An exceptional education

Acontact leA di ourNg Admissions iN depeNde officerNT S forchool more fodetailsR B oyon S01273 ANd 465805 giR l Sor A visitged our 13 Twebsiteo 18 www.lancingcollege.co.uk Tel 01273 465805 West Sussex BN15 0RW

AN iN depeN deNT S chool foR B oyS ANd giR l S A ged 13 T o 18

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St Benedict’s, Ealing ‘ taught Independent Catholic Day School Teaching a way of living me to think for myself’ Co-education from 3 years through to 18 Adventures start early, says Tim Bevan

our Weddings And A Funeral  lm producer, FTim Bevan, has said his time at Sidcot, an independent Quaker school in , taught him how to live adventurously: ‘The biggest take-away from a Sidcot education was “don’t be afraid to think for yourself”. I learnt tenacity, resilience, and not

taking no for an answer. CLAVADETSCHER CHRISTIAN OPEN MORNINGS ‘I see hundreds of kids trying NURSERY: 20 May, 10 June to get a job in the  lm industry and their determination to make and the people who have a di† erence in the world. JUNIOR SCHOOL: 26 June individuality and can think for Sidcot helps children to be SENIOR SCHOOL: 6 May, 23 June themselves, are the people who better motivated and at ease always shine through,’ says Tim. with themselves as learners. ‘Outstanding’ Diocese of Westminster Inspection Report (Sept 2013) These qualities continue to Sidcot is a kind, purposeful place be nurtured and encouraged at and the results are proof that a SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES IN THE SENIOR SCHOOL Sidcot School to this day. broad, balanced education leads To book a place at an Open Event or for more information please contact: Outstanding academic success to academic success. The whole T: 020 8862 2254 E: [email protected] is applauded, but equally prized person is educated for a life of W: www.stbenedicts.org.uk are students’ social skills, active, responsible citizenship. We respect the dignity of all and welcome children of other faiths. emotional intelligence, resilience ◆ www.sidcot.org.uk

www.sidcot.org.uk/being-yourself What matters when choosing a school? We’re very proud of our students’ excellent exam results. We’re equally proud of their social skills, their emotional intelligence and their determination to make a difference in the world.

These are just some of the things that matter to us at Sidcot. We’d love to tell you more at our Open Morning

Bank Holiday Monday 5 May Doors open 9am for a 9.30am start

To attend call Rachael Coates on 01934 845236 or email [email protected]

Weekly boarding | Flexi-boarding | Scholarships

Sidcot School is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 in North Somerset Charity number 296491

Sidcot Advertorial.indd 52 01/04/2014 11:49 independent schools special

For musically gifted children, a specialist school could enable them to thrive and shine, says Vanessa Berridge striKinG the riGht chord

or a child showing exceptional musical talent at an early age, it’s worth considering a more specialist education. There are Fnine Music and Dance schools in the UK committed to providing the highest teaching standards, together with a rigorous academic education. Between them, 800 means-tested places are offered, awarded solely on musical or dance potential, and with pupils receiving up to full funding, including Salisbury boarding where necessary. Cathedral School ‘The fact that pupils come from a w choristers

4 april 2014 The Lady 53

SCHOOLS_Music schools.indd 53 01/04/2014 11:50 Day, full & weekly boarding GSA School 900 girls 4-18 years | Founded 1885

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the lady01 March 2014.indd 1 24/03/2014 14:37:08

