and how to get to the nearest schools. When moving to a new area, estate agents tend to be on hand with advice on the best schools within the county you’re based in and give you advice on the ways to apply or enrol your child into these schools.

Ask parents in your neighbourhood

Speak to your neighbours and friends who have children in schools near you. See what they’re saying about the different schools that your child could go to and where your child would move onto as well. 

Primary schools will be able to tell you which secondary school your child would be predicted to attend, so it’s important you conduct research on both kinds of schools. For independent schools the path is clearer for most students, as they stay within the same school for the majority of their academic life.

Attend an open day at the school

Throughout the year many schools hold open days so that parents and children can get a feel for the school, begin to make friends and learn about the curriculum. Teachers are able to speak to parents about what their children can expect throughout the terms and even what other activities and extracurricular support goes on. Attending a few different open days can give you a rounded view of which school you’d like your child to go to.

Think about the logistical route to school

Unless you’re willing and able to drop your child to school each day, or they live close enough to be able to walk to school or catch a bus, your options may be limited. Have a think about how long it would take for your child to attend the school you’re choosing. A lot of schools have catchment areas and are able to support students with bus services or discounted bus passes. These are great options if you’re working full time and wouldn’t have the capacity to pick your child up every day.