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CHOOSING
AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
Judging
the suitability of independent schools for your child can be a very
daunting task. Independent schools offer a huge choice, and vary greatly
in style and areas of specialisation.
It
is often difficult to judge an independent school from its prospectus,
and to visit every school that seems perfect on paper would be a very
time consuming occupation.
The
web is a useful but limited source of information for independent
schools. School websites are not impartial as it is naturally in their
own interest to show you only the best. League
Tables only give information on one aspect of the school and do not
paint a rounded picture of school life.
Penny
Bysshe, has a thorough in-depth knowledge, gained over many years of the
strengths and weaknesses of independent schools in the UK. Using
her expertise and knowledge, she cuts out your leg work, and identifies
the schools that best fulfil your criteria. From that shortlist you can, with confidence, choose the
school best suited to your child’s needs.
SCHOOL
SEARCH
INITIAL
INTERVIEW
The first interview with the family is conducted
face to face or over the telephone. The children’s educational needs
are discussed and also the aspirations of the parents. Penny finds out
about the children’s current education and levels of attainment.
Any Special Educational Needs are identified and fully discussed.
The criteria for
the School Search are established and agreed.
RESEARCH
AND REPORT
Penny researches the schools and identifies the
options that are best suited to the children’s needs.
She prepares a report detailing appropriate schools where places
are available. The
parents are sent a detailed report on the schools including an analysis
of examination and test results, comparative costings and a summary of
the latest inspection report. They also receive guides on:
Visiting
and Assessing Schools
Questions to Ask Schools
What
the League Table will not tell you
The
Boarding Option
Explanation
of Terms used in Independent Boarding and
Day schools
and
other relevant, personalised information.
SCHOOL
VISITS AND APPLICATION
PROCESS
Penny
arranges visits to the schools and can accompany the family, if
required. Parents visiting the school unaccompanied are given
information on what to look for when visiting schools. After the visits
Penny de-briefs the family and assists them in making a decision. She
then helps them with the application process. She is on hand to advise
the family throughout the process until school places are confirmed.
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