Choosing the right primary school

If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school application. Exciting times! Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important. So how do you go about knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child? Gabrielle Nash has some great advice for you. The catchment area School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice. You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which you’re not in the catchment area. You don’t want to waste one of your choices. Consider your working week. If you’re commuting to work, how will you do that after school drop-off? Is there a train or bus nearby or space to park your car? A good fit Every school is organised and managed differently, so you’ll need to do some research to see what each school offers and what matters most to you. When you’re shortlisting schools, it’s important to visit to get a feel for each one. Go armed with lists of questions and an open mind. Each school will have its own personality but so does your child. Are they loud or reserved? Smaller schools with just one-form entry might suit a quieter child. If your child has any special educational needs, you’ll want to know the school caters well for them.

Extras What wrap-around care does the school offer? If it doesn’t suit your needs, are there sufficient alternative options? Find out which secondary schools pupils go on to and see how that impacts on your thought process. For example, if a high proportion of the pupils go to the best local secondary school, then that’s a plus.

Looking for a school to bring out the very best in your child?

Known for its bespoke, nurturing style and brilliant academic results, Gateway School is a non-selective co-educational independent school for children aged 2-11.

We would love to show you all that Gateway School can offer you and your family. Call Helen on 01494 867806 or visit gatewayschool-bucks.co.uk to book a visit.

1 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 9AA

Top Tips:

While an Ofsted report is important, do not solely base your decision on it. Inspectors give ratings in their report: outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate. The Ofsted report will also give feedback on how different groups of children fare and the school’s strengths and weaknesses. Reach out to school parents on social media to get a range of opinions. See how they align with yours. Go through the application procedure on your local authority’s website so you’re fully aware of the process. Faith schools are an attractive option in many areas but it’s likely you’ll need to complete an additional form outlining your family’s religious practices. When you are allocated your child’s school place in the spring, you can consider appealing the decision if you’re unhappy with the outcome. There are no guarantees the position will change though. If you have a summer-born child, you may be able to defer their school start. You’ll need to approach your local authority.