UK launches new online tool to help parents choose the right school
The Department for Education has launched a new online tool allowing parents to find and compare school and college profiles.
The tool aims to answer several key questions including the school’s location, age range, attendance, results and wider offerings, like free breakfast clubs.
The launch comes as primary school applications are now open in every local area, with parents given until January to choose the best fit for their family. Government findings show that children whose parents received very clear information about their progress achieved higher in their GCSE results and were less likely to be persistently absent from school.
For parents of older children, there will be information about secondary schools’ GCSE subject entries and the next steps pupils at that school have taken into further education, apprenticeships or employment after year 11.
The department noted that the service will continue to develop after launch, with a side-by-side comparison feature currently offered for secondary schools rolled out to primary, and Ofsted reports added to show where different schools excel launching next year.
“Choosing a school for your child is a big decision, and not one that parents take lightly,” said Schools Minister Georgia Gould.
“We are putting clearer information at parents’ fingertips – an everyday fix to help them find the right fit and keep them in the know throughout those all-important school years.
“This is about helping parents become a partner in their child’s education from day one, with more information, more choice, and better outcomes.”
