Private or not? How to choose the best school for your children

When it comes to giving your child the best start in life, choosing the best school to suit their individual strengths, needs and aspirations is paramount.

We consulted with head teachers from three of the South’s finest schools to get their insight and guidance on navigating the way forward for top class decisions.

James Passam, Farlington School

James Passam is Headmaster of Farlington School, in Horsham, West Sussex. Farlington is a thriving co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged four to 18, with a 125-year history as a former girls’ school.

“Finding a school that gives your child a voice that will be heard is one of the most important considerations for parents,” says James, who acknowledges that there is a wide range of high-quality education available across both independent and state-run schools, but in all cases, finding the right environment for your child’s schooling is a priority.

“It’s essential to find the school that suits your child, to help them build confidence, engage fully, make progress with their learning, and develop social skills that will serve them well in adulthood,” he says.

“It’s a big commitment, so make time to visit the schools that interest you and your child. Open days will give you an overall picture, but student taster days are also invaluable as your child will be able to visualise being there as a pupil.

“It’s so vital to recognise an individual child’s interests and ambitions – at Farlington we have a holistic approach, which delivers an all-round education that benefits every child,” continues James. “We give children a voice, through our Student Council and various committees, to choose what goes on in the school.

“Our model allows greater freedom, and that’s the advantage of independent schools – we are fortunate to have the resources to prioritise time and staff, provide small class sizes, offer more facilities for co-curricular interests, and support students in gaining life skills.

“Children want to be listened to, and the independent system enables teachers and pastoral staff to value and hear each voice. It makes a real difference. This personalised approach helps pupils achieve their best, and reach their potential.”

Amber Waite, St Albans High School for Girls

Amber Waite, Head at St Albans High School for Girls, advises parents to consider the whole education landscape to see what is available and then shortlist the schools that are a good match for their child.

“There’s some outstanding free education available in this country,” she says. “Independent is not necessarily better, although there are many advantages – the academic and co-curricular offering of an independent school may better serve your children’s interests.

“Our school not only has the flexibility to offer smaller classes for pupils to study specific subjects, but we also provide vast co-curricular opportunities in music, drama, sport, leadership, charity and academics all led by specialist staff.

“Because we are independent in the truest sense of the word, we have the freedom to design and deliver our own relevant and dynamic academic curriculum. Rather than adhering to the national curriculum, we are able to go well beyond.

“Having a lower ratio of pupils for each teacher carries the advantage that each child becomes known and their needs are given more attention. They are nurtured and respected as individuals, and are therefore unlikely to fade into the background.

Amber also emphasises the need for parents to consider family priorities when choosing a school.

“Look at what’s achievable and important to your own family,” she tells parents. “If you want your child to come home for dinner with the family every day, for example, a day school that ends at 4pm and is relatively close to home is better than choosing a school with long hours and a long commute.

“Be realistic about what you, as a family, can manage financially and logistically – the school must suit not only your child, but also meet family arrangements over a period of several years.”

Amber sums up: “What is most important is to match the school to the individual child – visit a range of possible schools, listen to your child’s opinion and choose a school where he or she feels safe and happy.

“Free or independent – opt for the one that will give your child the best all-round education for them to thrive.”

Peter Goodyer, Bede’s

Peter Goodyer is CEO and Headmaster of Bede’s, an independent senior school in East Sussex, offering day or boarding places for pupils between the ages of 13-18.

He advises: “Parents of prospective pupils should get a feel of the school, it’s about the atmosphere. It’s important to visit the schools you’re interested in and think will be a good match for your child.

“A school’s website is a good starting point, but by meeting the staff and looking around the school, you will really get a better perspective. Have conversations with staff, find the passion of the teachers – look at the school’s vision and values.”

Peter says: “Ultimately, it’s all about the joy of learning and enabling your child to find his or her enthusiasm for what they’re doing, it’s not so much about seeking the end goal.

“We ask parents to not only look at the exam results, which are very high at Bede’s, but to consider the opportunities we will give their children and the care and support they will receive.

“At Bede’s, we encourage every pupil to discover their own unique passions, we help them seek new horizons and achieve their potential. We provide an all-round education experience. What goes on inside and outside the classroom works hand in hand, giving our pupils more self-esteem and confidence and enabling them to develop their own talents.

“Arrange a personal visit to the schools you are considering outside of the arranged open days. Take time to look at the factors which will make life easier for you as a family, for example understand the bus route logistics and how those are run and understand how the weekly schedule will dovetail with family life and routine – ensuring less things to worry about.

“These steps are so important to enable you to decide on the right school for your child.”

Peter adds: “Really take time to consider what is right for your child and what will help them aspire to be the best they can be.”

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