The Good Schools Guide carries extensive data analysis on all mainstream English senior schools and independently reviews some of the very best.

The transition from junior school to senior school can be a difficult one, as the style of learning at primary schools (usually a dedicated classroom with one single teacher for each class who really gets to know her children) gives way to the more self-guided and frantic secondary system with specialist subject teachers all in a much larger institution.

The second stage of education

In the UK senior or secondary schooling follows primary or preparatory school (prep school). In the state sector, children move to their secondary school at the age of 11, (except in areas that operate first, middle and high schools, when transfer from middle school to high school will be at 13+). In the independent sector, the move to senior school happens most usually at 11 (particularly for girls) or, traditionally for boys at 13.

The best secondary schools take the trouble to visit their associated junior schools to help prepare the pupils for the transition /transfer, or else run a special transitional regime for new arrivals. Senior school, secondary school and high school mean much the same although senior is more commonly used in the independent sector.
 

Finding the right senior school for your child

How to choose

If all children were homogeneous - and all schools equally good, you wouldn't need to use guides such as this one - but they're not.

Children aren't all the same; at one extreme there are the ultra confident, indestructible bright as a button youngsters, at the other, dependent, delicate flowers who require nurturing and care. In-between there is every conceivable combination - even children who are very bright have very differing needs: different strengths, weaknesses, hobbies, emotions...they're individuals! Fortunately, however you describe your child, whatever their needs and desires, we can help with the process.

If you're undecided whether to opt for the state or the independent sector you might find our article on independent v state school education a great help. Choosing a school isn't easy but this article has lots of useful help and advice.
 

Freedom of choice?

Many parents believe they are free to choose the state secondary school they wish their child to attend. This isn't quite true; they are free to 'express a preference' but asking for something and getting it are not the same thing. So is it worth the stress, hassle, the Church going, tutoring or even house moving to secure a place at a good school? And how do you find out if you 'live in the right location'?

State school catchment areas

State schools must have open and transparent admissions policies. Key admissions criteria is usually proximity to school, having a sibling at the school (religion or faith if a faith school) and any special...