School teachers
23 May 2025
By Bernard Andrews, teacher of Ethics and Philosophy
After more than twenty years teaching in a wide range of schools, and holding a doctorate in the philosophy of education, I think I have a solid grasp of what makes a good school. But thinking about that same question from the point of view of a parent is quite a different experience. It is not just a theoretical experience—you’re imagining leaving your child in the hands of relative strangers, to be cared for, to grow, be influenced and challenged.
So, what should parents really look out for when choosing a school?
1. Safety First
The most important aspect to consider is safety: will your child be safe in this school? At a base level, one needs to be confident that the school complies with all the legal safeguarding requirements. Any member of staff at the school should know who the designated safeguarding leads are and be able to walk you through how the school’s safeguarding policies work in practice.
But legal compliance is only the beginning. As you walk around the school, try to get a feel for the atmosphere. Are the children relaxed and happy? Is behaviour calm and well-managed?
2. Values That Align
The second aspect to consider is the values of the school. Do the school’s values align with your own? The values of most people are pretty similar, but you want to make sure that you are comfortable with the school’s values and you won’t end up clashing further down the line.
During your visit, ask yourself two questions: What values does the school claim to hold? And what values are actually evident in the way staff and students behave? Are students treated with dignity? Do teachers speak with enthusiasm about their work?
Also, consider how open the school is to criticism. No school is perfect, but is the leadership confident and reflective—or defensive and dismissive?
3. The Right Expertise
It is the teachers who will be caring for and teaching your children every day, so make sure they possess the appropriate expertise. While teacher shortages are a global issue and it’s not unusual for a school to have a few unfilled roles, most classes should be taught by qualified, experienced professionals with subject or age-specific training.
And you can dig a little deeper. Do the teachers hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees in their subjects? Are there any teachers with doctorates? How does the school encourage staff to continue their professional development? Ideally the staff should be made up of a mix of younger and more experienced members.
One insider tip: ask how many teachers serve as exam markers for the exam boards. In the profession, this is widely regarded as some of the best subject-specific training a teacher can get.
Of course, it’s worth looking at exam results, but bear in mind the context of those results. A highly academically selective school should be getting near to 100%, but it’s reasonable for a school with a more inclusive approach to have slightly lower results.
Ask where students go after graduation—university, apprenticeships, the workplace—and how well prepared they are for that next step.
4. Staff Wellbeing Matters
With very few exceptions, most teachers I have met want the best for their students and will work hard to support them. However, we are only human and have a limited amount of slack. Teachers who feel supported and valued have more energy, time, and patience to give to their students. Burnt-out staff, however well-intentioned, simply can't offer the same level of care. When you visit, look for signs of a healthy, respectful working environment. Do the staff seem relaxed? Do they speak positively about their work?
5. A Partnership Built on Trust
Finally, don’t fall into the trap of treating the school like a sweet shop. It’s not about ticking off every item on your personal wish list. A good school will sometimes challenge your expectations—and that’s a good thing. You're not just looking for agreement; you’re looking for a dialogue built on professionalism, expertise, and trust.
6. The Right School for Your Child
Schools cannot be all things to all people. Every child is unique, with their own personality, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Make sure that the school is the right one for your child.
In the end, you're not just choosing a school—you're choosing a community to entrust with your child’s development.
The best school for your child is the one that sees your child clearly and has the knowledge, structure, resources, and care to help them thrive.
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