Most schools will have amazing facilities, but the most important thing is the atmosphere – do the pupils look happy? Do teachers engage with the classes? Is anyone having any fun? I am often asked how much input children should have in the selection process. For Sixth Form, certainly, they should have significant input but, for younger children, it really should be driven by parents who are the best judge of where their children will be happy. Children need to see the School but a ten-year-old will be more impressed by the size of the tuck shop than the range of GCSE subjects available! Some suggestions for when you visit… ask üü a pupil to describe a typical day so that you understand the balance between academic and extra-curricular activities and the practicalities of how pupils move around the site find the üü out aboutHowstructure of pastoral care. are pupils split into smaller groups, who will you have most regular contact with? clarify practical points such üü entrance criteria and how as selective the admissions process is. Also query the fee structure – is everything included or are there extra charges for trunk storage, laundry, text books, art materials or international pupils… Every school is unique and only you and your family can tell which is the best fit for your children but doing the right research and asking the right questions can help enormously. Good luck! Joanna Sagers – Director of Admissions and Marketing at Dauntsey’s. UK SCHOOLS DIRECTORY 2019/20 9