You will probably have an idea of some of the things about a school that are going to be important to you and your child. To help you make your decision you should find out as much as you can about individuals schools.
Below are some ideas to help get a better idea about the schools you may wish to apply for.
Visit schools
It is a good idea to visit schools to see what they have to offer and get a general impression. Schools organise open days or arrange visits for parents to view schools and meet staff. Before you go, it might be useful to think of some questions to ask during your visit.
Get a prospectus
These are available from schools free of charge and contain information about the school such as:
- school policies
- curriculum information
- performance related results.
A prospectus can also give you an idea of a school's character and aims.
Think about the home to school journey
In most cases, it is for you to make the necessary travel arrangements. If it is not possible to walk to school because of the distance, you may wish to think about using public transport or car sharing. Most schools have travel plans and are working with parents to reduce the use of cars.
For more information about the circumstances in which you may be entitled to help with transport visit our page Financial help with home to school transport.
Ofsted reports and performance tables
You'll find comprehensive information, including links to schools websites and Ofsted reports, through our schools directory, or learn more about understanding league tables and when they are published:
Admissions criteria
To find out more about how school places are allocated in East Sussex visit our page The admissions system explained.
East Sussex County Council