00DISPLAY AD Template.indt 1 31/03/2014 16:53 independent schools special

Cedars Hall at School

of widespread industriousness.’ Wells likes to claim that it is the oldest specialist in the country, as it has provided choristers for the cathedral in an unbroken line since 909. Only slightly less ancient is the Symphony orchestra tradition at Salisbury Cathedral School, practice, an essential element which dates from 1091. Forty of its 200 pupils are choristers, and 90 per cent of variety of backgrounds makes for a the United States and Australia. pupils learn an instrument. Pupils don’t vibrant community,’ says Dr Kenneth ‘We really like the mix,’ says director have to be musical to come here,’ says Taylor, headmaster of St Mary’s Music of music Dorothy Nancekievill, ‘and it is Ian Wicks, the director of music, ‘but School, Edinburgh, one of the five not a hot-housing environment. It is everyone gets swept along. The benefit specialist music schools; the others are quite complex because we have to fit in of the choir is that there are children Chetham’s, The Purcell, Wells Cathedral the specialist lessons and choir practices singing daily to a professional standard, School and The . for the cathedral choristers. But then which provides the seed capital for the ‘Pupils share a common love and juggling is what life as a solo musician whole school.’ enjoyment of music. Self-discipline is is like, so it’s good preparation.’ Fifteen to 20 children aged seven or learned early through music, and pupils There are other challenges, too. eight are auditioned annually for four are motivated to make successful use of ‘Sometimes children have to adjust if places. They may be existing pupils or their time. And because we have small they’ve come from a school where come to the school on a choral classes, the school can focus on they’ve been very much the best scholarship. ‘We’re looking for musical individual needs.’ musician,’ says Nancekievill. ‘On the potential, not necessarily a perfectly w Entry is competitive and by audition, based on musical ability and potential. ‘Children audition between the age of ‘Children are singing daily to a professional standard, eight and 18. Some might be awarded a place having already gained ABRSM which provides the seed capital for the whole school’ grade 7 or 8,’ explains Dr Taylor, ‘while others who have not been playing so long might be accepted with grade 4. other hand, they’re not under the same Advisory auditions are available: these pressure as they might be on a music are conducted by senior staff who scholarship to a non-specialist school give the advice.’ where they’re expected to play in every St Mary’s invites successful candidates concert.’ The school has between 60 and to spend two days at the school, for 70 ensembles and stages up to 200 lessons on a main and second concerts per year. ‘We are interested in instrument, and in some academic long-term development,’ she adds, ‘so subjects. ‘These stays help the school we will work with a child and won’t put and the candidate to determine whether them in concerts if their technique, for or not they are right for each other.’ instance, needs changing.’ There are some disadvantages in The school’s remit is to get the attending such a specialist school. Pupils specialist musicians a choice of may need to move far from home, and, conservatoires at 18, but some also apply Taylor admits, there are fewer to universities for music or post-graduate opportunities for challenging sporting music study after another degree. ‘But all activities than in many schools. tend to contribute in some way to the is unique in country’s musical life – by running that it is a specialist school within a amateur music groups, for example,’ mainstream independent school of 750 says Nancekievill. pupils aged between three and 18, so is Wells is very mindful of child safety. able to offer wider challenges. It has 79 ‘Staff training is taken very seriously,’ says government-funded places for musicians Nancekievill. ‘The windows in all the Choristers at from as young as eight, and the school teaching rooms are now bigger – which St Mary’s, itself also funds some talented children, has proved successful as it has lightened Edinburgh who come from as far afield as Europe, the whole place and produced a feeling

