What's the best school for your children?

Wondering if state schools in your area are up to scratch, and if it's worth going private? Here's a few tips for finding an independent school from the people who know...

Many children move across from state primary to independent secondary education

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Many parents scrimp and save to provide their children with private education, so it's important to make the right choice when you're picking a school. We asked David Wellesley Wesley, founder of the Independent Schools Show for his tips on making that tricky decision.

Q: How soon should you get your name down for a school?

A: Each type of school will have different requirements and different entry timetables. In round terms, the higher up the academic league tables, the earlier you should be looking. Each type of school will have different entry requirements and different entry timetables. Starting to think about secondary education at around Year 3 is a good idea, though in many schools you won't need to put your name down for at least another year - perhaps as late as Year 5.

Q: How can you find out about scholarship and bursary schemes for schools in your area?

A: A visit to the Independent Schools Council Website will provide a list of schools near you. Researching their individual websites will provide an explanation of their equally individual school Scholarships and Bursary schemes.

Q: Can children make the jump from state primary education to a private secondary school?

A: Yes; many children move across from state primary to independent secondary education - in fact this is common for 11 to 16-year-olds (when a number of children move back to state-run Sixth Form colleges). If funds are limited, and the choice is either primary or some or all of secondary, it's likely families will pay for older years education. However, it might be there's an outstanding Academy School close by but a weaker primary, which would affect their choice.

Q: How can you assess the standard of teaching in school you're thinking of choosing?

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A: Look at the Independent Schools Inspectorate Report. See if the school features in the very highly regarded Good Schools Guide. Ask pupils who are already at the schools you are considering and ask the school to show you not only their exam results but also Value Added measures which give you a better picture of a child's improvement over the years. When you go on a school tour, go into lessons. Watch and listen to what is going on. Are the children hooked? (Or are they gazing into space - not what you want to pay for!)

Q: Do the teachers have to meet the same criteria as they would if they were in the state sector - for example do they have to have the same level of qualifications?

A: Teachers will have degrees, a number will have two, some will also have a Doctorate. Virtually all will have a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). If they do not, they they will be in the process of taking it whilst being closely monitored and on a reduced timetable. Often these teachers can be the best as they have experience of, for instance, industry, the Services, or overseas work.

Picture: Wellington College, Berkshire


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