Fri. Nov 1st, 2024

5 tips from a Sutton headteacher – how to choose your child’s secondary school

secondary school

Ghosts, pumpkins and ghouls – it’s time to choose your schools!

For many young people, October 31st is all about Halloween and trick-or-treating. However, for parents with children set to move up to secondary school next September, the end of October marks the deadline to apply for school places in Sutton.

“This is a really important time for families, and they need to take time to make the right decision for their child,” said Chris McNab, the new headteacher at Overton Grange School.

He added: “But, before deciding which schools to apply for, you really ought to try to visit the schools you are particularly interested in.

“There are often open events, but if you’re unable to attend, most local schools will be happy to show you around during a school day. Just call the school and make an appointment.”

Although it is hoped that most children are given a place at their parents’ first choice school, this is not always possible if there are more applications for a school than there are places available.

For example, Sutton Council has an over subscription system and strongly advises families to provide preferences for six different secondary schools, they say this provides families with the best chance of getting their child into a school of their choice.

It is important that you apply by the deadline of 31 October 2024. Applying after this deadline may significantly affect what’s offered.

Mr McNabs’s top five tips for choosing a school for your child:

  1. Visit as many schools as you can, make sure you get a good look around and go prepared with questions – what did the school feel like?
  2. When you’ve made a shortlist, visit the school during a ‘normal; school day. Most schools will welcome you and offer you a tour.
  3. Speak to the staff, schools are about people – ask as many questions as you need to, it’s a big decision and you need to make sure that you are well informed.
  4. Speak with parents who already have children at the schools you are interested in.
  5. Use other sources of information: Look at the school’s website – This will contain a wealth of information concerning not only student outcomes but also key news/events that will provide an understanding of the school ethos.

And, the school’s most recent Ofsted report, not just the headline judgement, will also help you to identify many of the school’s strengths.

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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