The Good Schools Guide - does it matter if a school isn't rated?

[peachypearplum]

There are several private schools near me which are rated as being 'a Good Schools Guide school'. There is one private school which isn't.

Should this ring alarm bells? Does it matter? Or is the Good Schools Guide a bit more about buying your way in/playing the system to ensure you get in?

Personally I think it simply means that the school isn't one of the top tier private schools. That's not necessarily a bad thing but it is an indicator. It depends on what you want out of a school really.

Absolutely depends on what you are looking for. DS is in pre-prep at a small, low profile prep school. It has wonderful facilities, a fantastic ethos and the small, family atmosphere that he thrives in. It also has a good track record of admissions to the more competitive private secondaries. You won’t find it in any guide, but it’s perfect for DS.

Do schools pay to be included?

Neolara - I don't know; their website says:

The Good Schools Guide is an independent guide (we do not charge schools for their entries). The choice of schools for The Guide is a personal one, based on recommendations of parents and others who know the schools well.

But although they don't charge a fee, that (to me) doesn't preclude the possibility of being paid (or some other incentive) for inclusion. I couldn't see an explicit 'you can't buy your way in' statement...

Hootenanny House and BangingOn - the view of 'top tier' is interesting... if inclusion is all on the basis of personal recommendations then wouldn't that also include recommendations of parents with children at schools like your's BangingOn?

Thinking about it - maybe not being included is a bonus if existing parents don't want to let the secret out about a great school? But I can't think of many schools who would want to fly low on the radar - not many are flush with cash and it's a competitive environment. So I remain unsure...