Choosing the right Senior School for your child

We know that choosing the right senior school for your child isn’t just about the facts, it is a very emotional decision, especially that all-important transition from primary to secondary. How is it that your little one is suddenly off to Senior School?! There are so many factors that you need to consider, which can make it feel quite overwhelming. 

To help you, here are some questions that you might want to ask at your next Senior school visit: 

Subjects

  • Do they offer a broad range, including languages, humanities and the arts alongside core subjects?
  • How many of the subjects can you study at GCSE and A Level?
  • Do they offer specialist awards such as the EPQ?
  • Or are they offering more vocational qualifications such as BTECs, which better suits some children?

Teaching and LearningA smiling blonde teacher looks at her Sixth Form student with encouragement while the student smiles back

  • Are they long serving, specialists in their field, or do they rely on non specialists and cover?
  • What about class sizes?
  • How do they stretch and challenge brighter children?
  • How is the school approaching the demands of the digital age, using tools such as AI and smart devices? 

Enrichment Activities

  • What extra opportunities are offered, such as sport, music, drama and volunteering?
  • What trips do they offer trips outside of the classroom to enhance learning?  
  • And are trips open to all, or is it via a ballot?

Culture and Community

  • Is the school rigid with rules or is it more flexible?
  • How much independence and personal responsibility do they give students?
  • What about policies around mobile phones, behaviour and uniform standards?
  • Do they allow students to go to the toilet when they need? (this can have a negative impact on girls especially).
  • And how often, and for what reasons, are sanctions and merits given out?

This will give you an idea of how well boundaries are put in place. 

Homework

  • Does the school suddenly pile it on in Year 7, or allow for a period of bedding in?
  • When they do supply it, is it purposeful, clear and accessible or is it homework for homework’s sake?

Pastoral Care

  • What is in place to support and protect your child’s wellbeing?
  • How is culture and community built?
  • What specialist support is in place for children with additional learning needs? 

Managing the Transition

  • How do they facilitate the transition from Year 6? 
  • Who are the dedicated Year 7 teachers?
  • How do they get to know students and parents before school starts, eg primary school visits and welcome events?
  • Does the school appear to understand the differences in Year 7 boys and girls, and make appropriate concessions? 

See it for Yourself

You will also be able to tell a lot about a school by visiting during the school day, so try and book a tour during term time. Purely attending an Open Evening will only ever give you one version of the school. Experiencing it during the day when the students and teachers are in their usual environment will give you a better understanding of the culture. And if the school offers it, ask if your child can spend a day there – they will soon know if it’s the right environment for them, and it may give you the opportunity to speak to other parents too. 

“Choosing a school is one of the hardest decisions a parent faces, it’s not just about results or facilities. It’s about finding a community where your child will thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Asking the right questions will help you look beyond the prospectus and better understand the culture and ethos that will shape your child’s experience.”

Lindsay Wharton-Howett, Deputy Head – Pastoral

 

 

You can also read our guidance around choosing the right Sixth Form here.