|
Why choose UK Independent Schools?
An all-round education
Independent schools encourage pupils to develop their strengths outside as well as inside the classroom, ensuring that special talents in music, drama, art or sports are nurtured through a range of extra-curricular activities.
A school to suit your child
Your child's academic needs are the top priority. Not all independent schools educate highly academic children, but there is always some form of selection. Some schools only accept children who will be able to keep up with a fast moving curriculum, whereas others will cater for children with more average abilities or specialise in helping those in need of more individual attention in a less academic environment.
Academic success
Good independent schools enable pupils, whatever their academic ability, to achieve their best. Their success is reflected in the exam results of both highly selective and less competitive schools.
Variety and choice
The independent sector includes schools of many different styles and philosophies. Each school has its own ethos and atmosphere. Some are based in towns and cities; others, particularly boarding schools, are located in more rural areas. Some are co-educational, some single-sex, although many boys' schools now have co-educational sixth-forms.
Small classes and individual attention
Class size at the lower end of the age range normally averages 15 to 20 pupils. In GCSE groups the number is around 12-18, and at A Level between 4 and 12. This varies from one school to another and according to subjects. Most schools have a staff:pupil ratio that ensures pupils receive plenty of individual attention in accordance with their needs.
Pastoral care
Independent schools play a vital role in building awareness, tolerance and understanding among young people in a secure, disciplined environment. This helps them begin their own adult lives as confident and responsible individuals.
Excellent facilities
Many schools offer first-class facilities for teaching, accommodation, sports and all aspects of school life.
Maintaining high standards
Independent schools must meet rigorous inspection criteria. Schools in membership of one of the associations which form the Independent Schools Council must conform to strict accreditation requirements and are inspected every six years by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which works closely with OFSTED and the DfES. Other independent schools in England and Wales are inspected by Her Majesty's Inspectorate for OFSTED.
The following includes considerations parents should pay attention to, and general things to remember.
1. Academic Standards & League Tables
Some parents choose schools which show well in the league tables, this is of course an important factor, but one of many. It is important to be clear about your child's academic abilities when making your choice.
2. Boarding or Day School?
How will your child react to being away from home? Most do very well indeed. It is however a factor worthy of consideration.
3. School Fees
You may wish to talk to a financial adviser who can guide you on the options best suited to your requirements. See: School Fees Advice
4. Location
The UK is well served with airports, road and rail links, and several UK airports have international connections, so there is no need to confine your search to London and the South East. By looking at schools in a wider area you will also give yourself more choice.
5. Discipline
Some children thrive in a more formally structured environment. Others prefer a less formal atmosphere. Schools have different styles and it is
important to choose one where your child feels comfortable and which gives him/her appropriate motivation. Corporal punishment is now illegal in all schools.
6. Facilities, Activities and Sports Offered
It is easy to be impressed by facilities for sports, music, art or drama, but try to focus on those, which are important for the development of your own child's wider skills and interests when choosing a school.
7. Learning Support
Schools differ in their view to Learning Support. It is essential to emphasise your child's needs when choosing a school.
8. Student-Staff Ratio, Class Size & Gender Ratio
Most schools have a very good Student to Staff Ratio & Average Class Size. Specify what you'd prefer when choosing a school.
9. School History
The UK's schools include many world-famous names, but remember that these may not be the best ones for your child. There are many less well-known
but excellent schools which may be more suitable for your child's individual needs.
10. Family Tradition
Students differ, as do schools. Simply because a family member has attended a certain school does make it perfect for your child. A good recommendation from family and friends is always positive, though not essential.
11. Educational Continuity
Many preparatory schools are often affiliated to a secondary school. These are sometimes called "feeder schools". Though educational continuity is often recommended, the choice should be made by you, and with the child in mind.
12. Recommendation
A good recommendation from family and friends is always positive. What is good however for one child, is not necessarily good for the next. Schools change over time.
13. Consultants
Professional advice is highly recommended when choosing a school. Consultants differ, as do schools, and some consultants work for very small
selections of schools. When using a consultant, it is important that you are being offered the widest choice of schools available. Good consultants can offer a free service as well as a charge service.
In a competitive industry it is not unusual for rouge elements to exploit the good faith of parents trying to find the best education for their child. A number of services have sprung up recentely claiming to offer consultancy services. Make sure you know the calibre of the service being offered. How long has it existed for? What other services do they provide? Are they uprfront with their information? Do they have a solid client list?
14. Pay Directories & School Guides
There are many good guides around, especially online. Some guides and directories though only offer information pertaining to the schools who pay for a listing. There are 2500+ schools to choose from, so this can severely limit your options. Although a good general guide is very helpful, the final decision should be based on the factors listed here, and not which school pays most for advertising space in a guide. There is no need to pay a guide to see school information. A wealth of school information is freely available online or by request.
15. First Impressions
It is easy to be impressed by superb facilities for sports, music, art or drama, but try to focus on those, which are important for the development of your own child's wider skills and interests when choosing a school.
16. The Head Teacher
The Head Teacher, with the guidance of the Board of Governors, powers the school. Understanding the Head Teacher will help you understand the school ethos.
17. Prospectus & Websites
Independent Schools are maintained by school fees. And as with any business, it is wise to accent the strong points and draw attention away from the failings. A good consultancy will provide you with impartial advice to compliment the information you may already have from a school.
18. Impartial Professional Advice
With so many schools available, offering different services and conditions, finding the most suitable schools can be difficult. There is free impartial
advice available. Emetis school search for example can narrow down the choices based on your requirements.
Choosing the right school requires the following things:
- Understanding Preferences & Suitability
- Clarification of Personal Circumstances & Goals
- Timing, Procedure & Availability
- Independent First Hand Knowledge
- Professional & Impartial Advice
Things to remember
19. The school year starts in September, and independent schools are often full six months in advance, so it is wise to start planning at least a year in advance of entry if possible. The sooner you start looking, the more chance you have of getting a place.
20. Ages for entry into each year group are based on completed years as at 1 September. For example, a child born on 3 March 1988 will be 14 for entry in September 2002 while a child born on 3 October 1988 will be regarded as aged 13.
21. Think carefully about the best time for your child to join a school in the UK. Most preparatory (junior) schools do not normally accept pupils in the final year (at ages 10+ or 12+). Senior schools do not normally accept pupils for entry at ages 15 (Year 11) or 17 (Year 13) because these year groups are halfway through two-year examination courses. You may need to consider entry into the year group below so that your child can follow the full two-year course. It is important to be clear about your child's academic abilities so that you can look for appropriate schools.
22. Schools which are willing to consider offering your child a place will require your child to sit an entrance examination. This will test your child's knowledge and level of achievement in English and Mathematics. Older children will also be tested in Science and a foreign language. Schools will also want to interview your child and will ask
for a report from the Head of your child's current school.
23. Independent schools vary widely in size and atmosphere, and it is important to visit three or four schools to enable you to compare the options and to consider which one would best suit your child.
24. Some children thrive in a more formally structured environment. Others prefer a less formal atmosphere. Schools have different styles and it is important to choose one where your child feels comfortable and which gives him/her appropriate motivation.
25. Most independent boarding schools insist that pupils whose parents live overseas have a guardian living near the school, who can offer a home at exeats (weekends out of school) and at half-term holidays. Good guardianship is critical to your child's happiness in the UK and you will want to be sure that your child will be safe and well cared-for when not in school.
Further Information
|
