What to Consider When Choosing a Boarding School
Finding the right boarding school for your child means they'll benefit from an educational experience they'll cherish forever. When choosing a boarding school, lots of factors can influence your decision. Here are some that you may want to consider.
Boarding Terms
Would you like your child to board throughout the week? Or would you prefer for them to return home at the weekend? Both options come with their benefits. Boarding throughout the week gives you a broader range of schools to choose from, as location is no longer an issue. If you choose for your child to return home at the weekend you should find that the cost of boarding is less than when you place them into the school full time.
Talents and Strengths
Does your child have talents and strengths in certain areas? Whether it's languages, sports, or something else, it's worth focusing on a boarding school that has a reputation for helping such talents blossom. In addition to making it easier for your child to grow their talent, such schools may have links with professional organisations that will help them develop their career. As a result, your child will have an easier time flourishing in an area that plays to their strengths.
Pastoral Care
Many children thoroughly love the time they spend away from home. But in order to ensure this happens, you need to find a school that offers excellent pastoral care. Examine the reviews each school has from relevant organisations and investigate amongst your fellow parents. With a few insights, you'll have a better idea as to which school is most likely to care for your child's pastoral needs.
Extra Activities
Many boarding schools offer a plethora of extra activities that your child can engage in. In addition to making their time there fun, such activities can help them develop. Ask the schools you're looking at to send a timetable of the trips they organise each year, sporting events, and cultural plans such as plays. You may also want to look into sports clubs and societies and see how your child feels about what they're offering.
Your Child's Wishes
While looking at schools it's always a good idea to keep your child's wishes in mind. Are they likely to enjoy the facilities that the school offers? Would they feel more comfortable with a smaller student population? Does the school support the religion you raised them in? By considering your child's wishes throughout the selection process, you make it more likely that they'll enjoy their time there.