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, exploring independent education for the first time, looking for a secondary school or considering Sixth Form, it’s important to look beyond league tables and prospectuses and get a real feel for how a school will support and nurture your child as an individual.
If you’re researching an independent school in Cardiff or South Wales, or considering a UK boarding school for your child, there are plenty of things to think about.
Academic results matter, of course. But they’re only part of the picture.
So, what should parents look for when choosing an independent school?
We’ve put together a list of 10 Top Things to consider when choosing a school for your child.
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 the headline figures and ask for specifics:
- GCSE, A Level and IB results
- University destinations
- Subject strengths, including STEM and Business
- Teaching quality and classroom provision
- How the school supports individual progress
- Opportunities to develop skills beyond the curriculum
- Global and real-world learning opportunities
- How students grow in confidence as well as academically
A strong independent school should be able to explain not just what its students achieve, but how it helps them get there.
➜ At Westbourne, academic achievement is combined with opportunities designed to develop students’ knowledge, confidence and future-ready skills.
2. What academic pathways are available?
Different schools offer different academic pathways, and for many families this can be a deciding factor.
If your child is academically ambitious, undecided about their future degree or considering international universities, having access to different pathways can provide valuable flexibility.
At Sixth Form, for example, A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma offer different approaches to learning. The right choice depends on your child’s academic strengths, interests and future ambitions.
When choosing an independent school, ask:
- Which qualifications does the school offer?
- Are there different pathways at Sixth Form?
- How does the school help students choose between them?
- Where do students go after Sixth Form?
➜ Westbourne offers both A Levels and the IB Diploma at Sixth Form, giving students flexibility as they consider their next steps. 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 can allow for:
- More personalised support
- Stronger teacher-student relationships
- Better academic progress tailored to the individual
- More opportunities to ask questions and contribute
- Targeted university and careers preparation
When visiting a school, ask:
- Are teachers visible and accessible outside class time?
- How are students identified if they need extra help or additional stretch?
- How often do teachers interact with students outside lessons?
- How does the school get to know each child?
➜ At Westbourne, classes are deliberately kept small, with an average class size of around 15 pupils.
For more on this, read why smaller schools can help children thrive.
