Choosing A Senior School

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to selecting an independent school, explains Tim Haynes.

- Tim Haynes

Choosing an independent school for your child is possibly one of the biggest decisions a parent will make. Not only is the process daunting due to its significant financial investment, but there are also a huge variety of options available – big schools, small schools, boarding schools, day schools, single sex, co-educational – and this can make matters difficult.

And yet, it is this wide variety of independent schools, all with different strengths and approaches, which allows families to find a school that best matches their needs. By gaining a basic understanding of the sector and by visiting different schools, it becomes much easier for parents to make an informed decision.

At Tonbridge School in Kent, we offer boarding and day places for boys aged 13 to 18. We always endeavour to be honest with the families who visit us and explain that schools like Tonbridge, even with its excellent reputation, won’t suit everyone.

Single-sex education is now relatively rare, but does hold certain advantages – in a digital age where young people are bombarded with messages, the boys are less self-conscious, are comfortable in being true to their interests and more willing to take risks.