4 april 2014 The Lady 55

SCHOOLS_Music schools.indd 55 01/04/2014 11:50 independent schools special

The brass section rehearsing at Salisbury Cathedral School

that has been part of his life.’ Many choristers win musical scholarships at senior schools, and famous New College School alumni include tenors James Gilchrist and Ian Partridge; broadcaster and composer Howard Goodall, and violinist Ralph Holmes. A choral education teaches application, self-discipline, organisation, and concentration. It is also a big commitment for parents as New College is a day school. ‘There is a lot of ferrying, so it does become part of their lives,’ says Gullifer. ‘We try to help: some siblings, for example, serve in chapel.’ At Salisbury trained voice,’ says Wicks. ‘Children need diminution of the boys’ tradition. What Cathedral School, a Christmas lunch is a good ear, and to be able to pick up a we want to do is to build up a special held for choristers and their families. note from a chord. We also listen to their girls’ tradition here.’ Studying at these schools has many instrumental playing and assess their New College School, an all-boys’ advantages. ‘Learning a musical academic potential. They have to be able preparatory school in Oxford, is not instrument helps with focus,’ says Wicks to combine their schoolwork with choral specialist like, say, Westminster Abbey of Salisbury Cathedral School. ‘Music singing without struggling.’ Choir School. But music is at the core of touches other areas of the brain, and There is, he says, no rivalry between the school, which is as old as the college, helps with work like creative writing.’ the choristers and the rest of the school: the foundation stone of which was laid in Nancekievill of Wells Cathedral School they wear no special uniform, and 1380. The aim was to educate 16 agrees. ‘It is a very privileged and between 9am and 4pm are integrated choristers to sing masses for the soul of wonderful environment.’ ■ into lessons with other pupils. But the William of Wykeham, New College’s choristers’ days are extended, with more founder. A master was appointed, of than an hour’s rehearsal before school whom the current headmaster, Robert CONTACTS four days a week, and on Saturday Gullifer, is the direct descendant. ‘There’s u Chetham’s School of Music, morning, plus services in the cathedral. an unbroken choral tradition,’ he says, Manchester: 0161-834 9644, In 1991, Salisbury was the first ‘except for a little lapse during the Civil www.chethams.com cathedral to establish a girls’ choir, War. That was our most recent difficulty.’ u Choir Schools’ Association: choosing to showcase girls’ voices in the Although the school is now first and 01962-890530, same seven/eight to 13 age range. The foremost a prep school with justly www.choirschools.org.uk two choirs now sing an equal number of celebrated sport and drama, 98 per cent u Music & Dance Schools: services, only joining together at Easter of pupils learn a musical instrument, and www.musicanddanceschools.com and Christmas and for major concerts. 75 per cent learn two. ‘The difference u New College School, Oxford: They are also rehearsed separately. ‘Boys is that most schools don’t have 01865-285560, www.newcollege. and girls do learn in different ways,’ says international stars, which our choristers oxon.sch.uk Wicks. ‘Girls are very diligent, while boys are,’ says Gullifer. Since 1976, the u St Mary’s Music School, are more flighty, and choirmasters have choirmaster has been Professor Edward Edinburgh: 0131-538 7766, to tailor their approach to each. If we put Higginbottom, who has built up its www.st-marys-music-school.co.uk them together, there would be a reputation through dozens of recordings u Salisbury Cathedral School, and concerts around the world. ‘All our Wiltshire: 01722-555300, boys know that the choristers work www.salisburycathedralschool.com alongside professional adults as equals u The Purcell School for Young – and their hard work inspires everyone.’ Musicians, Bushey, Gullifer, who has been headmaster for Hertfordshire: 01923-331100; six years, has ensured that the choristers www.purcell-school.org have much the same routine as the rest u The Yehudi Menuhin School, of the school. We fit their three hours’ Stoke d’Abernon, Surrey: daily practice in with other lessons – and 01932-864739, they are only occasionally pulled out. We www.yehudimenuhinschool.co.uk are also flexible, so that if a cricket match u Wells Cathedral School, runs on, a chorister won’t have to leave Somerset: 01749-834200, early. It all helps with integration.’ www.wellscathedralschool.org But the choristers do need some u Westminster Abbey Choir careful handling. ‘The voice can break at School, : 020-7654 4918, a boy’s finest hour,’ explains Gullifer. ‘This Learning the drums at www.westminster-abbey.org/choir- has to be coped with, when a boy New College School, Oxford school suddenly finds he can’t do something

56 The Lady 4 april 2014

SCHOOLS_Music schools.indd 56 01/04/2014 11:50 Leading girls’ education Leading girls’ education

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GDSTTheLadyAdvertMarch 2014.final.indd 1 28/02/2014 15:23:52 00DISPLAY AD Template.indt 1 28/03/2014 17:04 GDSTTheLadyAdvertMarch 2014.final.indd 1 28/02/2014 15:23:52 independent schools special

Which head is best? today, women run boy’s schools and vice versa – with good results all round

