12 The Raring2go! Guide to… Choosing an Independent School Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. With information now so instantly available through smart phones, laptops and tablets, it isn’t just simply sitting and browsing a prospectus over a leisurely cup of coffee. So, what should I consider? There are various factors that come into play, and the importance of each will vary from family to family. You may be looking for independent education for all or part of a child’s schooling, but here we look at some of the key points that you may wish to consider. Siblings - do you want all your children to go to the same school? If the answer is “Yes”, and you have a mix of girls and boys, then clearly you are only looking at co-ed schools. If you are considering each child individually, would a single sex school, or a co-ed school be more suitable? What strengths does my child have? Are they academic, musical or sporty? What facilities does the school have that match these skills? Does your child have areas of weakness that need special assistance? Schools should support and develop the areas of weakness whilst continually challenging their areas of strength or expertise. School run - both the time and distance involved in the school run will be a factor, particularly if you have different schools to drop off at, or pick up, from. Some schools offer the option to book school transport, but also look at the various options around public transport or lift shares. Consider the timings of any sporting fixtures, as this could affect your transport plans. Feeder schools - some schools have particular links to senior schools. If you have a specific requirement for a senior school, look at the relationships that this school may have with schools that may feed in. Look at the destinations of the leaving pupils. Culture - are there traditional or religious considerations? Would a small or large school suit your child best? Boarding or day pupil? Budget - there may be scholarships, bursaries or sibling discounts available. Enquire about the number and eligibility, and how they are awarded. Do your homework, and then go and visit those schools that you have shortlisted, and see for yourself. After the Open Days, you will probably have narrowed your selection down. It is worth asking the Admissions Department if you can visit the school on a normal day, so that you get a real feel for the atmosphere. Expect too, to pay a non-refundable registration fee. This does not guarantee you a place, and accordingly it’s not unusual for parents to pay a registration fee to more than one school. Make up your own mind - undoubtedly everyone that you speak to about a school will have their own personal opinion that may be based on rumour, hearsay or experience. Whilst the process can seem daunting, if you are prepared with your requirements, and identify questions that you need answering, you will be able to compare each school on a like-for-like basis. Trust your instinct – it’s likely to lead you to the correct decision. Raring2go! Raring2go! 16 raring2go.co.uk 17 Registration is now open www.st-margaret.aberdeen.sch.uk Contact us on 01224 584466 or email admissions@st-margaret.uk Registered Charity with OSCR (Reg. No. SC016265) Join us at our Open Day Saturday 1st October At St Margaret’s, we understand girls – how they learn, play and develop. The only all girls’ school in Aberdeen, St Margaret’s has around 370 pupils ranging in age from 3 to 18. Our school values of respect, equality, hard work, ambition and community are at the heart of all that we do. We believe that a single-sex education offers girls the space in which their intellectual and physical identity can blossom, free from stereotype, full of challenge and rich with opportunity and care. We design every aspect of our academic, pastoral and extra-curricular provision to meet the needs of girls at their different developmental stages. Class sizes at St Margaret’s are deliberately small ensuring that each girl receives the individual attention and support she requires. Our allTHE IMPORTANCE OF A WHOLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY through community, from nursery to sixth year, provides abundant leadership opportunities and fosters a sense of belonging. Older girls mentor and inspire younger pupils in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Overall academic attainment is consistently high but is only one aspect of our holistic approach to education: St Margaret’s is an inclusive, caring school with a strong sense of community, where girls are supported to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Senior pupil Kasia, who has secured a place at Edinburgh University to study Astrophysics, shared that “being at St Margaret’s gave me the opportunity to experience things I had never done before and allowed me to be myself. My teachers have supported me to believe that I can achieve anything I put my mind to and I am grateful for their enthusiasm and dedication.” For more information, or to arrange a visit, please contact the St Margaret’s Admissions Team on (01224) 584466.
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