What's most important to you when it comes to your child’s education? Share with the GDST for the chance to win a £300 John Lewis voucher!

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We all know that education is important and the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a family of 25 schools across the UK, would like to know what’s most important to you when it comes to your children’s education. Please share your thoughts below to be entered into the voucher prize draw.

When thinking about 'what makes a good education', what do you think is most important? Are strong academic results what make a good education? Or do you think there is too much focus on exams in schools? Does a well-rounded education involve sports and creative arts? Does learning languages and communication skills give children better life skills?

Whatever you think is important for your children’s education, please share it below and you will be entered into a prize draw to win a £300 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Terms and conditions apply

We want to protect our children as much as we can - but it's a dog eat dog world after school finishes - yes - exams are important as is happiness, play and family - a good balance of all, and our children will become successful young adults.

As somebody who works in education it came as a complete turnaround to find myself removing my daughter from school for home education. The most important thing is that a child receives an education by any means possible. This can be achieved in a number of ways. For some it's traditional school and for others it might be less traditional such as home schooling. Education is important because it's so much harder to get anywhere in life without decent examination results. The important thing is the route that they take to get there in the end. Also, life is not just all about studying. Children should be rewarded for their efforts.

My daughter has just turned 4 and has started this term. We are currently just happy that she's happy. The rest will follow.

Much as I want my ds to fulfil his academic potential, as pps have said, my top priority is that he is happy at school.
It's much more important to me that he grows up a balanced and kind person than that he always gets straight As.

I want my children to be happy and to want to learn. But I also want them to experience school life and to understand that all people have worth and that no one is inherently better or worse than them.

Simple- a good education is one where my DC are happy to go to school each morning.

I think there is too much focus on exams etc at primary and that learning through play can be very effective. If something is made interesting to the children it will lodge in their memories far better than facts being droned at them all day long!

Lots of opportunities to learn how to fail without giving up.
Life isn't fair or easy and I really think that all children need to be prepared to handle set backs. A supportive school that challenges a child and builds confidence would matter more than results.

Happiness! If your Child is going to school looking forward to their day then this is half the battle. I want all of my Children to do well but I want them to enjoy school!!

Schools should be working to instil a love of learning for its own sake- not just for tests.

Young people these days are going to have to constantly re-educate themselves to stay ahead in a fast-moving world - so this would put them in a great position.

That they have the chance to study what they love. That ,with the support of the school as well as the parents, they achieve their very best without suffering a lot of mental stress and that they enjoy the learning experience and come out of education not only literate but compassionate, well rounded human beings.

suport for each child, whether academically or through the arts or sports.

Recognition of individual skills and failings

For me, the most important parts are the social skills they learn at school, alongside the basic maths and english skills. I don't think it is necessary to learn a lot of what they do at school unless they are doing a specialist subject for career purposes, I think it would be valuable to teach them money management, how to run a home, how to decorate/change a plug etc

That they are happy & don't let it get them down too much

I want my children to achieve their maximum potential at school, explore their passions and make friends, be confident and happy.

I think that too many people rely on the OFSTED reports. We have just applied for secondary school for my DS, we were lucky enough to have two schools in our area which are very good and I would be happy for DS to go to either. WE went to the open days, we visited the a schools during the day and in the end... I let DS choose. The most important thing for me is that he is happy and he will thrive.

That they are happy in school and a well rounded education is offered enabling all child to thrive

Strong academic results and a rounded set of opportunities eg sports, arts, music are important to me but most vital is the atmosphere. I want a school to encourage my daughter to have a love of learning and for her to feel happy at school

A school to me should be a place where a child feels safe and happy. They should be free to express themselves even if their ideas and thoughts are different from the ‘norm’. I would like a school that doesn’t solely focus on pushing kids into getting great results in maths and English but also non academic subjects such as sport and art. The curriculum needs to be dragged into this century and teach kids how to survive in a modern world with everyday skills like using a washing machine or how to get car insurance. Ban mobile phones in school and stop telling them to find answers on google and use the library instead!!

Moral education - Doing the right thing and questioning what the right thing is. We hope to show our kids a Christian way of living but know that they will have to come to their own conclusions.

I suppose I’d like my kids to have exposure to more people in different life situations (mixed sex) and also see grandparents/relatives more - so we will try home education. Basic literacy and numeracy as well practical skills like budgeting, swimming and a strong work ethic are also important (more so than gcses as you can always learn facts later in life).

The most important thing for me is that my child is happy. Not stressed, anxious, nervous or lacking confidence. Schools put too much emphasis on results at an early age, this seems to be putting children off education not encouraging a love of learning. There’s enough pressure in comp, primary school should still be fun!

For them to be in a safe and happy environment that natures their curiosity.

Nurtures*

Strong academic teaching whilst looking after the whole child. Offering a variety of opportunities so children can find their strengths, while supporting them in areas of weakness.

That he does far better than what I have done with my education.

I think support you child with education, hobby and other stuff. Happy child learn better:)