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, ethos 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 very time consuming. 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. Across the UK as a whole, around 7% of children attend private or independent schools, but this figure varies significantly from area to area. In some London boroughs, for example, almost half the children attend private schools. In the private sector, schools select pupils according to a range of criteria, which may include academic ability or faith. Some independent schools are highly selective and others accept a broad range of ability. The oldest and most traditional independent boarding schools are referred to as “Public” schools. This is a misnomer as they not open to the general public; they charge very high fees and nearly all of them are very selective. International schools are a popular private sector option for many families relocating to the UK, as pupils study the International Baccalaureate and can move relatively seamlessly from one international school to another as the family moves round the world. International schools welcome students from all nationalities and make their selection largely on the basis of previous school records going back maybe as far as 3 years and teachers’ recommendations. International schools ask for a great deal of information before accepting pupils because, unlike English independent schools, they very rarely interview prospective pupils. SCHOOL SEARCH PROCESS Below is a broad outline of a School Search. For details of the different types of School Searches and the Prices click here Preliminary Stage The School Search package is agreed The completed Questionnaire is sent, usually by email to School Guidance. The child’s latest school report is sent, usually by email to School Guidance. If the child has Special Education Needs, reports, IEPs and any other relevant documents are also sent, usually by email. Education Consultation The School Search starts with a consultation. The consultation normally takes an hour and may be by telephone or face-to-face depending on the level of School Search. Your aspirations for your child and his or her educational needs will be discussed. Your child’s academic ability, hobbies, interests and character will be discussed in detail. If the child has Special Education Needs this will be fully discussed. Information will be given about the different types of schooling available in the search area. The timescale will be agreed. The area for the school search, the type of schooling you require and the Criteria for the School Search will be agreed. School Search and Education Report When the School Search has been completed the Education Report containing information about the schools that meet the criteria and have places, is sent to the parents, usually by email. Depending on the level of service the report will contain information on a selection of the following:
Additional Information Information may be sent to parents by email on educational topics. Titles include:
School Visits Parents choose which schools they want to visit from the schools short-listed in the Education Report. The School Search packages except for the Basic School Search include a Schedule of Unaccompanied School Visits. Accompanied School Visits can be added to the Standard and Gold Standard School Search packages but not to the Basic School Search. Decision Making and Application Process After the visits the family is de-briefed and help and guidance is given with the decision making process. Assistance is given throughout the application process until school places are confirmed.
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Penny Bysshe.
School Guidance Consultancy Orchard House, High Road, Cookham, Berkshire SL6 9JT Tel. +44 (0)1628 810696. Email. consult@school-guidance.co.uk |
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