The school calendar is marked by so many different ‘seasons’ – and whilst your child is still young within the Prep School I know that many of you are already exploring the options for the next chapter beyond.  

I know that you will be seeing schools at their very best and it is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of Open Days, where you will hear all that you want to hear.  As best as you can though look at schools through the lens of your child. What are specific needs that your child has so that he will continue to learn, grow and flourish?

No school is ever perfect but it is the overall picture that is so important.  Do enjoy the Open Days but try to find the time to have a private tour so that you can see aspects of the school that really matter to your family and your child.  Private tours also give you a better opportunity to ask the really important questions that you might not have wanted to ask in public.

I am always interested in speaking to pupils who have been to the school or currently there, as well as to other parents.  It is interesting to ask them as to whether they feel that the values of the school are evident to them!  And, do they feel well cared for?  A potential question to ask them would be “if you were the Head for a week, what changes would you make to your school”? Also, do remember to ask the Head of your current prep school for guidance. They so often have unique insights.

Below are some question that I hope will guide you as you get to know schools beyond the ‘facade’:  

• What does the school say about itself? What values does this school promote, and do these values resonate with you and your family?What does the school motto stand for?
• What is the atmosphere like? – do the current pupils look relaxed, happy and engaged? Have you witnessed respectful manners?
• Would your child be well cared for here?
• What kind of pupil does best at this school?
• Does this school embrace the interests that your child has?
• Do you see your child making good friends here?
• What is the interaction like between the teachers and  pupils?
• How much parental involvement in the school is presumed?  Does this suit you?
• How do the facilities look to you?
• What extra mural actives are on offer?
• What kind of progress do students make? Is there a good support system in place should it be needed?
• Is there a sense of community? And, what about pastoral care?
• How are the classrooms laid out? Do they appear encouraging for learning? What is the approach taken to teaching?
• What is the focus of the school? Results or the individual?
• How does this school approach discipline?  
• If the school has a strong House system, consider each House too and their differences?

BOARDING FACILITIES:

• Do you like the layout of the dormitories?
• Where do the pupils study and learn?  
• What happens at weekends?  How many pupils remain at school and for those who are there, what activities and structures are put into place for them?
• Is the school food nourishing? 
• What happens if your child is very homesick?  How does the school deal with this?
• When the boarders are chilling, where can they congregate and happily relax?  Does this feel like a good space to be in?

Take this journey bit by bit and may you enjoy exploring.  May this also be a time when your child starts become aware what fires him or her up, and also to reflect on what is important to you as a family.  I hope that this becomes and enriching and valuable journey.