Choosing a school isn’t always as easy as A-B-C. Find out what to keep in mind when deciding where to send your child

For many parents, finding a school for their child can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. You shouldn’t just send your child to the school down the road or the first one someone recommends.

Starting the search

“The important thing is to look for the school that is right for your child rather than blindly following the pack,” says Gillian Pearce, business development director at schoolscompared.com.

“Parents will traditionally have a focus on the location, academic attainment, curriculum and fee structure. These variables are fundamental for most families. But the crucial thing is that parents keep in mind what their child needs rather than being distracted by what schools are offering.”

Doing your homework

“A lot of the research can be done at home these days. The Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) website presents quite a lot of information on schools in Abu Dhabi, but specific school websites will also host a lot of pertinent information.”

After parents have singled out a few schools, Gillian recommends visiting the school in person: “There is no substitute for that feeling you get when you walk in.”

The big visit

“Open days are a strong way of getting a feel of a school. You’re in the environment, you get to meet the senior leadership team and sometimes you get to speak to students, which can be valuable.”

Upcoming school open days

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. Every Tuesday for pre-prep and Thursday for prep school. Near Manarat Al Saadiyat. Contact: 02 497 0000, cranleigh.ae

British International School Abu Dhabi. Off E22, behind Abu Dhabi University, Mussafah. Contact: 02 510 0100, nordangliaeducation.com

Aspen Heights British School. Off E10, Al Shahama. Contact: 02 564 2229, ahbs.ae

British School Al Khubairat. Off Al Karamah Street, Al Mushrif. Contact: 02 446 2280, britishschool.sch.ae

Repton Abu Dhabi. Near Gate Tower, Al Reem Island. Contact: 02 507 4800, reptonabudhabi.org