In my column last time I wrote about what I thought made for a great education. More pragmatically this month I want to talk about what makes for a great school. I’ve been lucky enough in my career to work at a number of top schools and to have visited many more. Whilst every school is different, the best schools all have things in common which are important for prospective parents to focus on when they visit.
First and foremost are academic standards. That does not mean pure exam results; there are a number of factors which affect the exam statistics in each school and it doesn’t always follow that the best schools are those with the best results. I advise parents to look at the value added by a school; how are the pupils thriving at that school compared to elsewhere? You can see that in scores, but much better is to talk to the pupils. Do they feel supported in class? Are teachers available when they need help? Do they feel they are pushed to fulfil their potential? Youngsters are pretty perceptive and are good judges of their own experiences.
Next to look at is what happens outside of the classroom. Are there opportunities to take part in sport, music, drama and so on? Crucially, are those opportunities available for all and are youngsters encouraged to go beyond their comfort zone to try something new? The best schools will find the talents of their pupils, ones perhaps they themselves didn’t know they had, and inspire them to excel.
Finally, ask about pastoral care. How does the school look after its pupils and what do they do if something goes wrong? Are the staff approachable and how can parents get in touch? The home-school partnership is crucial, and the best schools will communicate formally and informally on a regular basis. Furthermore they will build relationships with you as parents so you get to know them almost as well as your children do. After all, you are trusting them with that which is most important to you your children.
