A beginner's guide to finding a school

Once you’ve decided where you want your children to study, draw up a list of four or five schools and start visiting them at least a year before your child is due to attend a new school

1 Where will your child be happy?

You know your child better than anyone and what will make him or her happy. That is at the essence of finding the right school and is far more important than league tables or hearsay. Trust your instincts and be prepared to visit a number of schools. If you’re made to feel valued as a potential customer, you’re child is likely to be welcomed and well treated, too.

Read more about shopping around for the right school

2 Location, location, location

Where do you want your child to go to school? If you live in a town, there is probably a good selection of independent day schools in your area. If you live in a remote area, the option of weekly boarding may be the perfect solution. Some schools offer flexi-boarding, which allows your child the option to stay overnight at school when they wish, which can be helpful if parents work long hours or travel a lot for work.

Urban and rural schools have their own sets of pros and cons, as do day and boarding schools. Again, there are many options to consider, but only you have the right answer.

Weigh up the pros and cons of rural and urban schools

3 When to start looking

Some parents seem to start searching online for schools in between feeds of newborn babies.  If you want to get your child into one of the most academically successful or prestigious schools, then it’s best to put his or her name down as early as possible.

For most of us, starting to plan 18 months before your child is due to start a new school is more than adequate preparation.

State or private for our baby? One couple's dilemma

4 Draw up a shortlist

Once you’ve decided where you want your children to study, draw up a list of four or five schools and start visiting them at least a year before your child is due to attend a new school. 

Most private schools have open days in autumn that are friendly, informal events. They give you the chance to chat with the headteacher, other parents and pupils, and take a tour of the school to see its facilities and classrooms.

Narrow your shortlist down to two schools and take your child to visit both – seeing too many may be confusing for them, especially if they’re quite young. It’s so important that the school ‘feels’ right to all of you.

Read our open day special and find out the questions other parents often ask

5 Applications and taster days

You can then apply (to several schools) by filling in a registration form and paying a fee (usually £50 minimum). Many private schools, right through from nursery and prep through to senior school, invite prospective pupils to taster days or weekends to see if they like the school. Children take part in lessons and extra-curricular activities and usually have an older pupil looking after them.

If applying for senior school, children will sit the common entrance exam, which tests aptitude in English, maths and science. The pass mark varies between schools but it’s normally between 50 and 65 per cent. Schools in your area may use the same tests so that if you’re applying to several schools your child won’t have to sit various exams. It’s best to apply for two or three schools, for obvious reasons.

If your child has special needs, speak to the school to see how they can help. Private schools can create a structured learning schedule tailored around your child's needs.

Getting help for a child with dyslexia

6 Receiving an offer

Most independent schools will give you a quick decision. Bear in mind some schools that are high in the league tables seek to maintain or improve their ratings by setting very high pass rates. Other very good schools in your area may not set the bar quite so high (perhaps because they have more places to fill) but may offer an equally good education. If it’s a yes, you’ll be asked to formally accept or decline the place.

Always apply to a few schools and have a plan B

7 Set a budget

Ideally you should start saving for the cost of independent education as soon as you can. Fees vary between schools, but you should budget at least £3000 per pupil, per term for day school and £5000 a term for boarding school. Uniform, sports kit, overseas trips, activities and music lessons will all cost extra, so add at least another 20 per cent a year on top of the fees. 

Most independent schools have a website providing details of fees under the admissions category. Bear in mind, however, the fees will rise every year so you need to save more each year to keep pace with inflation.

Check out an average term's bill for private school fees and extras

8 Find out if your child qualifies for a bursary or scholarship

At least 30 per cent of children at private schools receive assistance with fees, via scholarships or bursaries, so it’s worth enquiring about this at schools on your shortlist. If your child is gifted musically, academically or is a budding actor or sports star, you could receive a generous scholarship. Many top schools, including Eton and Benenden, are introducing a number of free places each year.

A scholarship can save you a six-figure sum

9 Get organised with uniform and kit

Before the end of the summer term, you should be sent a list of everything that your child will need at his or her new school. Uniform, sports kit, books, equipment and overnight/casual wear for boarders. Some schools have their own shop where you can buy uniform and kit from. If not, they usually recommend a supplier. Buying uniform second-hand from the shop can be a great way of making substantial savings.

Find out more about how families afford independent education

10 Look forward to the best of times

Your child has so much to look forward to. Teaching in small classes ensures they get the attention they deserve; better discipline means time isn’t wasted trying to get silence in class; and the sport, drama and music facilities are likely to be superb. This is part of an ethos that you see at many independent schools – that education is something that extends far beyond the classroom and is about a whole wealth of experience.

Also, a good private school won’t let your child ‘slip through the net’ into anonymity just because they’re quiet, unassuming or seem average at most things. It’s the job of the school to help your child discover what they’re good at, what they enjoy and what they’d love to pursue in life.

Find out why extra-curricular activities are so highly prized at private schools