Parenting 

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Choosing a secondary school

Securing a place at your preferred secondary school may feel like walking through a minefield, but there are steps you can take to make the process easier

The main priority when drawing up a shortlist of secondary schools has to be whether or not it is the school best suited to your child. Your first choice could be top-ranking in academia or sports results, but if it doesn't feel right for your own son or daughter, then you had probably better broaden your options.

The importance of visits
Now more than ever, your child's opinion of a school should count alongside all other considerations, and this is why it's vital to arrange at least one visit, and preferably two, to each of your shortlisted options before you start filling in forms.

The usual route is to attend the open evenings first of all. Then, if you and your child leave with a favourable impression, arrange for a personal visit where you can ask all the questions you want to. This will enable you to formulate an impression of the headteacher and staff. Do they, for instance, appear to be forward thinking and bright, or do they appear to be lacking in inspiration?

Getting a feel for things
The leap from primary to secondary education is a big one for any child, and much will be expected of the pupils in terms of responsibility and self-motivation. Try not to be put off, or to allow your child to be turned off, by the presentation of a strict regime. The majority of children adapt to new rules and routines quickly and without trauma, especially as every other new joiner will be in the same boat.

It's a good idea to try to speak to older pupils and obtain their views on school life. Often tours will be conducted by children from the upper school, who should be confident ambassadors for the school and willing to share information.

What to consider
Some things you may want to consider before settling on a final checklist include:

• the length, feasibility and complexity of any journey to and from school
• class sizes and number of pupils overall
• attitudes towards bullying and other disciplinary measures
• each school's 'value added' rating (how well a school brings on disadvantaged children and those with special needs)
• the cost, time and potential stress involved in hiring a private tutor for exam coaching if the school is selective (one-to-one tutoring can cost as much as £35 per hour in central London and £15-£25 elsewhere)
• how broad a range of clubs is offered that fit in with your child's special interests (sports, music, drama etc)
• how much parental involvement the school welcomes

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