Plus boarding at state school and tips for A level parents No images? Click here Dear subscriber It's open day season once again and if you’re getting stuck into a school search this spring you probably already have a list of criteria, but have you thought about whether to include a school’s eco credentials? From improving employment prospects to keeping fee inflation in check, there are many reasons to delve into the green policies of your prospective schools. We outline these in our thought-provoking new article focusing on net-zero and sustainability in schools. At the other end of the educational journey, if your child is coming to the end of their time at school, chances are you’re facing the start of A level examinations in the coming weeks. The high stakes bring heaps of pressure to students and their families – check out our nine essential tips for parents supporting a young person during exam season. Annual school fee increases (not to mention the threat of Labour's tax changes) are enough to make one think that boarding is out of the question for all but the wealthiest of families. But did you know about the option to board at a state school? It is one of the best kept secrets in the UK; tuition fees are covered by the government, and parents only paying for bed and board. A coveted boarding school experience can be achieved at a fraction of the normal cost. Check out our article on state boarding schools to find out more about this select group of schools. And if boarding is on your agenda, you’ll probably find yourself asking the question: weekly, flexi or full? We lift the lid on the pros and cons of each to help you make the best decision for your family. If we've piqued your interest on the subject of boarding, you can't do better than to pre-order the 5th edition of Boarding Schools from The Good Schools Guide - all 350 of our boarding school reviews in one book, plus advice and guidance to help you make the right decision. This month we bring you our parents’ guide to Devon, in many ways, the dream location. Our guide to this beautiful, well connected county covers everything parents with children of all ages need to know, from the best local nurseries to primary schools, preps and independent and state secondaries, even local tutors. If you, or someone you know, lives in Devon or is thinking of moving there, it’s essential reading. If you’re a first-time parent seeking a place at pre-prep or if your looking for an independent senior school or sixth form, join us at The Independent Schools Show Summer Fair on 21 May 2024. Our expert consultants will be taking to the stage to discuss the options available to families in the private sector and we'll also be on hand to talk face to face at The Good Schools Guide stand. Our consultants specialise in anything from SEND to schools for pupils with specific talents and we love answering questions and solving your educational dilemmas. Tickets are available here. If you would like to find our more about our consultancy services contact advice@goodschoolsguide.co.uk. Wishing you a very happy summer term. The Good Schools Guide team Should you care how 'green' a school is when weighing up where to educate your children? The current generation of school children is bursting with young activists but how are schools nurturing their understanding of environmental issues and developing ethos and curricula to further their opportunities? We explore sustainability in schools. State boarding school - what, where and how much?The UK's state boarding schools are some of the country's best-kept educational secrets. There are more than thirty of them with some offering much of what can be found at a traditional independent boarding school but without the wallet-busting fees. We break down the key talking points on state boarding and list all UK state schools currently offering the option to board. Join us at The Independent Schools Show Summer Fair, back at The Hurlingham Club in London on Tuesday 21st May. The complete guide to 11+ and 13+ independent school options for London parents, who are preparing their child for entry to senior schools.
If you are thinking about senior schools, make sure you visit this year's Summer Fair to help you plan your child's future. Get your free advance tickets now. If you've got a child who's soon to sit their A levels you will know that revision, study leave and the looming exams create a unique atmosphere at home. Can parents help along the way? Boarding in the 21st century takes many different shapes and sizes. From staying for weeks on end to an occasional overnight treat. What type would suit your child? The Good Schools Guide surveys the best schools in Devon, as well as tutors, boarding and nurseries in the county. Now in its fifth edition, Boarding Schools from The Good Schools Guide contains more than 350 of The Good Schools Guide’s highly informative and famously frank reviews. Every single school has been visited by our writers; we check out everything from dorms to food and weekend activities. We also speak to parents and, most important of all, pupils. The guide is packed with maps, reviews, articles and colour photographs. Whether parents are interested in big names, local treasures, state boarding schools or country preps, this is their unbiased guide to all that’s best in British boarding. Pre-order your copy now.
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