Discussing prospective schools with currently attending parents

[NW001]

Hi, I am in the process of completing the admission of my son for reception, with our favourite three schools selected and registered for. I have conducted online research and visited these schools open mornings. I would now like to discuss the schools with some of their current parents to hear their first hand experiences and opinions of the schools. What would be the best and most appropriate way of getting in contact with currently attending parents before actually attending the school yourself? Thanks

Are you not a bit early/late to apply? Contacting parents is not easy, and they will tend to defend their choice so the information will be biased.

Private or State?

@LIZS we have two years to decide so I am getting ahead but that is because we are considering moving house, so which school we choose will be an influencing factor. I appreciate there may be some bias in their opinions but there may also be negative aspects that would never become apparent via online reviews.

@TeenDivided It is Private schools we are considering.

I think you just need to be part of the social circles that involve those parents and ask about.

Perhaps go to the summer fairs?

Yeah good shout about the summer fairs. Alternatively turn up near kicking out time and ask a couple of friendly looking mums what they think.

Isn't that what Mumsnet is for?

You could start a thread with a title like

Manchester Private Primary - School A/School B/School C - any experience?

Join community Facebook groups and post asking for opinions on local schools.

Summer fairs, school events and local Facebook groups. TBH, though, a lot can happen in two years so I would leave it until a bit later!