To find the best school for *you*, you need to consider:
* Type of school: State (maintained), grammar, independent (private), academy, free school, etc. Each has a different admissions process and ethos.
* Academic performance: Look at Ofsted reports (for state schools) and exam results (for all types). However, remember that exam results don't tell the whole story.
* Specialisms: Some schools specialize in particular subjects or learning styles (e.g., arts, STEM, special educational needs).
* Location and travel: Consider proximity to your home and transport links.
* School ethos and values: Visit schools and talk to current parents to get a feel for the school's atmosphere.
To start your research, I suggest you look at:
* Ofsted reports: These are readily available online and provide detailed inspections of state schools.
* School league tables: Websites like the Department for Education's website publish school performance data. Be cautious when interpreting these – they don't capture everything.
* School websites: These provide information about each school's curriculum, facilities, and ethos.
Once you've narrowed down your options based on these factors, visiting schools and talking to current parents is crucial for making an informed decision.