Foundation News
2 September
A guide to choosing the right independent senior school for your child
Today our children are creative, have opinions and are passionate about topics that affect them, their peers and most importantly future generations. The senior school you choose should provide a fantastic academic education, support their passion, and challenge them as they grow older.
The King’s School Worcester, a leading independent school in Worcestershire, has put together this guide to help you choose a senior school that’s right for your child. This senior school guide offers tips on the types of questions you should be asking and key criteria to consider. This guide is in no particular order, as every parent’s, and every child’s criteria will be different.
1. What does an independent secondary teach?
Independent senior schools are not bound by the national curriculum, meaning they can offer a personalised secondary education experience. As they are free to decide how and what to teach, independent schools can celebrate your child’s ambitions and provide them with the opportunity, and time, to pursue their own interests.
The same exams are sat, GCSEs, and private schools must follow strict criteria for delivering a broad curriculum. They are also inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) to ensure children receive the highest standard of education.
Pupils are often encouraged to develop a love of learning beyond the confines of the curriculum, and considerable support is provided for high achievers and those who require extra guidance. Independent schools typically cover a wider range of subjects such as psychology, politics, art history, photography, the classics, sports and drama, all with the aim of widening the opportunities available to your child.
2. What are the co-curricular activities available at high school?
Independent secondary schools offer an incredible number of activities through their co-curricular programmes during the school day and before or after school. Activities on offer can include music, sport, drama, dance, volunteering, fundraising and sometimes can even include international trips. Some schools will also offer Super-Curricular Activities which may include broader reading, academic clubs, and enrichment, as well as the opportunity to be involved with student journalism or attend university lectures. This allows a young adult to become more inquisitive and enjoy learning for its own sake.
Independent schools also have the resources to be able to offer a wider range of sporting activities such as rowing, horse riding, swimming, fencing, squash, trampolining or gymnastics, and often students have access to an onsite gym. This has great value as research has found that participating in sports helps to develop confidence, resilience, curiosity, teamwork, focus and passion.
3. Are class sizes and teacher experience different in independent schools?
Moving from small primary or prep schools to a larger school can be a seriously daunting experience for your child. Independent senior schools often benefit from smaller numbers of pupils in classes, allowing teachers to spend time with your child and nurture them on an individual basis.
Another benefit is that teachers are often subject specialists who have spent decades working, studying and researching in their chosen field. Many also have the advantage of having contacts in the business world. Pupils may also find themselves exposed to unique and high-profile guest speakers, who are very often alumni, such as MPs, journalists, TV personalities, creatives and business people, offering insights into particular careers and providing that all important real-world advice.
4. What pastoral care is available in independent senior schools?
The resources available often allow for industry specialists, such as clinical child psychologists, to join the support team of an independent school. Many private schools also have house or form tutors, who are there to provide an added layer of support and guidance to pupils. This means that your child’s individual needs are supported, often receiving exemplary wrap–around care and pastoral support.
5. How much do independent schools cost?
Fees charged by schools vary by region, but the Independent Schools Council (ISC) 2020 report showed average fees range from just over £3,700 per term for day schools in the North West to just under £7,000 per term for day schools in London. At The King’s School Worcester, our senior school fees start at just over £5,309 per term.
You should also consider extra costs such as lunches, uniforms, curriculum trips and visits, residentials and music lessons. Many independent day schools now offer wrap-around care too, which is often included in fees.
Personal finances shouldn’t necessarily put you off considering independent schools, as many independent schools offer bursaries or discounts for siblings, as well as pre-agreed payment terms, such as monthly or lump sum payments.
We would encourage any prospective parent to join one of our open mornings or arrange a private tour. There is nothing like seeing a senior school in action, and this will help you make your final decision.