so what do i look for in a "good school?"...

[tiredemma]

sorry if this has been posted before, ds1 will be starting school next sept, the LEA are in the process of sending out applications for schools, and we have a few open days coming up next month. i have seen the league tables for the schools that im interested in and i think we know which one we prefer although all of the results are very similar, we moved houses to get in the catchment area for 3 schools which are all as good as each other, but other than good results in the tables im confused as to what else i should be looking for and to what kind of questions i should be asking at the open days- any advice would be great.
many thanks.

When you go to visit the school, are the children happy? engaged in what they are doing? how do the staff speak to and about the children? How do you feel about the school? I think gut instinct is really important Good luck

Message withdrawn

I totally agree with Tommy and Yorkiegirl. There's definately a gut feeling. I remember at my DS's school the headmaster took us round and he knew every boys name. It really impressed me as did the fact that they all seemed very happy and polite(all held doors open and that kind of thing!) Performance tables are important but so is the pastoral care and the feelgood factor of the school.Maybe it's like buying a house. You've made up your mind within 7 seconds? Oh,if only it were so easy!