Choosing the right school is one of parents' and students' most important decisions. As well as shaping academic and developmental outcomes, the right school can also lead to future opportunities for positive growth. However, between primary, secondary, and sixth forms, state, grammar, and private schools, there is not just one decision but a complex matrix of possibilities to choose between. By delving into the key considerations and distinctions, it is possible to navigate the UK education system and understand which school is right for you, helping to make an informed and confident choice.
School location is perhaps more important than any other factor, as it can majorly impact the daily routines of the entire family. Choosing a school nearby will not only reduce transport costs and stressful commutes but also leave more time and flexibility for students to benefit from extracurricular pastimes or even the occasional lie-in. It may be worth tracing out students’ theoretical commutes ahead of time to ensure safe and practical routes are available before committing to a school further afield.
Class sizes vary widely across the different sectors of UK education. They are an essential consideration for how much time and support your child is likely to receive at any given institution. Although large class sizes can be good for socialisation, fostering friendships and community-mindedness, parents must weigh this up against the benefits of more personal attention and support for each student allowed by smaller class sizes. The current average pupil-to-teacher ratio at State secondary schools is 16.8 to 1. However, for Private schools registered with the ISC (Independent Schools’ Council), this figure is 8.5 to 1, meaning that a privately educated student will receive almost double the support and attention of a state-educated student.
A school’s overall academic performance, although not directly correlative to the potential success of a single child, is an essential factor to consider to ensure that their expectations align with your own individual circumstances and aspirations. Academic performance at GCSE and A Level will often be available on a school’s website, or if not readily available, should be something to enquire about at Open Days. Furthermore, Ofsted regularly publishes reports that provide a comprehensive overview of schools’ overall effectiveness, including areas for improvement. On a different note, it is also worth checking the curriculum offers a broad range of subjects that cater to your interests and abilities.
Schools are not only distinguished by their academic qualities but also by their holistic development opportunities; sports, music, the arts, and volunteering can draw out the best in students and make for a friendlier atmosphere where academic achievement and personal growth can develop together. Moreover, life experience and individual interests will prove invaluable to school-leavers and jobseekers. When choosing which school, make sure to evaluate their attitudes to extracurricular opportunities and how they encourage and showcase talent in their students.
For many, the critical decision to make when choosing a school will be financial. Of course, there are associated costs with any form of education: uniforms, sports equipment, and travel costs, to name a few. However, for those considering sending their children to private school, there is a far more substantial element of financial commitment, which brings with it further serious considerations. Nevertheless, there are many associated and often hidden costs of schooling in the UK that you should consider when assessing which school is right. Below are things to note about the associated costs of state versus private education when deciding which school might be best.
Although there are various types of State schools, they are collectively defined by their reliance on State funding, paid for and organised by State and Local Authorities. As a result, State schools follow a National Curriculum, and all students aged 5-16 are entitled to a free place at one.
However, research from The Child Poverty Action Group has calculated the real-term cost of sending a child to State school as at least £846.87 per year for the families of a primary school child and £1,755 a year for a secondary school aged child. Overall, this is an average cost of £18,345.85 to a child’s family over the course of 14 years to meet their minimum educational needs, excluding household costs like laptops and extra learning supportive technology.
This substantial financial output is shouldered entirely by students’ families, although means-tested support is available to those most in need. When deciding on which school type is best, it is worth considering where money is best spent and whether school fees are financially viable.
Although also run by the State and therefore not fee-charging, parents choosing to pursue a Grammar school education for their child will need to consider precursive costs. The entrance exam for Grammar schools, known as the 11+, consists of three main sections: Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These latter two sections are not subjects covered at school and are instead meant to give a holistic indication of problem-solving potential and raw intelligence. However, there is a growing trend towards extracurricular 11+ tuition, and according to the Sutton Trust, 13% of Grammar school entrants have attended private Primary schools, which provide more help and support.
Independent school fees can vary wildly, but according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the UK average in 2022-23 was £15,200 a year. This applies on top of the previously mentioned costs, significantly increasing the expected financial burden on parents.
With an overwhelming quantity of schools to choose from, all of varying quality, deciding on a school at any level requires careful consideration of various factors. Location, class sizes, academic performance and extracurricular opportunities are all essential parts of school life that will significantly impact a student's educational journey and personal development. Nevertheless, by asking the right questions and thinking holistically about which school is right for your child’s needs, it is possible to make an informed decision that will lay the foundation for success.
