Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision — and often involves visiting several schools, either in-person or virtually. With so much information to process, it’s easy to lose track of the details. That’s where a comparison tool or worksheet becomes invaluable.
This guide offers practical advice and a downloadable-style school comparison chart to help parents organise their thoughts, evaluate key factors, and make a confident, well-informed choice.
Why Use a Comparison Tool?
Whether you’re evaluating UK boarding schools, day schools, prep schools or sixth form colleges, a structured approach helps you:
- Keep track of facts, impressions, and key differences
- Involve your child in the decision-making process
- Avoid information overload after multiple visits
- Clarify which schools align best with your family’s values and goals
What Should You Compare?
Here are the most important aspects to assess and compare across schools:
- First Impressions
- Academic Strength & Exam Results
- Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
- School Culture & Ethos
- Class Sizes / Teacher Ratios
- Boarding vs. Day Options
- Facilities & Grounds
- Extracurricular Activities
- University or Next-Step Destinations
- Location, Transport Links, or Accessibility
- Fees, Scholarships, & Bursaries
- Support for International Students (if relevant)
School Comparison Chart (Template)
| Criteria | School A | School B | School C |
| Name of school | |||
| Date of visit | |||
| First imprression | |||
| Academic reputation | |||
| Class sizes/teaching style | |||
| Pastoral Support / Wellbeing | |||
| School Values / Ethos | |||
|
Extracurricular Opportunities |
|||
|
Boarding or Day Facilities |
Tips for Using the Chart Effectively
- Use a scoring system (e.g., 1–5) or descriptive notes to compare.
- Highlight deal-breakers or key priorities for your family.
- Consider creating a version specifically for your child to fill in, especially if they’re older and more involved in the decision.
- After visiting all schools, sit down together to review and narrow your list.
- This can also help clarify which school to apply for first, especially if multiple schools have competitive entry processes.
A school that looks ideal on paper may not feel right in person — and vice versa. That’s why combining emotional impressions with a structured comparison is the best approach.
By using a tool like this, you move beyond glossy brochures and guided tours, and focus on what really matters: finding the right fit for your child’s academic, emotional, and social development.