Although big well-known names may bring confidence in some sort of quality standard, there is no single school which is right for every pupil. However, there are certain attributes which all good schools share and it is on these that parents should begin to base their choice.
First and foremost, must be the quality of teaching and coaching available for every aspect of school life, whether that is academic, creative, pastoral or social. Well-qualified, highly motivated and caring teachers are key to a good education. Ideally a school should have a balance of ages and stages in their teachers ranging from the young and enthusiastic, to wise, experienced veterans.
A good school should also provide a wide range of opportunities which are open to all. Genuine access is vital to children's development. Does everyone who wants to get to play in a match. Do the B and C teams receive decent coaching? Is the orchestra only open to those with Grade 8? Do plays and productions involve a wide range of pupils in a wide range of activities, both on and behind stage?
Make sure to visit a variety of schools. Open Mornings provide the opportunity to look around but many run special timetables or programmes and this might not provide an accurate view of daily experience of the school. At Leweston we hold one Open Morning a year when the school can be viewed on a normal teaching day but we encourage families to join us for personal tours which can be tailored to their requirements and are therefore more meaningful.
When you visit ask questions about the ethos of the school. In a good school, it will be articulated clearly by the Head and followed by the staff and pupils. A good independent school will, like Leweston, be ambitious for its pupils to achieve their ‘personal best’ whatever that is. A school should value your child for who they are and will make the most of them irrespective of their strengths or weaknesses. They will not solely concentrate on their existing talents but will endeavour to introduce them to other areas.
Ultimately, school is not an end in itself but a springboard into a young person’s future. Schools must deliver academically as grades are key to opening the next door. However, good independent schools also develop the individual and, in particular, those skills, qualities and values which will bring success and happiness in later life.
So, which is the best school for your child? At the end of the day, your decision will probably be based on gut feel, and that isn't a bad thing. Good schools have an buzz, a dynamism and a positive attitude which comes from pupils achieving to the best of their ability and feeling happy and confident. Don’t be swayed by popular opinion or other people’s decisions, trust your own research and instincts. It is unlikely that these combined will be wrong.