Rule 1: Pick the right school for your child

In the rush to apply for schools, it is easy to get distracted by impressive national titles and high scores of recent entrants or graduates. Every child is unique, so the right school for your child may not be the most well-known or even the one you initially thought it would be. Keep in mind that your child has their own strengths and weakness, which may be different from other children. In doing your research, take note of their skills and find schools that have programs your child would excel in, not what would look best on a record.

If they excel in an instrument or sport, it would be best to seek out schools that place emphasis on these areas and offer exceptional programs to help your child develop this talent.

“The best parents choose the school for the child; the worst parents choose the school for themselves.” 

- Sir Anthony Seldon, former Master of Wellington College.

Rule 2: Dig Deeper than Photos

Schools strive for a high number of applicants, so naturally, they advertise their success stories and hand out enticing brochures. However, there is more behind the scenes than what the pictures may show. When choosing a school, remember that your child will spend the majority of their time in this environment, amongst these students and professors, influenced by these procedures and attitudes. As your child goes through these developmental years, you should be confident that they are in a place that will foster the positive qualities and healthy mindset you support at home. The school you choose should reflect this, and you should not hesitate to make sure it does.

“When you visit a school, make the head squirm. Ask awkward questions about value-added scores, the last child they expelled and does the school have a problem with drugs.” 

- Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, Headmaster of Stowe School.

Rule 3: School is More than the Scores

Your child’s experience at school depends on academics and exam scores, but also on social climate, mental health, and other activities and programs. Although schools may not actively advertise this aspect, students’ social atmosphere or emotional well-being has a significant impact on their performance. It is important to seek schools that encourage a well-rounded education and environment that would benefit your child’s personal growth academically, mentally, and physically. 

“Well-being is a new luxury,” our founder, Natasha Tiwari, asserted at a lunch talk recently. “Anyone can take a child to a place where they pass exams, but for a child to be in a state of well-being is becoming a luxury.”