What do you look for in a school when moving out of london ?

[Jwillcox]

Hi all , hope this is ok to post!

I moved from dulwich a little while ago to hampshire, my daughter was in nursery and i wanted to find a wonderful school she could grow with, and experience the outdoors more at.Im helping my daughters school on feedback on what families look for in schools when they are thinking of moving from london, i would really appreciate any insight.

For me it was;

Smaller class sizes

More outdoor space, resources and learning

One school from reception to senior

Greater choice in sporting and extra curricular activities.

Would love your input from one dulwich parent to another x

[DuncanW]

Although you may have found it with the school your kids attend, is it true that schools outside of London have smaller class sizes?

I'm sure schools in a suburban or rural setting have more outdoor space, but what do you mean by resources and learning?

What benefit do you perceive to gain from staying in the same school with the same cohort for 14 years?

Outdoor space is needed for many sports, but most of the schools round here do have extensive and varied sporting and PE programmes. And most of the schools with limited space on premise do have access to playing fields nearby.

London schools outperform national averages on all of the following:

% of pupils achieving 5 or more A-C grades at GCSE (old money)

Fewer schools falling below the floor standard or rated Needing Improvement or Inadequate by Ofsted

Pupils on free school meals perform better

The schools local to East Dulwich tend to further outperform London averages and there are currently no schools in any part of Dulwich that fall below Ofsted's Good rating.

So we will be staying here for the forseeable - there's my input.

[ryeme]

Agree with Duncan W

I dont think there is any difference in what parents look for in prospective schools whether they are in or out of the city, i.e. somewhere their children will thrive academically and socially.

The main incentive for moving out of the city is really down to the parents own social and economic aspirations. Schools may be used as a justification, but all the things you mention are possible in city schools too.

[Pugwash]

Daughter living in West Sussex with children now 5 and 7 years. Found when eldest was reception age that there were only 2 primary schools in area. One within walking distance only catered for 4- 7 year old, the other school - 30 minutes walk away, no public transport but 10 minute car drive did 4- 11 years. Large outside area for play/sports. Class sizes under 30 children. Was able to secure a place for eldest which meant that the younger one automatically was accepted.

Only disadvantage was that as my daughter is a teacher in a specialist unit for teenagers some 10 miles plus away, needed to have before and after school care and there were only 2 child minders serving this school. Her current childminder is ceasing in July as her own child will be going to secondary school. Daughter is hoping that she qualifies for a pre school and after school play scheme .

Secondary schools - some areas operate a middle school system - 11- 14, and senior school 14-18 years, and could be on different sites.