Deciding which school is best for you

Where can I find out more about which secondary school would be best for my child?

  • In the Information on School Admissions and Transfers booklet that will be given to your child at school in the September they start year 6.
  • Attend any open evenings or open days held by the secondary schools.
  • This will give your child a feel of what the school is like.
  • Obtain a prospectus that will tell you more about the school.
  • Speak to other parents who may have a child already attending the school.
  • Read the OFSTED report. This can also be asked for at the school of interest.
  • Look at the schools exam results that will be published in the prospectus. Alternatively you could view the DfE Performance tables
  • The Choice Adviser will be able to give you some information on the secondary schools. 

Can I choose any school?

When we talk about choice, we really mean preference as it is not as simple as choosing any school. The school will only be able to offer your child a school place if the child's situation meets their specific admissions criteria. To find out more you could contact the Choice Adviser or look in the school admissions booklet to see how your child might fit the criteria for your preferred school. 

Can I apply for a school that is not in Stoke-on-Trent?

Yes you can but as a Stoke-on-Trent resident you must complete a Stoke-on-Trent application form. On that form you can put any three schools as preferences even if one or more are outside the authority. Further information about schools outside of Stoke-on-Trent can be obtained from the relevant local authority.

Should I visit any of the secondary schools?

We would always recommend that children and parents visit any schools of interest to get a better feel of the school. All of the schools hold open days or open evenings. See the Admissions booklet which lists all of the dates for the schools' open evenings.

What questions should I ask at the open evening?

Some questions that you may like to ask will be answered during the talk and tour of the school or included in the prospectus.  It may help you to have a list of questions prepared.  Your list could include:

  • Do the staff and pupils look happy?
  • What are the school's specialisms?
  • What activities are available outside school hours?
  • How does the school deal with bullying/poor discipline/absence?
  • How does school communicate with home?
  • How can parents get involved in school life?
  • How does the school help parents to help their child with homework?
  • How will my child get to and from school?
  • Does the school offer the range of GCSE and vocational courses that would meet my child's needs/strengths?
  • How well does my child fit the admissions criteria?

  • Is there a supplementary form to complete?

What if I cannot attend the open evening?

We would advise parents to approach the school directly. Some schools offer alternative open evenings or open days or will invite you to look around the school during the school day on an individual basis.

What should I do if my child has Special Educational Needs?

If your child has special educational or additional needs and you would like advice about what to consider when applying for a secondary school place, please contact the Choice Advisory Service. They can advise you and also put you in contact with the Parent Partnership Service if you need any further support.