Choosing a Prep School can be a bewildering task. Alastair Speers, Headmaster of Sandroyd School, explains the steps you should take to ease the process
Spring is always an interesting time for school admissions. Decisions need to be made, places are allocated and September feels closer than it actually is. Parents tend to fall into two categories: those researching and considering what to do in a year?s time, and those looking to firm up their decisions for this academic year.
If you are at the start of your journey and looking at what?s out there, it can seem somewhat bewildering. But ultimately, I would say there are four factors to consider when trying to establish whether an independent school is of benefit to your child.
What?s on offer" Generally speaking, Prep Schools offer educational breadth both in and outside of the classroom (in sports, the arts and activities), combined with small class sizes, exceptional teachers and an incredibly well resourced environment. 
The main reason to choose an independent Prep School is the outstanding preparation they provide for Senior School and beyond. This preparation is not just academic, but provides children with a whole raft of skills that will equip them for a world that is ever-changing.
Above, the most important thing to consider is whether your child is comfortable in that environment
Developing emotional intelligence, embedding good learning habits and learning a growth mindset can, and should be, established as...