hen most schools are Lusk’s previous headship was at sports. There is still a place for single-sex now co-ed, it may seem Oxford High School, where she talked to education, and I want to help girls to matter little whether the girls about leadership, realising their believe in themselves.’ the head of a single-sex aspirations, believing in themselves, and Likewise, Matthew Burke, headmaster Wschool is a man or a woman. However, the dual roles they were likely to have as of St Martha’s School in Hertfordshire, there are only a handful of male heads in professional women and mothers. ‘I don’t believes in the value of single-sex all girls’ schools, the latest recruit being have those conversations with the boys education, because the staff don’t have Oliver Blond at Roedean last autumn, and here. They expect to lead,’ she says. to make compromises when teaching to even fewer women in all boys’ schools. ‘Since my arrival at Abingdon, we’ve suit the different ways in which girls and The highest profile is Felicity Lusk, engaged a full-time counsellor, and have boys learn. He acknowledges that when head of Abingdon School since 2010. put more emotional support in place. It’s girls leave the school, they will find She was surprised by the flurry of media important to embed that in an all-male themselves in a mixed environment. ‘So interest that greeted her appointment. culture. I am also trying to teach the boys having a male head gives them another ‘My gender wasn’t discussed when I was to treat all women with respect. That’s positive male role model, alongside their selected,’ she recalls. ‘Schools are why it’s good for them to see a woman fathers. The school is richer for having looking for outstanding leaders and running the place.’ that blend of experience and gender.’ gender is irrelevant.’ Dr Millan Sachania, head of Streatham Vanessa Berridge Indeed, the attention Lusk received & Clapham High School, believes that it is good for girls to see a man heading a Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) school. Set CONTACTS up in the 19th century to promote female u Abingdon School, education, the trust has always been a Oxfordshire: 01235-521563, very feminine enclave, in which only www.abingdon.org.uk women rose to the top. ‘I hope that my u Roedean, Brighton, East Sussex: being head teaches girls that if you 01273-667500, www.roedean.co.uk present the right skills you will get the u St Martha’s School, Hadley Wood, job you want, even if it looks as though Hertfordshire: 020-8449 6889, the odds are stacked against you.’ www.st-marthas.co.uk Sachania only received one negative u Streatham & Clapham reaction when he was appointed: from a High School, London: former governor of the school, who 020-8677 8400, thought a male head was ‘inappropriate Abingdon School www.schs.gdst.net and sent out the wrong message’. But, for the most part, he has received positive has helped to put the school on the map. feedback. ‘The girls who were already ‘The boarding houses are full and many here enjoyed the novelty,’ he says, ‘but more boys are now applying for places the girls who have come since have never – we’re on the crest of a wave.’ She has known anything else. It is like when John also seen an increase in applications to Major took over from Margaret Thatcher become teachers, thanks partly to her – small children were surprised that a decision to stop Saturday-morning man could be a British prime minister.’ lessons, a time when teachers want to be Sachania began his teaching career with their own families. in an all-girls’ school, so starting at ‘Only 20 per cent of the teachers were Streatham & Clapham has been like women when I arrived,’ says Lusk. ‘Now coming home. ‘I see girls as people with it’s nearer 50 per cent. More women but bags of potential. And after all, even as a also more men have applied, so we’ve woman, I would have been brought up in had a larger pool from which to choose, a different age.’ He has a dedicated which is good for the school.’ Although pastoral team who supervise sensitive she admits that there may be some female-development issues. ‘I don’t get advantages in being a woman. ‘I have involved with body image/shape, or the Girls are been a mother and have a certain length of girls’ skirts. As head, it’s my job encouraged to understanding of human issues. Male to impart the core values of civilisation: explore their staff will sometimes discuss their lives in what it means to be a human being and potential a way they might not to another man.’ the value of the arts such as music, and

58 The Lady 4 april 2014

SCHOOLS_Viva la difference.indd 58 01/04/2014 11:51 advertorial

An inSpirational eduCation… inspire young minds with music and words

rs Catherine thomlin- and by hearing great works of son, headmistress of St literature from different tradi- MJames Junior School, tions, the children grow in free- is passionate about the education dom and confidence to express of young minds. ‘We know young their own ideas,’ she continues. children are able to relate to the ‘to make school really interest- finest texts and music the world ing and fun, a teacher must bring has to offer,’ she says. the curriculum alive, and what ‘they may not be able to write better way to illustrate a subject an essay on Shakespeare,’ Mrs than by using the best materials. thomlinson continues, ‘but they ‘We have to inspire young can empathise with the charac - minds to explore, ask questions ters, understand the drama and and to wonder – to love knowledge. hear the beauty of the language.’ one must have no expectation of all this, as year five and six their response, just a wish for boys get ready for their production them to enjoy the best.’ of Henry v. ‘By speaking Shake- u St James Junior School, speare’s words, which give such London W14: 020-7348 1794, fantastic emotional expression, www.stjamesschools.co.uk

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St James Advertorial.indd 59 01/04/2014 11:51 Business skills are honed early Enterprising: young at Moreton Hall entrepreneurs

BUilDiNG BlOCKS people are behind the best education, but do ensure your child’s school has buildings to match its standards, says Vanessa Berridge

