Independent school parents questionnaire

[Krazynoodles]

Hi all,

We have applied for some private schools for our DS and now asked to fill in a questionnaire ahead of assessment. Can someone help me with what answers should I give for a chance of success?! Not sure if the answers will also be part of their assessment process and hence a success for our son.

1. Reason for applying to this school
2. Type of education you're looking for
3. Which 3-5 characteristics do you particularly value during early years of schooling
4. What made you consider this school - I think this is the same question as #1!!!

TIA

I think different schools want different answers OP so I don’t see how we can help you unless a reader here happens to know the exact school you’re applying too.

That said, have a think about what makes this school different from other independent schools in the area. Is it religious or secular? Co-ed or single sex? Sporty or nurturing? Academic or SEN-focused? High-pressured or bohemian? The school will want to see that you understand the type of school they are and that you have correctly identified a good fit for your child.

Flattery doesn’t hurt either, as long as it’s accurate. I think for our application I talked about how I’d been impressed at the open day with their students behaviour and the calm atmosphere and I thought DS would flourish in that environment, and that DC love XYZ specific activities they do outside achool wwhich th school is well-placd to develop, etc. Basically show that you’ve done research and thought about it.

While it’s good to get some suggestions for strong one liners, the answers really need to be specific to your child.

Which school best suits them and their strengths? Is the school on the Common Entrance pathway, or not. Is it highly academic or more rounded? It can be hard to figure some of these things out if your DC is very young but you might have a sense of whether they are full of energy and might like a packed sports programme, or they might be more SEN focused and give children access to a range of options and alternatives to GCSEs and A level. Do they offer boarding - is this something you would use.

There are so many options but it really comes down to your child and where you feel the right environment will be.

One thing they will want to see is a that you actually know something about the school, you’re not just firing off forms everywhere. So if it’s coed say why that’s what you want, single sex ditto, facilities, nurturing environment blah blah. If stuck, look on the website to see what they think are their distinguishing features.

Thank you for your taking time to respond to this!