Taking the long view

In the final chapter, Matthew reflects on the advice of Headteachers over the years during his time as an Education Editor. Choosing a school for your child can be pressured, stressful and difficult but sometimes it is necessary to step back and remember the bigger picture.

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There is no doubt that choosing a school for your child – and especially the process of changing school – can quickly become pressured, stressful and difficult. Hopefully, the advice in this book helps to make the process a little easier but, as parents, we can sometimes end up too involved; although easy to say, it is the time to step back and remember the bigger picture.

Over my years as an education editor, I read a lot of advice from Headteachers. One of the best was a piece written by Peter Tait, who was Headmaster of Sherborne Preparatory School in Dorset for 17 years. He wrote an article for Attain entitled Ten Observations for Parents ¹⁰ and it helps put everything discussed in this book into perspective:

1. Don't be in such a hurry.
It does not help to push children before they are emotionally and physically ready. They will develop at different stages, so...

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Disclaimer: Independent education has a wide range of views and the use of quotations does not imply that these contributors share the same views as the author. The views and opinions of the author may also not necessarily be shared by all schools mentioned in this book. The author and publishers do not warrant, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the contents are error-free and shall not be liable for any loss, however arising, as a result of the information contained in this book.

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