Choosing a Prep School
Some questions parents should consider when choosing a preparatory school
The list is by no means exhaustive but covers the matters we at Gabbitas consider the most important, based on our years of experience in helping parents make the best choice for their children. In 2011, our modern lifestyles are likely to influence the type of question parents will need to ask themselves, and the schools they are looking at.
- Boys only/girls only/co-educational - which would suit my child best?
- Day/boarding/flexible boarding - which will suit my child and our family circumstances best?
- What is the school's academic policy? How closely does it follow the National Curriculum? Does it prepare pupils for only a limited range of senior schools?
- Does the school group children by ability?
- What are the school's examination results over several years?
- Have any recent students won scholarships to their chosen senior school?
- What special needs provision is available within the school? Does my child have special talents to be nurtured or specific needs to be addressed? Does the school have specialist teachers?
- What is the school's discipline policy? How are parents informed of and involved in disciplinary matters? Is there a specific policy on bullying?
- When was the school last inspected?
- What is the boarding accommodation like? What arrangements are made if a child becomes ill?
- How does the school provide pastoral care and how is its provision monitored?
- What extra curricular activities are available?
- What out-of-hours facilities does the school offer? Is there a breakfast club, or a homework club?
Gabbitas always recommends that parents visit several prep schools before making their final decision. In the course of the visit, parents should observe the interaction of the children with one another, as well as with the staff and Headteacher. It's also good advice to visit a school on a normal day, rather than only to attend Open Days, when the school will have made a special effort to appear at its best. For more information, see reviews of schools.
We can offer professional advice and guidance to parents at every stage of their child's education.