The Head
When it comes to things to consider, the Head is normally pretty high up the list of parental priorities. It boils down to a simple question: do you like her or him? Why this ends-up being a priority in parents' minds is probably down to all those latent issues discussed earlier: the baggage parents unavoidably bring to the process of choosing a school. Bluntly, whether you like the Head or not is actually irrelevant. Far more important is whether they are 'doing a good job' and you have confidence in their leadership of the school.
The situation also shifts slightly depending on the school you are choosing. If you are looking at a small prep school, the Head is someone you will have regular contact with and hear from on a weekly basis at least. If he or she makes your skin crawl that might be a problem. With a large senior school, you may only need to endure contact at a prize-giving or similar event and so it's perfectly possible to get through a five-year stretch and not have much to do with the Head. Where this can be an issue is if you encounter any problems, need to complain and...
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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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This is exactly the sort of book which parents should be looking at to cut through the marketing glitz of independent school websites and prospectuses, and to focus in on the key issues around finding the right school for their child. Matthew's book offers a wealth of practical advice from someone who really knows the sector, giving parents all the right questions to ask of themselves and the schools they are visiting. If you're looking for a guide to tell you what the best school is, then this book isn't for you. If you want guidance and support to find the best school for your child, then look no further.
