League tables
What if there was a way to bypass this long tortuous process of choosing a school? What if someone very kindly compiled a list of all the schools in an area and put them in order of academic performance? After all, academic performance is purportedly the thing parents are most interested in – it's the pathway to university and beyond. It spells success for life, doesn't it? Parents could quickly cast their eye down this magical list and see what's on offer and instantly decide to go for the one at the very top. After all, why hang around the third division when you could be pushing for the premier league, eh?
And so that's what happened. And this idea grew and grew to become a regular annual occurrence across several newspapers – even the Government got in on the idea on the basis of that Whitehall favourite: accountability. And despite the opposition to this...
Continue reading?
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.
Continue reading?
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.
