Laura Bursey Faulkner, Rugby School’s Director of Admissions, has been featured in Independent School Parent Online, offering expert advice on navigating the complex process of choosing the right independent school. Drawing from her extensive experience in the field, Laura breaks down the key factors families should consider when making this important decision.

In her article, Laura emphasizes starting with your "non-negotiables"—the aspects of school life that are essential for each family, such as whether the school is single-sex or co-ed, day or boarding, and the size of the institution.

Location is another important factor, particularly for day schools, where accessibility is crucial. For boarding schools, she recommends thinking about the school's environment—whether it's set in a bustling town or the tranquility of the countryside.

Laura also highlights the importance of looking beyond academics, encouraging families to explore co-curricular opportunities, such as sports, music, community projects and programs like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. She emphasizes that independent schools provide a rich and diverse curriculum, and suggests reviewing exam results, teacher-student ratios, and support systems for Special Educational Needs.

At the heart of her guidance is a focus on pastoral care, ensuring that the staff genuinely care for the wellbeing and happiness of every student. Laura concludes by reminding families that the goal isn’t to find the “perfect” school, but to discover the right fit for their child. 'If it feels right, it probably is – listen to your gut.'

Laura’s article is a must-read for any family embarking on the journey of selecting an independent school. The full piece can be found here on Independent School Parent Online.