Questions to ask about High School

Mr_Thrifty

Private school = No bullying.
State school = Free but may have bullies.

Academic results = Whatever it says on the ofsted result.

Main advice is DO NOT TOLERATE ANY BULLYING WHATSOEVER. If your kid starts getting bullied, do whatever it takes to stop it.

molthedoll

also extra - curricular opportunities

what the kids do post 16 - how many go on to a level/ vocational courses/ jobs

careers service provision

ict/ library/ sports facilities

textbook provision

pastoral system

sanctions and rewards system

canteen facilities

private schls - ask about bursary opportunities - many private schhols will subsidise a student place to varying degrees if the student shows excellence in the entrance examination, such as full fees paid for or fees halved, uniform paid for

ecgirl07

If you are still in glasgow dont presume the state school offers all options at highers. Get clarification of what highers the school offers. Again in Glasgow ask how many of the teachers in the state school are permanent and how many are supply either long or short term.

7891368

Mr_Thrifty wrote: »

Private school = No bullying.
State school = Free but may have bullies.

Academic results = Whatever it says on the ofsted result.

Main advice is DO NOT TOLERATE ANY BULLYING WHATSOEVER. If your kid starts getting bullied, do whatever it takes to stop it.

Going to an independant school doesn't mean there is no bullying.
Where did you get that idea from?

jackieglasgow

ecgirl thank you for that point. My soon is really keen to learn a particular language, and although that won't be the deciding factor, it is somethine we have to consider, does anyone know if the school can "outsource" a subject a child wants to learn, but they can't provide. For example, if the school doesn't teach Chinese but another school in the LEA area does, could the child's timetable be arranged that they could attend the other school for that subject? I have a vague recollection of this happening when I was at school, but that was many moons ago

kegg_2

has your son expressed a preference for any school?
As even though the ultimate choice is yours his views should also be taken into account.

jackieglasgow

He changes his mind once a week :rotfl:I absolutely won't be making any decision without taking his opinion into account, but he seems equally happy with each choice at the moment, and can see the pros and cons of them each too, hopefully once he sees the schools that will help.

kegg_2

:rotfl:Thats boys for you

I only looked at 2 with my youngest (both of which his primary acted as feeder to) but one was really large with over 2000 pupils on 2 seperate sites but really good exam results.
The other was smaller with around 650 pupils and no 6th form, middling exam results and not so popular with the parents as the first school.
But my son prefered the second school and i was swayed when at the open evening the head master outlined the uniform policy and then stated if you cant comply with the dress and personal grooming code dont apply:T

horsechestnut

In addition to what everyone else is saying, I second the advice of the OP. Look at what the students are like when they are going to or leaving school; it really does tell you a lot about the atmosphere of the school.

pollypenny

Mr_Thrifty wrote: »

Private school = No bullying.
State school = Free but may have bullies.

Dream on!

Unfortunately, all schools have some bullying from time to time - no matter what they claim. How bullies are dealt with is the important issue.

Very good suggestions from posters. I would also try to find out if teachers have their own children in the school.