Unhelpful influences
Awards are great. And winning awards is even better. The pride and acknowledgment to be chosen as the best deserves recognition and praise. In independent education you have dedicated and committed staff going above and beyond to create the very best educational opportunities for children. Schools are often innovative and creative places, pioneering new ideas for teaching, curriculum and pastoral care. All these things matter and deserve to be championed and celebrated.
The problem comes with how awards are used in marketing. Prospective parents will often see awards on school websites, highlighting winners or shortlisted schools. But winners of what exactly, how many entered and what specifically were the criteria? Glibly claiming to be 'the best' when not all peers entered an award gives the wrong impression. Awards are big commercial undertakings and there's money to be made. And it's because of this that it can shift from being a...
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I'm delighted to see this well-informed guide for parents navigating the bewildering yet crucial task of picking 'the right school'. Matthew's sensible and practical advice draws from his extensive experience with independent schools and as a parent. This is a very helpful read for parents of school age (or younger) children.
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This is the book that parents have been waiting for and one they should most definitely read when choosing a school for their children... Matthew offers sage and measured advice about what you need to consider, things to avoid and who to listen to when making the most important choice you can make for your child.