t my sons’ junior school teachers to do their job properly.’ include a cafeteria, which, says Sachania, 20 years ago, buckets caught He’s right, but nevertheless the ‘is now in the repertory of expectation the drips when it rained on Anniversary Halls at St Catherine’s, which for sixth formers’. their flat-roofed classroom. were opened recently by the Duchess School developments can be an Whena I drive past now, I see an array of Cornwall, feature a performing arts opportunity to involve pupils who are of new buildings. In two decades, centre that will enhance the girls’ interested in architecture, design, independent schools have become experience of music and theatre. engineering, or even business. For increasingly competitive – across the The auditorium, for instance, can be 30 years, lower-sixth girls at Moreton Hall board. What was once acceptable would adapted for a full symphony orchestra School in Shropshire have run Moreton now drive prospective parents away, and or chamber concerts. Enterprises. When a new shopping mall every school has one eye on its Sachania himself is awaiting was needed for their businesses, the girls competitors. ‘There is a facilities arms authorisation from the Girls’ Day School worked with the architects on the plans, race,’ says Alice Phillips, current president Trust (GDST) for a major development raised funds, and pitched successfully to of the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) to include a new sixth-form floor, arts Barclays for an interest-free loan. There and headmistress of St Catherine’s, centre and sports hall, dining room are now three separate shop areas: one has a cafe, sports shop and a Barclays ‘When visiting schools, parents must look beyond the bank; another is a Ryman store, kitted out by Ryman; and a shop selling dazzle of the facilities to sense if the school has a real buzz’ everyday essentials. A new science centre opened in Bramley, which has recently spent £15m extension and some re-landscaping. September 2013, within which is a on state-of-the-art sports, music and As I walk round the school with the medical science facility, aimed at taking theatre facilities. headmaster, I see how students have aspiring medical students a stage further ‘People, not buildings, constitute already played their part: the current towards their university studies. Funding schools,’ says Dr Millan Sachania, sixth-form common room was designed came in part from grants available headmaster of Streatham & Clapham by the girls, and has a bank of work because of Moreton Hall’s work with High School in south London. ‘Facilities stations curving through the room, and local state schools. ‘This building has alone do not make a successful school, groups of sofas, all in smart primary enabled that programme to develop,’ but they should provide the context for colours. Their new sixth-form floor will says marketing director Alexandra

60 The Lady 4 april 2014

SCHOOLS_Buildings.indd 60 01/04/2014 11:52 independent schools special

The Common Room at The Duchess of Cornwall Streatham & Clapham High visits St Catherine’s

Moreton Hall’s Moreton Hall new science block School

Hankinson. ‘It’s a two-way street: our local governors and sometimes parents, school is only as good as the people girls get a lot from the interaction, too.’ we have a live audit about what works within it. That’s why the management But how do heads run multimillion- well, what could be better and what team of St Benedict’s, Ealing, was pound projects when their own facilities should be added. Even the delighted to win the Investors In People professional experience is derived mainly junior school may make models of their Gold Award for its development, support from teaching? That’s where governors ideal playgrounds, buildings and lockers.’ and motivation of staff. Schools, both are important, says Dr Tim Hands, master At a recent GDST conference, their people and their facilities, need of Magdalen College School, Oxford, and Erica McWilliam, an Australian professor, constantly to change and develop, as is current chairman of the Headmasters’ spoke about the need to break down recognised by John Telfer, managing and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC). boundaries between formal classroom director of Investors in People South, in ‘Last summer, we had a governor- learning and informal learning his citation about the school. driven master planning exercise. It elsewhere. New technology has allowed ‘The current economic climate makes involved the estates committee and an more flexible use of areas. ‘Ten years ago, it even more important that organisations architect, and was chaired by our bursar. technology helped teachers give adapt to survive. St Benedict’s proves We looked at our site for a 35-year snazzier presentations,’ says Stannard, what can be achieved.’ development plan. One of the striking ‘but now it’s more about learning. It’s things was that one of the buildings liberating for students, who can access should be used entirely differently – internet anywhere in the school, and can ContaCts which would never have occurred to me. study in corridors and cafes and use old u Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST): As a head, you look for support from the spaces inventively.’ 020-7393 6666, www.gdst.net governors on subjects you don’t Children have fewer textbooks, so u Girls’ School Association (GSA): understand, like finance and buildings.’ no longer need large, individual desks. 0116-254 1619, www.gsa.uk.com For schools that are part of a group or At Northampton High School, bright, u Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ a trust, such as the GDST, the planning is refurbished classrooms have been Conference (HMC): 01858-469059/465260, handled differently. The GDST’s buildings equipped with lockers. Space freed up at www.hmc.org.uk range from the Grade I-listed Ipswich the end of a corridor has become an u Magdalen College School, Oxford: High School, to the modern, cutting- informal learning environment, with soft 01865-242191, www.mcsoxford.org edge design of newly renovated Notting furnishings and computers. u Moreton Hall School, Oswestry, Shropshire: stuart bingham photograph bingham stuart Hill & Ealing High School. In the GDST, When visiting schools, however, 01691-773671, www.moretonhallschool.com individual schools are responsible for parents need to look beyond the dazzle u Northampton High School: 01604-765765, budgeting on maintenance, but the of the facilities to sense whether there is www.northamptonhigh.co.uk central trust estates team of architects a real buzz. Are there examples of u St Benedict’s School, Ealing, London: 020- and surveyors oversees and approves curiosity, learning, exploration and 8862 2000, www.stbenedicts.org.uk major capital projects. purpose in the wider spaces? Parents u St Catherine’s, Bramley, Surrey: But, says Dr Kevin Stannard, the trust’s should listen to what pupils say, advises 01483-893363, www.stcatherines.info director of innovation and learning, ‘We Stannard, and how much ownership they u Streatham & Clapham High School, bring in the whole school community at take of the school buildings. London: 020-8677 8400, www.schs.gdst.net Y an early stage. With pupils, teachers, And, as Dr Sachania emphasises, a

