CHOOSING & APPLYING


At this point, it may be worth suggesting that parents compile a spreadsheet of schools available to them and the information that can be gathered before visiting, including the facilities, the curriculum taught throughout the school, details of exam performance, the latest inspection rating, the pupil-to-teacher ratio, and the numbers, types and costs of extracurricular classes.


Families will then be able very quickly to eliminate schools from the long list of those available to them and start to create a shortlist of those that appear to meet their child’s needs.


VISIT THE SCHOOLS


No matter how much information parents gather about their shortlisted schools, there is no substitute for visiting a school in person. “The best way to find out what a school is really like is


to arrange a visit,” says Gemma Gray, marketing manager of Fettes College. “That way, you will be able to gain a real sense of the pupils and staff, the facilities and the ethos, and get answers to all the questions you will have. On these visits, you will normally meet the headmaster and a housemaster or housemistress, and be given a tour by a current pupil.” Catherine Stoker, of The Independent Education


Consultants, agrees. She suggests that, in order not to become overwhelmed by numerous school visits, parents should attempt to streamline the process as best they can. “Make a shortlist of no more than four schools to visit,” she advises, “and take along a list of things you need to ask while you are there.” The main points for parents to consider on a school


visit are:


• Do they feel welcome as they enter the school? • Are the staff friendly and confident? • Are pupils involved in the school tour? Are the children friendly, polite and confident?


• Are the school resources well treated and respected? • How long has the headteacher been in post? This provides evidence of stable leadership


• Can parents visit during break or at lunchtime to see how the pupils interact? Do children have a good relationship with staff?


• Are the administrative staff friendly and helpful? They are the people with whom parents will be communicating on a daily basis


• How does the school communicate with parents? Does it produce regular newsletters? Can parents see copies?


• What are the displays on the walls like? Are there photos of children engaging in lively, interesting activities, such as field trips and community involvement?


• Will the child have an orientation visit or be given a buddy to help him or her settle in?


• What extracurricular activities are available, and how many of them are free?


• How much scope is there for involvement in a parents’ organisation? Does the school offer programmes and support for accompanying partners?


• Ask if the school provides options for prospective parents to talk to current families. This enables parents to ask candid questions about the school environment, as well as offering a potential network of essential support after the move


On the final point, Catherine Stoker sounds a note of caution and advises parents to remain objective. “Discuss the pros and cons of each school after your visits,” she says. “There may be a couple of front-runners that you feel need a second visit. Remember, gut feeling is usually the right one. Stick to your decision, and don’t allow school-gate and dinner-party banter to confuse or change your mind later.”


TRANSPORT One crucial consideration that parents may forget


to put on their list of priorities is transport from home to school. Can the school be reached on foot? If not, they will need to consider whether transporting children by car will become tiresome and costly after a period of time. Some fee-paying schools provide special bus services, and some counties in England provide free buses serving state schools, but these will be dependent on where the family chooses to live.


After going through all the selection criteria, families


should remember that a happy child is likely to be the key to a successful relocation. Although a school may seem to tick all the boxes, it is important to make the right choice for the individual child.


“Not all children have the same needs and abilities,” says Catherine Stoker. “Some flourish best in a more competitive environment. Others do better in a smaller, more homely setting where the emphasis is more on nurturing creative and communication skills than aiming for Oxbridge. There is no one ‘best’ school that suits all children equally.”


Keep Informed | relocateglobal.com |


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