Secondary school sorted: six top tips to find the right fit for your child in Portsmouth

If your child is starting Year 5 or Year 6 this September, secondary school might suddenly feel much closer than it did a few months ago.

For parents of children moving into Year 6, applications typically open in September and close on 31 October, so now is the time to start narrowing down your choices. If your child is going into Year 5, you have a little more breathing room, but it’s still a great opportunity to start exploring local schools, attending open days and getting familiar with how the process works.

Choosing a secondary school can feel like a big decision, and there’s plenty to think about beyond results and league tables. Where will your child feel happiest? What environment will help them thrive? And what support will they have as they adjust to a much bigger school? It’s also worth having a few options you’d be genuinely happy with, as your child may not necessarily be offered a place at their first choice.

Here, Becky Ward, education specialist at Tutor Doctor, a Hampshire-based education brand, shares her six top tips for parents on choosing a secondary school and helping their child prepare for the move.

1.     Start looking now

This time of year is already a busy one, now you have a deadline looming. For parents of Year 5 children, this is a great opportunity to get ahead of the game. Start building a picture of the schools available locally, attend open days where possible and make a shortlist of those that could suit your child. This means you can take your time researching your options rather than leaving everything until the application window opens.

2.     Look beyond league tables

GCSE and A-Level results are helpful when comparing schools, but they don’t paint the whole picture. There’s plenty more to think about, including pastoral care, behavioural support, extracurricular activities, facilities and overall school culture.

Most importantly, consider where your child is likely to feel happiest and most confident. Think about the environment they learn and socialise best in.

3.     Always have a backup

It’s natural for your child to set their heart on one particular school, especially if friends are planning to attend. But places aren’t guaranteed even if siblings are enrolled – popular schools are frequently oversubscribed. Preparing your child for the possibility of second or third choice schools can soften the blow.

A practical way to do this is to visit every school on your shortlist together. You may well find that some aspects of the other options actually stand out in their own right – whether that’s less travel time, smaller classes or better facilities.

By pointing your child in the direction of these positives, you can help shift their perspective so, if it doesn’t quite go the way they want it to, their other choices feel less like a consolation prize and more like a school with its own genuine appeal.

4.     See the school for yourself

Open days and school visits are among the best ways to get a feel for what a school is actually like. Look at the atmosphere, how pupils interact with teachers and each other and whether you feel welcomed at the school.

Take your child along to see what they make of it too. Ask them about the things that will affect their everyday experience and encourage them to ask questions themselves, noting what they like and what they don’t.

5.     Don’t overlook the practical side

It is easy to focus on what happens in the classroom, but practicality matters too. Think about the journey to school and your child’s level of independence in order for them to manage it successfully.

Find out what support is available to help Year 6 pupils make the transition. If your child has particular needs or challenges, reach out to the school and ask what measures are in place or what support they can provide.

6.     Give your child a say

Your child should feel involved in the decision, so talk to them about what matters to them. They might be interested in the sports or music facilities, or they might be interested in staying with their core friendship group – making sure they feel comfortable with their decision is so valuable.

Of course, their preferences will need to be balanced with practical considerations such as admissions, fees and travel, but keeping those conversations positive can help them feel excited about their next step.

Starting secondary school is one of life’s milestones, so giving them a voice in the process can make it feel like something to look forward to rather than something to worry about.