The UK independent school (also known as private school) system is one of if not the most prestigious education system in the world with some of the most recognisable institutions that the world has to offer such as Eton College, Harrow and St Pauls. It can also be a bit confusing with all of the different options available. This leaves parents with a lot to consider. I’ve compiled a list of some of the factors you may find useful to consider when making the decision where to send your child.
1. Planning aheadÂ
There are so many options and many things to consider, give yourself enough time to do research and prepare for any kind of admission process. A lot of Pre Prep places are available from the age of three so it pays to be aware (not obsessed and anxious but aware!) Make sure you know when the school registration deadlines are.
2. Culture and direction of the school
School is not just a vehicle to collect grades and skills. The culture of school will influence
how your children view themselves and the world around them. Different schools put different emphasis on different areas, do these line up with your family values? What is the head’s vision for the school at what stage of execution have they currently arrived at? How long into their tenure are they, and if they are coming to the end of their time leading the school, what is the vision of their replacement? Your child will be directly affected by this so it’s important you’re at least aware of this. Is the school an education hothouse or is there emphasis put on pastoral care A very important time of development will take place during these formative years, they will be directly impacted by the time spent here; further develop their social skills, probably form lasting relationships, you want this to be a healthy and happy time for your child one that prepares them well for the next phase of life.
3. Single sex or co edÂ
Single sex schools are either boys only or girls only, Co-educational schools admit both boys and girls some may be single sex up to year 11 and then be Coeducational for the sixth form. There are pros and cons to both, where you decide to send your child will be down to the factors that are important to you.
4. Boarding or day school
In boarding schools, Students live at the school for all or part of the week. whereas in a day school Students live with their Parents or guardians and travel to school each day and then back home.
If you decide to go with a day school this will mean you need to be based within a reasonable distance for the student to be able to commute to school whereas in a boarding school the student lives there, parents don’t have to be in close proximity to the school they can even be in another country.
5. Location
The student’s commute is going to be one that they will have to make for years, bear this in mind when you are selecting a school, what are the transport links like? There are schools based in the countryside and schools based in cities and towns, which of these very different atmospheres will suit your child the best?
6. Curriculum and Academic level
Does your child fit the academic profile of the school? Ideally a student will need to be challenged throughout their time at school, this is not the same as being overwhelmed, so it’s very important that you consider honestly if your child’s academic profile fits the school, will they thrive in this environment?
7. Extracurricular activitiesÂ
What are the areas the school focuses on? Is this related to a talent or interest that your child already has or wants to develop? Will this be nurtured along with their studies? Are there opportunities for school trips? If so, what is the frequency? some trips that sound very good on paper may only be available in later years
8. SEN
If special education needs provision is required do the independent schools you are considering have this and if so to what extent? This may mean having a conversation with the school about your child’s particular needs.
9. Availability of scholarships and BursariesÂ
Many if not all private schools will have some sort of scholarship and or bursary scheme. A Scholarship is money given by the school (or sometimes other organisations) to pay for school fees. Scholarships are mainly awarded at private schools on the basis of academic, sporting or musical potential and can have a separate application process with separate deadlines.Â
Their value can be different depending on the institution; some may offer a maximum of 50% others will offer full scholarships for a different duration of study, providing acceptable academic, sporting or musical progress.
Some independent schools may also offer a Bursary; which is an amount of money given by the school for a student to study, the difference here from a scholarship is that they may often be means tested, for example you could be eligible for a bursary if your household income falls beneath a certain threshold.Â
10. Learning Provision during unconventional times
The global pandemic has forced us all to take another look at how we educate children, and in the event of another crisis is the school best placed to be able to continue providing a high standard of teaching? This could include things such as online learning provision.
How Can Sam Tutoring Help?
These are just a selection of considerations for parents to think about as they embark on selecting the right independent school for their child. If you have any more questions or would like any support on understanding the independent school system you can use the Sam Tutoring consultancy service, we also have a dedicated tutoring service that can help students understand and get prepared for any entrance examinations to gain acceptance to any of these schools. Get in touch today and see how we can help you today.
Email info@samtutoring.london, to book a consultation or visit www.samtutoring.london to see how we can help your child succeed. Read more tips by Sam tutoring here.
