What Makes a Great School?

Choosing a school is always going to be one of the most difficult conundrums for any parent. You want to make sure that it is a place that is going to provide the best opportunities for your kids, but also a place where they will be happy and look back on their time fondly. So, let’s get back to basics and try to go some way towards answering the question: what makes a great school? Though this is an area that will undoubtedly inspire some debate, here are a few points to consider.

Students Want to Be There

Famously, school is not one of the most popular activities when you are a kid! But if you find a school where children genuinely seem to enjoy going there, this is certainly a good sign. This means that there is a good relationship between the teachers and pupils, and the atmosphere is positive as well.

High Expectations from All Involved

Some schools seem happy enough to tread water and just get the kids in and out of the door. Others strive for excellence in everything. This is the kind of attitude which needs to trickle down from the headteacher and governors, through to the teacher and finally down to the kids.

Many of the top schools charge for excellence, so take a look at a school fees guide – planning for school fees. A good school will ensure that all the constituent parts work in harmony to achieve success.

Innovative Teaching Methods

The best schools are the ones that innovate and don’t just use the same old teaching methods time after time. They try out different techniques to ensure that no two classes are the same and kids benefit from a range of learning methods.

As well as this, the teachers are prepared to step outside the box and provide a wide range of activities for the kids.

Effective Discipline

A great school is one that provides effective discipline to the extent that it doesn’t become a big issue. A culture of respect should be fostered in which teachers are there to impart knowledge rather than simply acting as crowd controllers. All expectations should be clear between teachers and pupils so that everyone is always on the same page. When discipline is needed, it shouldn’t be used vindictively, but rather as appropriate action to be taken.

Personalised Instruction Depending on the Student

Rather than just providing a ‘set menu’ style method of tuition in which everyone is taught the same way, the best schools tailor their instruction depending on the studying needs of the individual students. No two people learn the same way, and high-quality schools get to know each of their pupils and the best ways that they can impart knowledge to them.

These are just a few qualities that make up a great school which you can look out for when you are choosing a place for your kids. Always make sure to take your time and ask plenty of questions when you are undertaking this difficult task.