How to Choose Primary School: A Complete Guide for Parents

Choosing a primary school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. With so many factors to consider and limited time to decide, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process with confidence and choose a school where your child will thrive.

Start with Your Priorities

Before you begin visiting schools, take time to identify what matters most to your family. Every parent has different priorities, and there's no single "best" school that suits everyone.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

How important is proximity to home? Will your child walk, or are you happy with a longer journey?
Do you prefer a large school with more facilities or a smaller school with a family feel?
Are faith-based values important to your family?
Does your child have specific learning needs that require specialist support?
What extracurricular activities matter to you (sports, music, arts)?
How important are academic results versus overall development?

Write down your top five priorities. This list will become your compass when comparing schools, especially if you're torn between options.

Understanding School Types

The UK has several types of primary schools, and understanding the differences helps you make informed choices.

Community Schools

Run by the local council, these schools follow the national curriculum and have non-religious admissions policies. They're usually the most accessible option and prioritize children living nearby.

Academy Schools

Funded directly by government but run independently. They have more freedom over curriculum and term dates. Many academies are part of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) that run multiple schools.

Faith Schools

Can be Church of England, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, or other denominations. They often prioritize children of that faith in admissions but may accept children of all backgrounds. They incorporate religious education and observance into school life.

Free Schools

Set up by parents, teachers, or community groups. They're academies but often have a specific educational philosophy or approach.

Each type can be excellent. Focus on the individual school rather than the category.

What to Look for During School Visits

Visiting schools is essential. No amount of online research can replace seeing a school in action. Most schools hold open days in the autumn term before application deadlines, but you can also request individual tours.

Atmosphere and Environment

Pay attention to how the school feels. Do children seem happy and engaged? Are they confident talking to visitors? Is the atmosphere calm and purposeful, or chaotic?

Walk through corridors between lessons. Notice the displays on walls (are they celebrating children's work?), how staff interact with pupils, and whether older children help younger ones.

Teaching and Learning

If possible, observe a lesson. Look for:

Children actively participating rather than passive listening
A mix of teaching styles (group work, independent tasks, whole-class teaching)
Teachers who seem enthusiastic and engaging
Children who ask questions and aren't afraid to make mistakes
Good behavior management without excessive strictness

Facilities and Resources

Check the basics: classrooms, library, playground, sports facilities, and dining areas. While shiny new buildings are nice, they're not essential. More important is whether spaces are well-maintained, safe, and equipped with appropriate resources.

For specialist areas:

Is there a dedicated library with a good range of books?
Are ICT resources modern and accessible to all year groups?
Does the playground have equipment and space for active play?
Are there quiet areas for children who need calm time?
Is there a dedicated space for creative subjects like art and music?

The Headteacher

The headteacher sets the tone for the entire school. During open days, listen to their welcome talk. Do they focus on test scores and rankings, or on developing the whole child? Do they know children's names? Can they articulate a clear vision for the school?

Essential Questions to Ask

Come prepared with questions. Here are the most important ones:

About Learning:

What is your approach to reading? (Phonics scheme, reading scheme, home reading expectations)
How do you support children who need extra help?
How do you challenge high-achieving children?
What homework do you set, and from which year group?
How do you teach phonics and early maths?

About Wellbeing:

How do you handle bullying?
What pastoral support is available?
How do you help children settle in Reception?
What's your approach to behavior management?
Do you have a school counselor or nurture provision?

About Practical Matters:

What are your start and finish times?
Do you offer breakfast club and after-school care?
What's your uniform policy and cost?
How do you communicate with parents?
What's your policy on absences and holidays?
How many classes per year group? What are current class sizes?

About Special Educational Needs:

What SEN support do you offer?
Do you have a specialist resource base?
How experienced is your SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)?
Can you give examples of how you've supported children with specific needs?

Don't worry about seeming demanding. Good schools welcome engaged parents who ask thoughtful questions.

Checking School Performance Data

While data shouldn't be your only consideration, it provides useful context.

Ofsted Reports

Available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk, these inspection reports assess schools on quality of education, behavior, personal development, and leadership. Pay attention to:

The date of the last inspection (older reports may not reflect current reality)
Specific comments rather than just the overall grade
Trends over time if there are multiple reports

Remember that "Good" schools can be outstanding, and "Outstanding" schools may rest on their laurels. The narrative matters more than the grade.

SATs Results

Year 2 and Year 6 SATs results are published in performance tables. However, these are just snapshots and don't show:

Progress children make (though Progress scores attempt this)
How happy children are
The breadth of education beyond tested subjects
Individual circumstances (schools with high deprivation often do remarkable work not reflected in raw scores)

Use results as one data point, not the deciding factor.

Attendance Figures

High attendance usually indicates that children enjoy school and families are engaged. Low attendance can signal problems, though some schools serve communities with specific challenges.

