Choosing a boarding school

School Policies and Values

Do the school’s values fit with those of my family?
Am I happy with the size of the school and its boarding and class numbers?
Does the school offer counselling and support services to students?
Does the school’s religious affiliation match my family’s beliefs?
Does the school have an anti-bullying policy or other programs to ensure the safety of my child?
Does the school have a policy on accessing social media?
Does the school have student leaders and student bodies to build morale and encourage leadership skills?
Am I satisfied with the school’s disciplinary code?
Am I satisfied that this school has structures and policies in place to provide a caring and nurturing environment for my child?

Does the curriculum offer everything my child wants to pursue (incl. specific languages, for example)?
Does the streaming or grading of classes suit my child’s academic needs?
Will the technology available meet my expectations?
Am I happy with the assessment and reporting processes?
Is there a career advisory service at the school that will help my child make informed decisions?
Would this school challenge and extend my child?

Does the school cater for my child’s preferred extra-curricular activities (incl. sport and music)?
Is there an extensive range of summer and winter sporting activities to choose from?
Would I be happy with the travel and supervision arrangements for weekend sporting commitments?
If my child’s preferred activity is not catered for, can he or she pursue that activity outside the school? How will the logistics be worked out?
Am I aware of the additional charges associated with any extra-curricular activities?

Is the school close to public transport for sporting activities and other outings?
Is the school easy for us to visit as a family or for family and friends who may take my child out for the weekend?
Proximity to sibling’s school for ease of weekend visits?
Are there other facilities close by that the school uses for after school and weekend outings?

Am I satisfied with the way the school communicates with students and parents?
Am I satisfied with the way the boarding house communicates with students and parents?
Would I be comfortable with the regularity of contact with my child?
Can my child have access to a mobile phone so that we can contact each other?
Are there suitable opportunities for me to be involved in the school as a parent?

Will my child be comfortable in the school’s boarding facilities?
Is the level of supervision in keeping with my expectations?
Are there enough support services to meet my child’s needs, including tutors, medical care, counsellors, etc?
If my child has a problem or concern, am I satisfied that there would be somebody approachable for them to talk to?
Is there access to technology, including computers and the internet, in the boarding houses?
Am I comfortable with the way access to the internet is monitored in the boarding houses?
Will the homework/study policy and supervision during that time meet my child’s needs?
Am I comfortable with the weekend leave arrangements?
Are there adequate recreation programs on weekends and after school?
Do I understand and agree with the pocket money policy?
Will my child’s dietary requirements be met by the catering arrangements for boarders?
Is there a peer support program for new boarders?

Do I have a realistic appreciation of the fees and costs associated with sending my child to this school?
Do I have a good understanding of the additional costs, including uniforms, excursions, text books, etc?
Are there scholarships/bursaries available?
Is there a fee-paying plan?