Whether it’s your first time or not, choosing a school for your child is both an exciting yet overwhelming experience. It’s a big decision and there’s so much to consider, from league tables to previous exam results. An international school in London have put together the following tips for parents who will be selecting a school for their youngster soon.
It would be wise to start by sitting down as a family and discussing some key priorities. For instance, does the school need to be within walking distance of your home or on your route to work? Does your child have special educational needs or a language barrier that needs to be catered for? Is your child particularly gifted at sport and therefore requiring excellent sporting facilities? Think about what you want from a school, because this should help you rule out a few options and narrow down your search.
Once you know what you’re looking for, you can do some research online. Browse the websites of various schools and find out more about their ethos, curriculum, and policies. If you find a school that doesn’t line up with your values or doesn’t tick all of your boxes, move onto the next one. This should help you come up with a shortlist of options that you can then arrange to visit.
Taking a tour of the schools is the best way to really get a feel for them and determine whether or not they are the right option for your child. Whilst looking around, pay attention to the facilities. are they clean and modern? Are they safe? You should also use it as an opportunity to ask questions to the teachers and existing students. In light of the global pandemic, many schools are now offering virtual tours, which might be more convenient for you as they allow you to browse the school in your own time, any time of day.