Data is a powerful tool. It helps us make informed decisions and understand patterns in the world around us. But data also has limitations—especially when it only tells part of the story. Sometimes, it can even be misleading.
Let me give you an example. For the past six years, I’ve tracked two personal data points:
The number of books I’ve read (good!).
The number of alcohol-free days I’ve had (very good!).
Here’s what the numbers look like:
2019 – Books: 42 | Drink-free days: 160
2020 – Books: 52 | Drink-free days: 112
2021 – Books: 19 | Drink-free days: 198
2022 – Books: 11 | Drink-free days: 212
2023 – Books: 14 | Drink-free days: 205
2024 – Books: 9 | Drink-free days: 290
Looking at this data alone, you might conclude:
I’ve been reading fewer books each year.
I’ve been drinking less alcohol.
You might even try to make a connection between the two—maybe drinking alcohol helps me read more? Should I start drinking again to boost my reading levels?
Of course, that would be nonsense. What the data doesn’t tell you is that I became a parent in 2021—and then again in 2024.
If you’re a parent, you probably understand exactly what’s happening here. My free time has shrunk. I read less, not because I’ve lost interest, but because life has changed. And I drink less, not because I suddenly became a health fanatic, but because the idea of caring for two young children with a hangover is… unappealing. (That said, I know some parents feel the opposite!)
How Does This Relate to Schools?
Schools also have a limiting factor—time.
Every school has the same number of hours in a day. Some of that time is non-negotiable—playtime, lunch, statutory requirements like taking the register. But with the remaining time, schools make choices. What they prioritise says a lot about what they value.
The problem? As a parent, the main data point you’re given is exam results. That’s like judging my life by my book count and drink-free days—without knowing about my children. It doesn’t tell the full story of what a school is really good at.
What Schools Choose to Prioritise
One of my favorite education thinkers, Yong Zhao, talks about the idea of side effects. Whatever a school chooses to focus on means not focusing on something else.
For example:
A school that prioritises sports and music might dedicate resources to ensuring every child plays an instrument and joins a team. But this might mean less focus on SATs preparation, coding, or foreign languages.
A school focused on academic performance might push hard for top SATs results—but at the expense of school trips, creative subjects, or a broad extracurricular offer.
So, how can you figure out what a school actually values beyond the headline exam data?
How to Find Out What a School Thrives At
1. Visit During an Open Day or Evening
This is by far the best way to get a feel for a school. Primary schools typically run open events before the summer holidays and then again in September, October, and November.
These visits give you a chance to meet the headteacher and other staff. Schools will naturally showcase what they want to be known for—so pay close attention to what they highlight. That will give you clues about what they prioritise.
To make the most of your visit, don’t just observe—ask questions. Look beyond the surface. What’s unsaid? What’s on the walls? What clubs do they mention?
I’ve created a School Visits Guide to help parents make the most of these visits. You can download it here.
2. Arrange a 1:1 Visit
A few years ago, getting a private tour of a school was difficult. But with falling birth rates and school rolls declining, many schools are now eager to attract new families.
If possible, try to arrange a daytime visit to see the school in action. You could also attend community events like the summer fair or Christmas concert (though check before just turning up!).
Again, look beyond what you’re explicitly shown. What’s on display? What achievements are celebrated? What subjects or activities seem to get the most attention?
3. Check the School Website
School websites vary wildly in quality. Some are sleek and regularly updated; others look like they were built in 2006 and abandoned.
Don’t judge a school purely by its website design, but do check what kind of content is there. What do they emphasize? Do they talk a lot about creativity? Sports? Academic achievements?
Remember, though—websites can be outdated. Always verify what you see by visiting.
4. Look at Social Media
Many schools now have an active presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter/X.
Scroll through their posts. What do they celebrate? Is it all about academic results? Do they highlight sports teams, performances, or community projects?
You can also search for the headteacher or senior staff on LinkedIn or Twitter/X. What are they talking about? What educational debates are they engaging in? This can give you insight into their leadership style and priorities.
5. Dig Into the Data (Beyond Exam Results)
At secondary school level, you can explore which subjects students are actually taking.
Visit the government’s school performance site and search for the school. Under ‘secondary’, scroll down to ‘subjects entered at Key Stage 4.’
How many students take Art, Drama, or Music?
Is there a strong uptake in Languages or Technology?
Are most students steered towards academic subjects, or is there a balance?
This doesn’t tell you everything, but it can hint at what the school prioritises.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a school isn’t just about data. Exam results only tell part of the story.
A school’s values are revealed in what it dedicates time and resources to—whether that’s the arts, sports, academic excellence, or something else entirely.
By visiting, asking the right questions, and exploring beyond the numbers, you can get a real sense of what a school thrives at—and whether it’s the right fit for your child.
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