Thursday 29 December 2016

Are You a Great Parent, or Are You Over-parenting?

Stop losing sleep over which of Annie’s talents you should “explore” Are You a Great Parent, or Are You Over-parenting?  I've broken it down into 5 simple steps, download your free cheat sheet guide into getting your child into private school on scholarship 

The UK Education Blog: Public School & Private School: What's the difference?

The UK Education Blog: Public School & Private School: What's the difference? The English education system is a minefield, so seemingly complicated that I find myself explaining it not just to parents but teachers too. But don’t worry, I’ll explain it in a simplified way. Download my free cheat sheet guide on getting a scholarship to private school 

Wednesday 28 December 2016

Should I feel guilty about thinking private?

I don’t think so. After all, the very first step is to investigate the possibility and options...what could be so bad about that? 

"You naturally want the best for your child" 

We don’t think twice when on that very long commute into work, dashing between school runs, ferrying children to music school, dance competitions or sport fixtures at the weekend. Not forgetting the hours spent in the evening over homework…there is no day off as a parent. At the end of the day, regardless of which school your child attends - state, selective or private, these are all very common roles for parents wanting the best for their son or daughter. 

However, if we are speaking economies of scale, unlike expensive cars and holidays, a first class education is with you for life and the benefits of that decision continue to appreciate in value.


Peer Pressure

When we think about peer pressure, what comes straight to mind is an image of overbearing teenagers. As an adult, you may well find yourself in a similar position. After all, we all come from different backgrounds and your adopted values and goals may differ from your partner or peers. 

You may feel under pressure to conform with the majority view, either to choose for or against private school education. At the end of the day, the decision is entirely yours as parents to make, there can be no asking of the audience.

Personal Block

It is important not to put your own fears of failure or rejection into the decision making process. Yes, there is a requirement to be realistic of your child's potential and possible financial implications for the household, but your own insecurities should be eliminated from the equation.

In the same way, what worked for you (a school that was fantastic 25 years ago) may not work for your child today, you must be careful not to be unfavourably biased. The best choice is the right school for your child, where he or she will flourish.

Prepare for Success

If you are reading this article, it is likely your child is currently in a state primary school, the same position my children started at. 

When your child takes their common entrance/assessment exam at age 7 or 11 years old, they are competing with students having already benefited from years of expensive prep school education, which essentially is designed (not like the state education) to make children pass common entrance exams. 

So without preparation, your child will fail and not because he/she isn’t clever enough – you just didn’t show them how.

"Almost anyone can achieve great academic results with motivation and effort."

Remember also, that entrance exams will be held at specific times of the year with clear deadlines and requirement for school registration, start early to avoid disappointment.

Download Your Free Cheat Sheet Guide

After recounting my ’5 steps’ to countless parents, desperate for advice on private schools and scholarships, I decided to create this free cheat sheet guide If you think it would be of help, please download it here and feel free to share it.

I’d love to be your cheerleader!