Feedback on secondary school selection process

[loulou9999]

Hi all,

Well, like many parents of Year 6 primary school kids, we've survived the trials and tribulations of selecting a decent secondary school place for our 11 year old. God, how stressful was that!!! But thankfully, we managed to get our 2nd place school, so all is well with the world.

Personally, the experience was not one I would wish on any parent (especially those trying to juggle busy full time jobs with visiting schools, attending meetings etc), but I have to say, I found the advice on this site really helpful. So a huge, massive, heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who responded to my posts back in September when I asked for feedback on local schools.

So, having gone through the experience (and having added a few extra grey hairs and lost a few nights sleep), I thought it would be great to put together some useful resources for parents who will shortly be going through the same process. So this is where I need some help. I know what worked for us, but I'd really like to hear from other parents and in particular:

1) What was the most difficult part about choosing a secondary school?

2) How could the process have been easier, and less stressful?

3) How did you go about finding the right school? e.g. How much time did you spend attending school meetings, reading OFSTED reports/prospectuses, visiting schools, speaking to other parents? In other words, what worked best for you?

4) Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?

5) What single piece of advise would you give to another parent going through the same process?

6) If you could have had more support/information at the time, what would it be/in what form would it come?

Any feedback gratefully appreciated.

Regards

LouLou