A private school education comes with innumerable benefits for children, and looking for the place where your child will develop their learning and personality is an exciting time. If you’re in the process of selecting schools and wondering how to choose a private school, this guide will help you get started, outlining why a private school education is so beneficial and the key factors to consider when choosing a private school that’s right for your child.
What Is A Private School?
A private school is an institution that is funded through private means, such as tuition fees, donations, and endowments. Private schools are known for delivering a prestigious education, and their independence means they can offer alternative educational choices compared to public schools. There is a focus on tailored curriculums and a holistic education that puts the individual child at the centre. Many private schools are independent schools, and operate based on their educational philosophy and principles. Sidcot School is guided by the principles of Quakerism, which include truth, integrity, and respect.
Getting Started When Choosing The Right Private School
Choosing the right private school is an important decision, and knowing exactly where to start can be hard. Here are some simple tips to get the ball rolling:
Speak To Your Child
First and foremost, you should speak to your child and find out what they would like when looking at private schools. Discuss what they hope to gain from their school experience, such as particular extracurricular activities or to excel academically in a favourite subject. You should also talk about their strengths and weaknesses, as well as what they do and don't like about the school environment. This conversation will help ensure that any choice made aligns with both their personal growth and educational goals.
Make A List Of Must-Haves
Create a list of essential elements your selected private school should offer. These will look different for everybody, but consider elements such as specialised programmes, specific sports teams, or unique educational philosophies. You should also list practical items, such as wraparound care to make life easier, or the location and distance from home. This list will guide your choices and help you narrow down the choices of prospective schools.
Do Some Online Research
Use search engines and school-ranking websites to find a private school that fits your criteria. Look for schools with high educational standards and a positive school community. Compare critical aspects such as class sizes, private school fees, and the admissions process. Online reviews and forums can also provide valuable insights from current or past families.
Visit Schools In Your Shortlist
Visiting your shortlisted schools is imperative when making your final decision. When you visit, keep your list of must-haves to hand and make notes about what you observe, such as:
- The facilities
- Class sizes
- Interaction between staff and students
- The campus itself
- Environment and atmosphere
At Sidcot, you can book open days or private tours to explore our school to see how children learn, play and develop during a typical day.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing A Private School
When you start researching and visiting individual schools, these are some of the key areas to pay attention to:
Aims And Values
All schools will have their own set of aims and values. These are often aligned with a particular philosophy. Sidcot School is a Quaker School, and we align our learning styles and our way of life with Quaker principles. We also encourage every child to consider what matters to them in their education, whether that be loving learning, living life to the full or being themselves. We believe in children receiving a well-rounded education, achieving their personal best, and becoming happy, confident individuals prepared to enter the wider world and find success.
Extracurricular Activities
If your child has a special interest in a particular activity, find out if the private school offers this as part of the curriculum or as an extracurricular club. This could be physical pursuits, such as swimming or horseriding, or artistic endeavours, like art and drama classes. If your child has not yet decided on their favourite hobby, look at schools with diverse activities. Sidcot School wants every child to engage their curiosity, and so offers a huge choice of activities for students to try until they find one they love.
Academic Achievement
Look at the school’s results and evaluate the educational standards to determine if the academic programmes meet your expectations of a private school education. Find out how progress is monitored and what exams children will take. Sidcot School is a SATs-free zone, with Junior School children monitored holistically throughout the year. In the Senior School, our students choose their GCSE options in Year 9 and then complete their GCSEs in Year 11. Sidcot students can then move into Sixth Form to study for their A-Levels, with many of our leavers achieving outstanding results and eventually moving onto successful careers.
Community And Culture
The community at a private school is incredibly important, especially for boarders who spend most of their time on campus. Research what student support is available and how children’s emotional health is tended to. Sidcot School cultivates a culture of inclusivity and understanding, with our centre for Peace and Global Studies an integral and active part of school life where children learn about empathy, teamwork, and creativity.
Sidcot is also an International School, welcoming students from across the globe. This allows children to create strong bonds and lifelong friendships with people they might not have otherwise met, teaching one another invaluable lessons that reach far beyond the classroom.
Class Sizes
One of the distinct advantages of private schools is the smaller class sizes, which equates to a more favourable student-to-teacher ratio. Fewer students in the classroom means teachers can devote more individual attention to their students, fostering stronger relationships and a better understanding of each child's unique learning needs.
Private School Fees
From a practical perspective, you’ll need to know how much you’ll be required to pay towards tuition and boarding fees. You can also ask about any scholarships or bursaries that can help with private school fees. Look into other costs too, such as uniforms, learning resources and potential school trips or weekend activities that will need funding separately throughout the year.
Facilities
Private schools typically have exceptional facilities and a generous amount of space for children to enjoy. During your visit, you should see all available facilities, including classrooms, libraries, sports halls and outdoor spaces. If you can see these being used by students, it will also help you to get a feel for the environment and atmosphere of the school. Some schools may also have unique facilities such as an Equestrian Centre which could help to differentiate your shortlist.
Choosing Sidcot Independent School
Sidcot School is a private school based in North Somerset set amidst sprawling countryside, yet close to major cities, including Bristol. We offer day, boarding and flexi-boarding options for our Senior School and Sixth Form students, with a thriving Pre-School and Junior School provision. We have a rich history as an independent school, and our students consistently achieve academic excellence and develop a love of learning while with us. We give all of the children at Sidcot the freedom and opportunities to live adventurously, whether that’s in their chosen careers, through their hobbies and passions, or in their relationships with others.
Find out why Sidcot School could be the right private school for your child by booking a private tour or attending one of our open days now.