Choosing the right school

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. To have the best chance of getting your child into the primary or secondary school of your choice, you must apply well in advance.

Start by looking for schools in your area. If you are new to the area click here to find all the schools near your home by typing in your postcode You can also contact your local authority and ask for a list of schools in your area. One of the best ways to assess a school is by visiting it in person. This way, you will gain first-hand knowledge of where your child will be spending their day. Many schools hold open days and evenings, where you can meet the staff and view children's work. You can also make an appointment to visit the school and ask to speak to the headteacher.

Options to consider

Which school does your child prefer? - Find out what matters to them. You might not agree, but it's important to talk about where they would like to go.

Does your child have specific interests? - If they are keen on sport or a specific subject (such as maths, languages, art or music) you may want to consider how the school can help to develop their interests.

What extended services does the school offer? - An increasing number of schools are offering services outside normal school hours, such as breakfast clubs or after-school activities.

Does your child need special attention? - If your child is very bright, shows particular patterns of behaviour or has special needs, it's important to find a school that will be able to give them the necessary support.

Once you know which schools are near you, get as much information as you can about them and draw up a shortlist. This will give you a better idea of which schools might suit your child most. For example, you might like to:

. visit the schools.

. read the schools' most recent

. read the local authority's and schools' prospectuses.