A good school is one that delivers a lot more than exam results. An uncontroversial statement. So why is it that the first answer a parent gives to the question “what makes a good school?” is invariably “exam results”? To be fair, they may also mention good teaching, good facilities, a good head teacher and […]
Type of school
The type of school; characteristics such as its size, whether it is mixed or single sex, faith or not, day or boarding, independent or state, academy or maintained, selective or mixed ability, all though or primary or secondary.
Does the type of school determine the quality of your child's education or just the nature of their experience?
Prep school fees and value for money
Prep school fee increases show no sign of slowing, but now parents can find the ones that offer best value for money. One of the difficulties parents had with choosing a prep school was that there was no data to compare them. Senior schools, for instance, can be compared by exam results, however limited that […]
All-through schools; pros and cons v standalone schools
There are many good reasons for choosing all-through schools. That they provide continuous education from ages 2 to 18 shouldn’t be one of them. All-through schools are schools that are both junior and senior schools. They offer a continuous schooling experience typically from age 4 or 7 to age 16 or 18. Some offer schooling […]
Moving between state and independent schools
The number of pupils moving between state and independent schools is increasing. It seems that more and more people are talking about moving between state and independent schools. If you’re considering switching from a prep school to a state secondary (grammar) or a state primary to a independent secondary you’re not alone. The topic is […]
Independent school, maintained school or academy?
Should a school’s legal status influence the school you choose for your child? Are you considering switching? This article summarises the practical differences between an independent school, maintained school and an academy. Maintained school A maintained school is maintained by a local education authority (LEA); typically the council. It is the most common educational provision […]
When a successful school becomes too successful
A successful school becomes a popular school. And that can lead to its downfall. Here’s five things to look out for. Like most parents, when you chose your child’s school there were a few things about it that you particularly liked. It could have been the staff, the facilities, the academic results, the interesting outdoor […]
Don’t choose a selective school on academic results alone
Considering a selective school for your 11-year-old child? 100 places on a league table may equate to only one grade at A Level. Is it worth the gamble with your child’s future confidence and self-esteem? In this article I’m going to look at the significance of league table positions for academically selective schools. In addition, […]
A short history of education in England
While writing the Broad Curriculum set of articles I became pre-occupied by two questions. The first was “What is the point of education?” which I address here. If we know what the point of education is everything else should fall into place; the curriculum, the structures, the sponsorship, and so on. But it seems we […]
Are boarding schools too expensive?
Boarding schools are too expensive for most. But, for those who can afford it, £130 a day might seem good value for full board, 24hr care, loads of activities, and…teaching. Most discussions about boarding schools tend to develop in one of two ways. The first centres on cost and accessibility. The second centres on the […]
Should I send my child to boarding school?
Boarding school won’t suit everyone. But you don’t always have to board to enjoy the benefits. You’re still reading because, however uncomfortably you’re swallowing the prospect of the expense, you’re swallowing it nonetheless. This post will touch on some of the softer considerations for boarding. Should I send my child to a boarding school? What […]
How much religion is there in faith schools?
Over 30% of UK schools are faith schools but only 4% are truly secular. So how much religion will your child get at school? There are more schools with religious character (faith schools) in the UK than most people realise. 95% of state schools in Northern Ireland, 34% in England, 15% in Scotland, 14% in […]
Do church schools provide a better education?
Church schools are smaller and more selective than secular schools. Discipline, pastoral care and staff ratios are no different. We all know people who suddenly find faith when the time comes to send their children to school. Believing that church schools are better than secular, otherwise non practising folk start going to church on a […]
Should I choose a mixed or single sex school?
It’s an old chestnut; which should you choose? A single sex or a mixed school? You read it in the papers, you hear it on TV. Usually around the time that A Level and GCSE results are released. One sex performs better than the other, one type of school performs better, and so on. Cue […]
Single sex school or mixed school; pros and cons
A summary of arguments for and against choosing a single sex or mixed school. Having read “Should I choose a mixed or single sex school?” you’re reading this article because you still think you have a choice. In which case, here are the main arguments made for or against mixed or single sex schools. They […]
After the fees come the school fee extras
You’ve paid the fees but the school fee extras can be significant. Don’t forget to budget for them. For those of you thinking of independent schooling, you’ve probably already made a note of sacrifices (let’s call them “lifestyle changes”) you’ll be making to pay the fees. And if you haven’t, you should know that the […]