How to spot the right school

Schools might well be ubiquitous in the UAE, and indeed in the rest of the world, but choosing one perfectly suited to the needs of your child can be a challenge.

"You only get one shot and choosing a school is probably one of the most important decisions you will ever make," says Kevin Stedman, Chief Education Officer, Kings' Education. "My advice to parents, or prospective parents, is to always take a look at all the options. Visit schools, get a feel of a few places and then make a formal approach in good time."

But with a barrage of schools offering glossy brochures and inviting open days, how do you know where to begin your quest?

"You have to have a family discussion," continues Stedman. "The parents need to decide between them what they want for their child before taking a look at the various schools. From their prospectuses see which schools meet your criteria, or most of them. Then go and see these schools and talk to them," says Stedman.

Look out for these

During a visit to any school there are certain things to look for no matter what the curriculum.

Sara Sparling, Education Consultant from Sue Anderson Consultants - Education, who provide impartial advice on choosing boarding schools, says: "Look at the class sizes and the interaction between the staff and pupils; for older pupils it would be wise to look at the destination of leavers list to see what universities the pupils are securing places at."

Asking questions is also important. Jonathan Hughes-D'Aeth, Headmaster at Repton, Dubai, suggests, "There are a huge range of questions that you may like to cover during your visit covering academic, pastoral and co-curricular activities. Top questions should include: What are the results like and where do Sixth Formers go? How does the school see its own strengths and weaknesses? How does the Head run the school? The Head always sets the tone for any school. What sort of child would not be happy at the school? This is always an interesting one and can be quite revealing."

Remember that even if the school answers all your questions to your satisfaction, you must be realistic about your child's abilities.

"Be honest about your child and his/her strengths. A school that is highly academic with less emphasis on other activities may not be the right environment for a child that lives for sport," advises Hughes-D'Aeth. "Every child has talents and it's a case of finding the right school to draw those out."

Once you've decided on the right school, it's important to apply at the earliest possible time, as waiting lists most often occur.

Stedman recommends making an appointment with the person responsible for intake as soon as possible but, even if you discover a huge waiting list, perseverance can pay dividends.

"You have got to keep in touch with the registrar as there is movement on the waiting list," comments Stedman. "Keep in touch by email and call occasionally and find out what the situation is."

Ultimately it's worth waiting for that place as Hughes-D'Aeth concludes, "We all have aspirations for our children and the right education will give them a solid foundation for life."

Look for these points when you visit the school

Jonathan Hughes-D'Aeth, Headmaster at Repton school, Dubai, has the following advice to help you choose the right school for your child.

• Trust your gut instinct. How did you feel when you walked into the school? Did you walk in and feel at ease. Did you feel that you would be happy to spend more time in the school? Did you come away feeling good? Above all, could you envisage your child in the school?

• Depending on your child's age, you may wish to involve him/her in the process. Ultimately, wherever you choose, your child will need to feel comfortable and secure in that environment. Remember that children may be seduced by the latest technology and large swimming pools; you may need to balance their wishes with yours!

• What are the pupils like? Do you want your child to be like that? What is the attitude of pupils to staff and vice versa? Try and observe the interaction of staff and pupils. It should be respectful but also natural.

• Take a good look at the classes as you walk around. Try and see what is really happening. Is there a rapport between the teacher and the pupils? Look at what is on the walls. Look for evidence of creativity (both in art and in other disciplines) and also evidence of pupils' achievements.

— H.J.