Elephants in the room
I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't caveat their school days with a negative. It's why all parents want their children to have a better time at school than they did. A few want them to have exactly the same – and at the same institution – which is usually a risky ambition as much will have changed.
Yet despite your school days being such a short period of life, it is without doubt the most transformative. It helps shape you into the adult you will become, often making friends for life along the way. And so it's not surprising that finding the right school for your own child – and being sure of that decision – can feel remarkably difficult.
The good news is that schools today are not like those of thirty-odd years ago. They are genuinely caring and nurturing environments where children are encouraged to do their best and achieve their ambitions. So a lot of the negatives we carry around from our past are unlikely to be experienced by our children.
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Matthew's new and approachable parent guide to choosing a school is spot on. Naturally, the first thing I looked at was his commentary about Heads. Sage, sensible and savvy advice abounds, as does the caveats and cautions about over glossy marketing spin that schools pump out. The book is really well written, entirely from the perspective of supporting parents. It's also a gentle swipe at some of the nonsense schools promote and how to look past it. Parents, also take heed – there are really good pointers about how to be a great parent in your relationship with the school. Unglossed, direct and delivered with humour, Matthew's book helps make things easier for everyone, and in that way, your child has a better chance of being happy and thriving. Remember, it's a two-way relationship, you're not buying a washing machine.
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I've known Matthew for many years; he offers clear, sensible, and unbiased advice, drawn from his extensive knowledge of the sector, and I'm delighted to see his expertise translated into this thoughtful and practical guide for parents. This book is invaluable for those navigating the often overwhelming process of choosing an independent school, helping parents focus on what truly matters, rather than rankings, hype, or marketing spin. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
