Extra Subjects

A child may elect for extra tuition in a subject in which s/he is particularly weak or has a special interest e.g. additional foreign languages, computer studies. Schools also encourage children to develop artistic, musical and sports skills and offer tuition in a wide range of musical instruments e.g. piano, guitar, violin, flute as well as dancing and coaching in sports such as tennis, squash, swimming, horse-riding and judo.

Religion

Most schools have an affiliation to the Anglican (Church of England) or Catholic church and in most cases there is a chapel (small private church) on the school grounds where pupils are expected to attend religious services two or three times per week. Children who are practicing members of another religion (e.g. Muslims, Jews) may ask to be excused attendance at religious services, but atheists and agnostics are not exempt.

England is a secular society and regular attendance at church services does not play a major part in the lives of the majority of the population. However schools feel that church services and religious instruction lessons distill in the children broad moral values - the difference between right and wrong, consideration for the welfare of others etc.

The school chapel often offers the largest space where the whole school can meet and assemblies are often held there. These are not religious occasions, but a chance for the Head to address all pupils and staff on matters of general interest and related to the smooth administration of the school.

How early should I register my child for independent schools?

You may have heard alarming stories about the length of waiting lists, particularly at some of the most popular city day schools. There is certainly fierce competition for places in central London and it is never too early to begin looking at the options. Some schools offer regular Open Days. These can be valuable for parents with very young children as a means of gaining a few first impressions and points of comparison before registering with those which seem most suitable. However, because family circumstances may change, for example if parents move away from the area, there may be occasional vacancies arising at any time.

For schools outside the major cities and for boarding schools the pressure for places is normally less intense, but it is a good idea to register with schools at least two years before your child is due to start. If you are looking for a senior school this allows you to assess your child's progress during preparatory or primary school and consider the type of senior school which would be most suitable.

Most schools charge a non-refundable registration fee of up to £75 to discourage parents who are not seriously considering the school as an option. Schools will normally asked you to confirm your choice one way or the other between 6 and 12 months before entry.

How can I find out more about entrance exams for senior schools?

Not all independent schools are highly selective but most use some form of entrance exam. Many day schools set their own examinations, mainly in Maths, English and possibly Verbal Reasoning; others use the Common Entrance exam, which can be taken for entry at 11+, 12+ or 13+. The papers for 11+ entry are designed to be suitable for all pupils, whatever type of school they attend, but most pupils who take the exam for 12+ or 13+ entry are already attending independent schools. A child who has not been attending an independent preparatory school may need additional coaching from a private tutor. It is best to appoint a tutor well in advance of the exam rather than in the last few weeks. This will help to build a child's confidence steadily and avoid any sense of panic. For tutors in the London area you can contact Gabbitas. For tutors nationwide contact the Association of Tutors (tel.01604 624171). You can also ask the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB), which sets the Common Entrance exams, for past papers (tel. 01425 621111).

Is corporal punishment still used in schools?

Corporal punishment is now illegal in all schools.

Does involvement with drugs mean that my son will have to leave his independent school?

Not necessarily. Proven involvement with drugs does sometimes result in expulsion, but schools are more likely these days to take a view on the level of involvement before asking a child to leave. It is important to determine what the drugs policy is beforehand. Schools are likely to expel immediately if a child is caught selling drugs on the premises, but may take a softer line for first offences at lower levels of involvement. Some schools go as far as random drug testing, which, of course, requires parental consent.

My daughter is going to boarding school in the UK next year. We have been told that she will need a guardian. Can you tell us anything about this?

If you live overseas and have a child at boarding school in the UK, the school will expect your child to have guardian - someone who will take responsibility for her while she is in the UK and provide a home for her during weekends out of school and half-terms.

The importance of good guardianship arrangements cannot be underestimated. You will want to know that your daughter is safe, happy and well-cared for at all times and that she has the support she needs when not in school to help her to enjoy a happy and successful stay in the UK. A good guardian family will provide a home-from-home for her, take a genuine interest in her progress and welfare and look after her just as you would at home. In addition, you may need help with arrangements for travel and visas, for the purchase of school uniform and the many practicalities associated with sending a child to a school overseas.

You may have friends or relatives in the UK, but this is not always satisfactory. Schools may sometimes be able to make arrangements for you. Alternatively there are professional guardianship organisations such as Gabbitas which can ensure that all your daughter's needs are taken care of and give you peace of mind. Gabbitas is one of a small number of organisations accredited by AEGIS (The Association of Educational Guardians for International Students), which demands rigorous standards of care. For information about guardianship with Gabbitas click here or contact Jill Shilcock on +44 (0)20 7734 0161.

What is flexi-boarding?

This basically means that a school accepts "part-time" boarders. Most boarding schools offer parents much more flexible arrangements these days to fit in with modern family life. Weekly boarding is widely available, and is becoming more popular with city-based parents, particularly in areas where day places may be in short supply. Flexi-boarding allows pupils to board for part of the week and to attend as a day pupil for the remainder of the week, or to board on an occasional basis.

Is games compulsory?

Sport is an important feature for many schools, who can offer superb facilities and often achieve exceptionally high standards. Many schools do insist on participation in traditional team sports, but approaches vary. It is a good idea to find out how much importance a school attaches to this aspect of the curriculum. Often, physical education is not compulsory for sixth-formers. While traditional sports are important to most schools, more are recognising that team sports do not suit everyone and now offer alternative options, especially for older students, such as squash, sailing or golf.
My son is in the sixth-form. He has had careers advice but still has no idea what he wants to do. What do you recommend?

Many senior schools have well-resourced departments with knowledgeable staff and opportunities for relevant work experience at appropriate stages. However, if your son is uncertain about the next stage you should encourage him to seek further guidance. There is a great deal of concern at present over the number of students who are unhappy with their choice of university or degree courses. If your son is planning to go on to university he should be clear about his aims and ensure that he chooses appropriate courses. If you would like a second opinion, or a fresh look at suitable career and higher education options, contact Gabbitas.
Do independent schools still teach on Saturdays?

This is much less common now, but a lot of schools, both boarding and day, organise games or compulsory matches on Saturdays.