What to Look for When Choosing a Prep School

It’s amazing how quickly our children grow up. It seems that one minute they are babies, and the next they are starting school. Time never stands still, and before you know it they are about to go to prep school. The years that follow will be key as your child pursues formal qualifications. 

Parents always want the best for their children, but can find it hard selecting the right school. There may be many different ones from which to choose, and they may all offer different things. This article will help you know what to look for when deciding on a school for your child. 

General Or Specialist Education

Both you and your child need to be part of this decision. Some kids are good all-rounders. They may not excel in anything specific, or it may be too soon to know. In these cases, a school with a holistic approach could be most suitable. As the years follow, your child will then make more specific subject choices.

In some instances, a child may be talented in a specific area. That could be anything from music to science, or from sports to drama. Some schools focus on these specific areas, whilst still providing general education. They may be here or abroad. Anyone who considers international rugby schools would be wanting a British style of education in another country. Such people would be desiring academic excellence, but also an emphasis on co-curricular activities such as sports or art. 

A Quality Website And Prospectus

This may be your first line of research into the school. See how it has been rated externally and what are the pass rates with exams. Try and learn how the children do when they leave as well. 

If you know any students who attend (or their parents) ask them about the school too. 

Open Mornings

They will not just provide an insight into the school facilities. A visit will enable you to see what the teachers are like, and what kind of students are here. It can be a real opportunity to sense the atmosphere and observe the values that have been adopted. If there is a strong pastoral ethos this will show, as will any academic emphasis. The morning will also reveal whether the school is more authoritarian or community-based. 

It’s amazing how gut feelings are often right. Discuss the visit with your child and see how they found it too. 

If there is no open morning or you are unable to attend it, don’t be afraid to request an appointment with the headteacher. Ask any questions that you may have, and request a school tour.

Taster Days And Location

Your child may be able to spend a day at the school, having some sample lessons. Once again you can gain your child’s valuable feedback and assess whether the school is good for their particular skills and temperament. 

Assess the location of the school, and decide whether it is in a good or bad area. Consider whether it would be practical for school runs, or whether there is a school bus. Perhaps it is in walking distance or near a train station. It may be easiest to send your child to the same school as a sibling. This could help with uniforms, travel, and term times. 

If a long distance is involved, remember that your child will be tired from traveling when they return home. This could impact their energy for homework and their general motivation. 

The Admissions Process

There may be formal testing or specific entry requirements for the school. You may need to apply early, and there may be a waiting list. 

Also, check if there is an appeals process for parents whose children have been declined. 

Care For Special Needs

Your child may have a need for additional emotional or educational support. Perhaps they would need wheelchair ramps or a special bathroom. If this is the case, request a chat with the head of special needs. Find out if there are other children with similar issues, and how they are cared for. Great pastoral support and a quality teacher/student ratio would be ideal. 

It would also be wise to research the school’s capacity and class sizes. Check out the extra-curricular options and clubs too. 

When the right school is found for your child, they will be able to flourish. As the years go by their gifts and interests will become more apparent. They will hopefully leave school with an array of qualifications, and a clear goal for their next step.