Author: schoolcompass

Teacher, school leader and dad. Sharing insider wisdom to help you navigate and thrive in the school system

What type of education do you want for your child? Part One

Why is it worth exploring your educational values? Parents who care about their child’s education, like you, ask me what they should look for when they are choosing schools. As a teacher and school leader for the last 15 years, I can provide a list of things that you should ask, resources to explore and… Continue reading What type of education do you want for your child? Part One

Navigating the Exam System (Part Four)

What is the difference between GCSE and BTEC? Last week, I went to help out at an event for parents in a school. The event was an information session for Year 9 students (age about 14) and their parents. They were being given information about choosing their exam options for the next phase in their… Continue reading Navigating the Exam System (Part Four)

Navigating the Exam System (Part Three)

‘Misconceptions’ I once saw a quote about being a parent. I can’t remember where I saw it, but it went something like this: you probably know more than you think you do. I like this quote. No matter how many books, articles or blogs you read, it is a good idea to go with your… Continue reading Navigating the Exam System (Part Three)

Navigating the Exam System (Part Two)

Common Questions One of the reasons I launched this project was because I know how complex the school system is. As an experienced teacher and school leader, I have more information available to help me to navigate my child’s education.    It doesn’t mean I get it right.    It does mean that I make complex… Continue reading Navigating the Exam System (Part Two)

Navigating the Exam System (Part One)

Part One: Changes to GCSEs Choosing subjects at the age of fourteen (or in some cases, thirteen) is hard – for parents as well as children.   Your child may be emotional as they reach this important milestone in their life. No doubt they are worried about the shake-up in friendship groups as each person… Continue reading Navigating the Exam System (Part One)

Starting to think about Secondary School?

How can I find out about secondary schools? As your child approaches the end of primary, the big decisions about secondary schools can easily be to put to the back of your mind. All too quickly the applications open and it is easy to feel out of control.    It seems like there is both… Continue reading Starting to think about Secondary School?

Why I set up School Compass

How can I get the best education for my child? I know you care deeply about the development and education of your child. I also know you are busy and have lots of other worries, not just school. This can leave you feeling a little bit ‘done to’ rather than ‘done with’ when it comes… Continue reading Why I set up School Compass

Dealing with problems at school

Seven suggestions of things to try from a teacher’s perspective Introduction – ‘The Mysterious Black Box’ When you fill in your school application form for your child there is a nervous couple of months wait as school places are allocated. You fill in the form, you send it off, it enters a metaphorical ‘black box’… Continue reading Dealing with problems at school