Thinking about Secondary Schools

Posted by Shaun Drury on Friday 07th of March 2008 in School News

Well, the summer holidays are almost upon us and for some of you they might already have started. So, if your child is going into Year 5 in September, it’s time for you, the parent, to do your homework! If you haven’t already thought about secondary schools then now is the time to start.

Many of the parents that I speak to in my centre are worried about how to choose a secondary school. Where and how do you start? So here are a few tips to get you going.

1. Check out your local schools. Do a bit of research by looking at the OFSTED reports and exam results. This will give you an overview of your local schools. Look at the schools own websites too. These can show you what extra-curricular activities there are. Talk to other parents whose children go there. Are they happy? Don’t just judge the school on the exam results, it may have a new Head Teacher and be improving. Also, don’t judge the school on reputation alone. Schools are changing all the time and the local perception may be out of date. There is no substitute for going with your child to see schools so go along to Open Days starting from September. The school might have fantastic exam results but is it right for your child? If you start the process in Year 5, it’ll be much easier.

2. You need to be realistic. There is no point listing all the schools you like on your form if none of them are close to where you live. Unfortunately, the better the school, the smaller the catchment area.

3. Look at which subjects each school specialises in. You’ll soon discover that nearly all comprehensives specialise in sports or music or languages etc. What does your child excel in? Do they enjoy sports or computing? Does a school that perhaps isn’t your most local offer places to talented students for music or drama?

4. Are you thinking about entering your child for the 11 Plus exam? Your child will need to study for the exam as it’s above the level of work that he will do at school. The most successful students study for at least a year so begin the work now! Why not book an assessment or a course.

5. Do you have the option of sending your child to a religious secondary school? If so and you’re considering the 11 Plus then talk to the school. Some religious schools may not offer your child a place if you have applied to grammar schools. Forewarned is forearmed!

6. Have you considered Independent Schools? You may wish your child to sit these exams and he will need to study for them. Is there a Bursary that you could apply for to reduce the fees? Again, these may be available if your child has a particular talent.

OK! So there is your summer holiday homework and it seems pretty daunting doesn’t it? Don’t procrastinate – start now!

Wise words from Christine Webb -who runs our Waterfront centre in South London.