Boarding education is expensive and you need to be aware of the full costs involved before committing yourself. High fees do not necessarily mean a good school. For instance Maintained Boarding Schools offer attractive fees because they charge only for boarding, tuition being State funded.
Every child is an individual and a school suitable for one child may not be suitable for another. One child's needs may best be met by a large, highly academic school, while another child needs a small family atmosphere in which to thrive.
Choosing a boarding school is not easy and you will need to gather together as much information as possible. Don't rely on information provided by the school. Talk to pupils and their parents if at all possible. The more schools you are able to visit the easier it will be for you to make a decision.
The purpose of this broadsheet is to provide information for parents on choosing a boarding school.
Obtaining Advice
Some schools advertise in Service newspapers and associated publications but do not necessarily have the support or approval of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Recommendations from other Service parents need to be treated with care. What suits one child may not suit another, some parental expectations of a school may be lower than yours, and some schools change significantly in character over quite short periods of time.
HQ SCE hold records on boarding schools and can give specialist advice. It can assist with the drawing up of a short list or comment on one already arrived at by parents.
Prospectuses
All schools will provide a prospectus and some are producing video tapes of what they offer.
The prospectus should give you a great deal of information about the school. Remember that it is designed to give a good impression and will play down any negative aspects of the school. You should make a list of questions arising from the prospectus which you can ask when you visit.
A further guide to life at the school will be found in the school magazine and you should ask for a copy of the latest issue.
The school may have recently been inspected by The Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), and the school will provide you with a copy of the report, on request.
Arranging a Visit
You should arrange to visit the school during term time when it is operating normally and classes are in progress. If possible both parents should visit the school and it is often a good idea to take your son/daughter as well.
Talk to as many pupils and staff as possible. Arrange to see a senior member of staff at the end of your visit to ensure all your questions are answered before you leave.
First Impressions
Don't be beguiled by attractive buildings, what the children are doing is much more important. Are they happy in the school? Do they have a good relationship with the staff? Are all pupils in the classroom involved with the lesson?
Will your son/daughter thrive in the type of atmosphere generated within the school.
The Head and Staff
A good head teacher makes a good school and a poor head teacher can break it. The good head teacher will express an interest in your child and try to find out what he/she is like.
The housemaster or housemistress will have an important influence on your son/daughter. You must have confidence in the people who will looking after your children.
The staff must convince you that they will not only care for your son/daughter but will provide a good education that will meet their needs.
Mention any special concerns that you may have or any particularly interests
your child has, to the head teacher.
Contact With Parents
Parents should receive regular written reports on their children's progress. Most schools also produce newsletters for parents and many have parent's associations.
You should be informed if your son/daughter seriously breaks the school rules. Find out the schools approach to discipline, including what are regarded as the more serious offences and how they are dealt with.
SCE can provide specialist advice and assistance on many aspects of education. For further information please contact:
