Tips for choosing the right school for your children

1. Research, Research, Research! Ask a number of people for their knowledge about the schools that you are considering or ask them which school they think is the best. Most people have basic knowledge about the quality and reputation of the schools around them. If you are moving to a new town, the local real estate agent is a good place to start.

2. Don’t take one opinion as ‘gospel’ even the best schools have possibly one person who has a gripe against them. Ask numerous people so you can get a more accurate snapshot.

3. What are the Principal and staff like? Try to assess what is valued at this school. Ask about their Vision and Mission statements.

4. Find out how the school manages their student welfare (Catholic and Private schools will usually call this pastoral care). Is ‘care for the individual’ central to the schools operation and carried out in a measurable and pro-active manner, or is it an ad hoc ‘add-on’.

5. How good is the school academically? Ask about any data that is available about basic skills testing (usually primary school) and senior results.

6. If your child is technically minded or gifted in practical subjects, will their interests and aptitude in this area be catered for in their technical or vocational program

7. How broad is the curriculum? In Primary school what types of languages are taught is there a dedicated physical education or music teacher. In Secondary, what elective subjects on offer? Is  there a broad enough range that caters for your child’s interest.

8. How is the curriculum varied to catered for students with special needs or gifted and talented students.

9. What extra curricula activities are on offer? Is there a good sport program? Do they offer music tuition? Are there other programs on offer such as Duke of Edinburgh, community service opportunities, cultural and artistic endeavours.

10. Speak to some students if you can. Believe it or not, students will generally give a fair assessment of their school. How are they presented? Do they have pride in their uniform and the school in general.

11. Ask for the schools Annual Report. Every school is required to publish an annual report for the previous year and is bound to have it available to the public.

12. Once you have down the research, trust in your judgment and be supportive of your child and the school.