Choosing a new school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for their future. Whether you’re starting out in Reception and looking for a primary school place, just beginning to explore independent education, or seeking a stronger academic pathway for GCSEs, A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), it’s essential to look beyond league tables and prospectuses, and to get a real feel for how a school will support and nurture your child as an individual.
If you’re currently researching independent schools in Wales for nursery, primary or secondary phases, or considering a Sixth Form in the Cardiff area, here are the Top 10 Things to Consider when Choosing a New School.
1. Academic Results Matter
Of course they do. Ultimately, we all want our children to have a solid academic foundation at school. But it’s not just about the end results – it’s about how a school achieves them.
Look beyond marketing headlines and ask for specifics:
- GCSE, A Level and IB outcomes
- University destinations
- Subject strengths (STEM, business, humanities)
- Teaching quality and classroom provision
- Use of innovation to support learning
- A “supercurriculum” developing key future-ready skills
- Other non-curricular achievements, like global opportunities and access to business connections for real-world learning
- Student growth stories
➜ Westbourne is consistently ranked among the top independent schools in the UK for academic results, offering both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Sixth Form — offering students flexibility and global recognition. Beyond standard curricula, we offer enhanced opportunities for students to grow their knowledge, skills and confidence in preparation for success in leading industries.
2. Curriculum Choice: GCSE, A Levels, IB?
Different schools run different academic pathways. For many families, this can be the deciding factor.
If your child is academically ambitious, undecided on future degree choices, or considering international universities, having access to both A Levels and the IB Diploma provides valuable flexibility whilst they work out their Sixth Form pathway after GCSEs. The IB offers a broader selection of subjects that can help keep their options open for longer.
The best schools will work with your child individually to support them in understanding their options and how each pathway plays to their academic strengths, interests and future ambitions.
➜ Westbourne is one of the few schools in Wales offering this dual pathway, making us a leading choice for Sixth Form students in Cardiff and South Wales. Not sure of the differences between the IB and A-Level? Skip across to our other blog!
3. How personalised is the support?
Class sizes are really important, allowing your child to develop their individual voice and interests. Students often thrive in a school that offers consistent guidance, individualised support and strong, respectful relationships with teachers.
Parents often say they want “smaller classes,” but what they usually mean is more support, more feedback, and easier access to teachers.
Smaller classes allow:
- Personalised support
- Stronger teacher-student relationships
- Better academic progress, tailored to the individual
- Targeted university preparation
Ask:
- Are staff visible and accessible outside class time?
- How do they identify students who need extra help or additional stretch early?
- How frequently do teachers interact with students outside timetabled lessons (for example, clinics, office hours, mentoring)?
➜ At Westbourne, we keep our classes deliberately small across the whole school, with an average class size of only 15 pupils. This means that every child is supported in a highly personalised way – with concerns quickly recognised and addressed, and their personal strengths and talents nurtured at every step.
