All parents want their children to be happy and thrive at school, which makes choosing the right school such a huge responsibility. There are a also a lot of important factors to consider, such as location, facilities and school inspection results.

To help reduce some of the pressure involved in choosing a school for your child, here are some top tips from an independent school in Surbiton…

Talk to your child

Talk to your child about possible school options and listen to their opinions and feelings. After all, your child will spend a huge part of their life there. One of the most important factors to your child may be going to the same school as their existing friends, even if this school doesn’t have the best facilities. Include your child in your decision making and make a list together about what is most important when choosing a school.

Do your research

Now you are ready to start researching your most suitable schools. Search for school league tables and Ofsted reports online and view individual school websites to learn about their curriculums. Other important factors to research are class sizes and additional enrichment opportunities, such as after school clubs. You may also wish to speak to other parents about their experience with the schools you have in mind.

Arrange a visit

The best way to choose the right school for your child is to visit them. If possible, try and arrange a tour on a normal school day, as opposed to an open evening. This will give you a true insight into daily life at the school, instead of seeing empty classrooms. When visiting prospective schools it is important to consider how welcoming they feel, how well the children interact with teachers and classmates, and if the school feels safe and clean.