We often ask here what are the best local schools in a given area, or where we should send our child to get the best education. Of course, we really do not know the answer to this question and do not distribute bad advice! We also try to offer advice on an individual basis, because choosing a school is a personal matter. We can, as always (!), Help a little. We wanted to tell you what we can do about the best local schools in any particular area. What makes them the best, how you know that they are the best, and how they remain the best local schools.
Anatomy of a good school
The best local schools tend to have good OFSTED results, scoring either 1 or 2 overall, and at least one outstanding in 4 subcategories. But this does not mean the true picture. As we talked in our blog about how to read an OFSTED report, it is also important to look at the previous OFSTED result, not just the most recent. Checks are usually done every 3 years, so you can get a picture of how the school progressed over time. The best local schools either support good or outstanding points, or show improvements from category 3 to category 1 or 2.
The best local schools will also usually have the best amenities. We have already talked about this in more detail earlier, but it is a fair assumption that the better the facilities, the better the school. You see it when you go to school on open days. Familiarize yourself with science laboratories, catering and sports facilities. Consider transport links and age of buildings. The best local schools will look aesthetically beautiful. A word of warning, though - don't forget, the new assembly academy will always look sparkling - you need to go a little deeper to see how good it is - it could be a new academy, because it was a bad secondary school earlier!
Maintain reputation
So, today the school looks good, and it has a good reputation and good OFSTED results. However, does your child go to school for the next 5 years, since the best local schools maintain their reputation as the best? Well, in each school, as mentioned earlier, OFSTED inspections are carried out regularly, which encourage them to maintain a quality level in the school. Senior management takes full responsibility for the failures of the school and therefore has a great incentive (along with professional pride) to maintain its status and be among the best local schools.
The best schools also attract the best people. They attract the best teachers, and in many cases the best students. If top management continued to sell the school well and maintain standards in the school, the school itself would flourish. Choosing the best local schools in the first place ensures that your child is in the best possible place for the long term.
