how to choose a school

[NancyDrewRocks]

We are moving from outside the UK back to an area with which I am familiar.

DD will be due to go into a reception class and DS will start reception in September.

Initially I was given impression I would have to "take what I could get" but actually there is some choice.

Sooooooo how did you decide?

I don't really know anyone who has children at any of the schools.

We've ruled out CofE/Catholic schools as not religious.

Of the rest all the schools are rated good/oustanding by OFSTED and all have a similar points rating (don't know tech term) in league tables for what that is worth.

All are "small" schools 4-7 or 4-11 (both DD and DS are currently at a school with 1800 pupils aged 3-18)

Facilities are similar at most of the schools and three are within 2 miles of our house.

Any thoughts?

TIA

Go for the nearest.

Can you visit the schools at all yourself before you decide? If so go with your instincts about which you like most for your children. If you are not able to visit the schools in advance, is there someone who can for you who you trust? Maybe try phoning the head teachers and talking to them about how they will help your children settle in given the big change in their life, and see what impressions you get of them from the conversation.
How close are the schools to where you will be living - if you have nothing to help you really decide between them then I would consider the one closest to where you live for ease of getting to and from the school, and for proximity to new friends for your children too.

When you get back to the UK go and see them . If possivble meet the head and see which feels right to you. An easy walk and friends round the corner are really useful too

Absolutely agree with Mary. You will probably find one that just feels right. Walking distance is a great plus point, the school run in a car, plus parking problems are a huge source of stress to many parents. Drive near any school at closing time and you'll see what I mean.

I went and visited the 3 local schools. They all had the same facilities so I made my choice on how much homework they get (I wanted as little as possible) and how many TAs (in 1 school they had a TA for numeracy and literacy which equalled 2 hours a day, in another there was one TA per year group of 60 and at the school I chose there's one TA per year group of 30)

Thanks ladies.

It is not really possible for me to visit before I make the applications unfortunately.

My initial thought was to go for the one that was nearest but I thought maybe that was abit shallow so thanks for reassuring me!

Have you checked their websites?

Can you ring up and ask to speak to the head as you can't visit? Then ask any questions that would persuade you to pick one school over another.