Four things not to do when choosing a secondary school

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It is easy to be overwhelmed with well-intentioned advice from lots of different people. This can make reaching a decision more challenging.  Take on board what others have said but always consider what is right for your child.

Here are four pitfalls to avoid when making this important decision:

1. Projecting a parent’s experiences onto the child – it’s inevitable that parents will reflect on their own time at school when plotting a path for the next generation.  But it is important to consider the needs of the child and what it is that they will need to flourish as an individual.  Schools have changed considerably in recent years, so it’s important to approach this journey with as few preconceptions as possible

• Following the herd – some friends – particularly those who sound confident and knowledgeable – tend to influence our decisions.  While it is good to hear other views, each child is different.  As a parent or carer, you have a better idea than your friends about what’s right for your child

1. Relying on hearsay – perhaps you’ve heard concerning things about a local school or seen people make complaints on social media.  Often these reflect a minority – or even an individual opinion.  There really is no substitute for visiting the school yourself and speaking to current parents

• Suffering in silence – while it’s unintentional, secondary schools occasionally speak in jargon and use lots of acronyms.  It’s easy to assume that everyone else knows what the school is talking about and to leave open events with a sense of confusion.  If you don’t know what “SLT” or “SEND” stand for, or can’t remember what “enrichment” is, make sure you ask 

Choosing a place for your child is a crucial decision.  Only you can make it.  Research is important and discussing the matter with friends can be a great help.  But ultimately you are best placed to identify the environment that your child will flourish in over the next phase of their school career.  Remember to trust your instincts.

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