How to choose the best school

[groat]

Can anyone tell me what is the easiest way to compare schools in a certain area so that I can choose the best school for my ds.
Have been to the Ofsted site but have to choose schools individually to see how they are doing and some of them haven't had inspections for ages.
I am considering moving to a new area and want to know what school to send my ds to.

Google 'schools league tables' for the LEA you are moving to - you get the BBC website which gives individual and comparator tables. THEN visit the schools, try and get individual reorts fromm parents, because whatever the ofsted and league tables say, it is the atmosphere, approach and suitability of the school for your child that counts.

Impossible to judge without looking for yourself. My eldest is in his last year at primary school so we've been looking at secondary schools. Two I thought we'd like from the Ofsted report, website etc., we both disliked when we went to the open day. Not what you wanted to hear, I realise - good luck!

Agree there is no substitute for visiting , meeting the head, facilities and watching the staff adn children. Upmystreet may be a good startign point and most schools will send you a prospectus and latest Ofsted reports if you ring. Depending on the age of your son you may have to find a place at wherever is available rather than have full choice unless you happen to be in situ to apply at the general application time - which could be up to a year ahead of entry.

Thanks I will def visit schools but needed a starting point. The school he is in at the moment has been on special measures and isn't the school I thought it was! Need to find a better school!!

Also go to the summer fairs etc of the school then you will see the school and the children and how they behave etc in a non-classsroom time iyswim