4 april 2014 The Lady 61

SCHOOLS_Buildings.indd 61 01/04/2014 11:52 Improving Performance

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how to choose the riGht school it’s the ultimate question and a life-changing decision. But the answer might be easier than you think

f you’re considering sending your exam. If the school is reluctant to give what to do when visiting son to a top pre-prep, and then you this breakdown, ask yourself why. a school boarding him from the age of u Evaluate the school’s attitude to risk. u Prepare the questions you want to ask seven, the likely overall fee will be Is the school preparing children for adult ahead of your visit. morei than £300,000 in today’s money. life or is it inclined to wrap them in u Visit the school during term time when Girls may come in at just a bit less. With cotton wool? lessons are in progress. such huge sums at stake, you want to be u Go and look at several schools, to make u Ask to sit in on a couple of lessons so sure that you’re picking the right school comparisons between them. you can assess the interaction between for your children. Here are a few pointers. u Do the groundwork yourself initially, teachers and pupils. without your child. Going to a new u Notice whether the children look Know your child school is a highly emotional event, so it is happy and well adjusted. u Are they outgoing and sociable or best only to take a child to a school that u Study noticeboards and classroom rather shy and retiring? you are seriously considering. walls throughout the school. Do they u How would you gauge your child’s match the school’s boast of clubs and relative academic ability? help your child get extracurricular activities? u Do they focus and pay attention for to the right school u Find out about the pastoral care and periods of time? Junior and preparatory level whether there is a tutorial system that u What subjects do they actively enjoy? u Spend time each day reading with your deals with emotional, as well as u What other talents do they have? Do child so that they are ready to sit quietly educational, problems. they have particular leanings towards in class with others listening to a teacher. u Check whether the grounds and sport, music, drama, ballet, art? u Don’t allow the television to become buildings are well maintained. your electronic nanny. u Take your child to the school you are draw up a shortlist u Encourage your child to spend time on most likely to select and encourage them u Look at the ethos of the school: creative activities, such as drawing, to spend time without you, alongside carefully examine the prospectus and making models or doing jigsaws. current pupils. website. Consider the efforts the school u Encourage habits of concentration and is making within the wider community attention by giving your child undivided do not to retain its charitable status. attention for certain periods of the day. u Be seduced by the obvious: the u Try to meet parents who already have Don’t walk through the park with your grounds and buildings may be children at any schools you are ear glued to your mobile phone. magnificent but are they matched by considering. Do they share your values? Secondary level the quality of the teaching? Are their views on key aspects of child- u Make sure that the child’s junior or u Allow the school to set the agenda rearing similar to yours? preparatory school is preparing pupils entirely on your visit: ask to look inside u Look at the range of subjects offered: properly by taking them through the classrooms and talk to pupils and is the curriculum flexible enough to previous entrance-exam papers and teachers. include minority interests, such as more giving them mock interviews. u Forget to ask yourself whether you unusual languages? u But don’t over-tutor a child to push would be happy leaving your child at u Ask for absolute numbers as well as them into a school above their academic the school. percentages, for when you look at ability. Education is, above all, about u Send a child to a school if you have league tables. Some schools are inclined building confidence: bumping along the serious reservations about it, even if to claim, for instance, a success rate of bottom does not help children to learn. other parents praise it to the skies. 100 per cent in gaining A*s in Mandarin, u Encourage your child to talk about u Be afraid to trust your own judgement. when only one student is sitting the their strengths in the interview. Vanessa Berridge

4 april 2014 The Lady 63

SCHOOLS_How to choose.indd 63 01/04/2014 11:53