Choosing a school for your child can be a difficult decision, and can often be depending on where you live.
You might not really have the choices that you think you have. If you do have a first choice for your child, it would be a good idea to check out the school’s admissions policy.
Distance can play a big part, also if you’re applying for a Year 7 place the position you place on your application form can play a huge part. If you choose a small High School as your number 2 or 3 place they your child probably won’t get a place there anyway – it’s almost a wasted vote!
You might live outside of the catchment area for your favourite school, beware that catchment areas can change, so don’t rely on playground gossip for your information find out the facts.
Ofsted reports are a source of guidance for parents in choosing the correct place for their children, but don’t always show the full picture. Use Ofsted reports, but also get information from parents and children who have recently attended the school of your choice.
Beware of listening to your child’s opinion that they want a certain school because their friends are going there, this might not turn out to be true. Also think of your own childhood friends, they’re more likely to have come from your High School than your Primary School.
Plan ahead. If you’re thinking about High Schools, you should start your research when your own child is in Year 3 or 4 (at the latest). For most people there is some research to be done.