Trust Your Instincts

After all the research, data analysis, and visits, your gut feeling matters. Ask yourself:

Can I imagine my child here?
Does this feel like a place where they'll be happy?
Do I trust the staff to care for my child?
Does the school's approach align with our family values?

If something feels off during a visit, even if you can't articulate why, that's worth paying attention to. Similarly, if a school feels immediately right despite not ticking every box, that's valuable information.

Considering Catchment Areas and Realistic Chances

Your dream school doesn't matter if you have no chance of getting a place. Before setting your heart on a school, check previous years' admission data.

Most councils publish:

The furthest distance offered for each school
Number of applications versus places
How many got each preference

If a school typically fills with siblings and children within 400 meters, and you live 2 kilometers away, it's unlikely you'll get in. By all means include it as one preference, but ensure your other choices are realistic.

Admissions Criteria Usually Prioritize:

1. Looked-after children and previously looked-after children 2. Children with exceptional medical or social needs (with evidence) 3. Siblings already at the school 4. Distance from school (straight-line or walking distance) 5. Faith criteria (for faith schools)

Understanding this helps you assess your chances realistically.

Making the Final Decision

You can list up to three preferences on your application (some councils allow more). Strategy matters here.

First Preference: Your genuine first choice, even if it's a long shot. You lose nothing by trying.

Second Preference: A school you'd be happy with that you have a realistic chance of getting.

Third Preference: Your safety option, typically your catchment school where you're almost certain to get a place.

Never list schools in order of likelihood. The system is "equal preference," meaning your first preference gets considered first, but if you don't qualify, your second gets equal consideration as if it were a first choice.

Don't:

Leave preferences blank thinking it improves your chances elsewhere
Only list one school
List the same school multiple times
Assume you'll automatically get your catchment school

Do:

Use all your preferences
Include at least one school where you're confident of a place
Check each school's specific admissions criteria
Submit before the deadline

What If Your Child Has Special Needs?

If your child has special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), additional factors come into play.

Key Considerations:

Does the school have experience with your child's specific needs?
What specialist staff and resources are available?
Is the building accessible if your child has physical disabilities?
How does the school approach inclusion?
Can you speak to the SENCo before applying?

For children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the process differs. The EHCP names the school, and you'll discuss options as part of the annual review process before transition.

For children receiving SEN Support without an EHCP, the standard admissions process applies, but you should discuss your child's needs with prospective schools before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing Based Solely on Convenience

While proximity matters, the closest school may not be the best fit. If another school better suits your child's needs and you can manage the journey, it's worth considering.

Following the Crowd

Just because all your friends are applying somewhere doesn't mean it's right for your family. Every child is different.

Overlooking Your Catchment School

The school on your doorstep might surprise you. Visit with an open mind before dismissing it.

Focusing Only on Test Results

Academic achievement is one measure, but creativity, emotional development, physical activity, and social skills matter too. The "best" school on paper might not suit your child.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

School visits book up quickly. Start researching in September for a January deadline. This gives you time to visit multiple schools and make considered decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start looking at schools?

Begin researching in September of the year before your child starts, with a January deadline for September entry. Visit schools between October and December when they hold open days.

How many schools should I visit?

Aim for at least three to five schools. This gives you a basis for comparison and helps clarify what matters most to you.

Can I apply to schools outside my local authority?

Yes, you can apply to any school in England through your home local authority's application. However, you'll be subject to that school's admissions criteria, which usually prioritize local children.

What if I don't get any of my preferences?

The local authority will allocate you a place at the nearest school with availability. You can accept this while appealing for your preferred schools or joining waiting lists.

Should I move house to get into a better school?

This is a personal decision with significant implications. Many families do move, but consider:

Uprooting can be stressful for children
Catchment areas can change
Financial costs and practicalities
Whether your current options are genuinely unsuitable or just not your first choice

Do I need to put my catchment school as first preference?

No. Preferences are equal, so you won't improve your chances by putting it first. However, always include it as one preference if you want to secure a place there.

How much does Ofsted rating matter?

Ofsted provides useful oversight, but it's just one factor. A "Good" school with an ethos that matches your values may be better for your child than an "Outstanding" school that doesn't. Always visit and judge for yourself.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a primary school is significant, but remember that most children thrive in most schools. What matters most is that your child feels safe, supported, and happy. Teachers make the biggest difference, and these change from year to year regardless of which school you choose.

Trust yourself, do your research, visit schools, and listen to your child if they're old enough to have an opinion. Most importantly, whatever decision you make, support it positively. Your attitude toward school will shape your child's attitude, so even if it wasn't your first choice, approach it enthusiastically.

The right school isn't necessarily the one with the best Ofsted rating or the longest list of facilities. It's the one where your child will flourish as an individual, develop a love of learning, and build confidence to take on whatever comes next.

Good luck with your decision, and remember: you know your child better than anyone else. Trust that knowledge, and you'll make the right choice for your family.