What to consider when selecting a secondary school

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Choosing a secondary school can be an exciting adventure.  However, 60% of parents and carers confess to finding the whole process stressful. 

Parents are acutely aware that their child will spend every term-time day of the next seven years at the school they select.  So they are determined to get the decision right. 

Based on our experience of talking to parents and young people over many years, here are five things that parents and carers said they considered/did when selecting their chosen school:

• Attend tours and open events – you can gain a good feel for a school from the website and prospectus, but there’s no substitute for visiting in person.  Every child is different and until parents see the school “in action” it’s difficult to really get a sense for whether it’s the best place

1. Take your child to visit the school – when they witness their child’s reaction to the new environment, parents and carers can better gauge whether it’s a good fit

•  Ask questions – this is your opportunity to find out as much as you can.  Nothing should put you off asking questions. Consider the whole school picture. This could include questions about extra-curricular activities, opportunities to work outside of the classroom, as well as specific questions around how the school will meet the needs of your child

1. Try and speak to parents of children already at the school – It can be good to see what parents say on local social media groups – but be wary of being unduly influenced by a parent who is very concerned about a particular issue that may not be so important to you and your child
2. Take a long-term approach – parents and carers are best placed to think about how their child’s needs are likely to change over the next few years.  Think through how their needs and personalities may evolve as they progress through their adolescence and how the school might be able to meet them

Although the choice of secondary is a big and sometimes daunting decision, it’s vital that parents and carers remember that they are the best possible people to make it.  While advice and guidance can serve as useful tools, there is nothing more important than trusting your instincts.

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