SELECTING A SCHOOL

St Leonard’s College Principal, Peter Clague, has travelled the world educating students, meeting countless parents seeking to choose the best school for their child. Here he shares six simple steps for selecting a school.

Having raised four children, my wife and I understand the importance of considering the needs of the wider family. What’s right for one child may differ for another. Selecting a school that offers a smorgasbord of choice when it comes to subjects and cocurricular activities ensures that every child’s unique passions, talents, and interests can be uncovered and nurtured, whilst still embracing a connection with the whole family.

Choosing a school that authentically reflects the values you want to instil in your child is fundamental.

It’s important to assess how a school actively demonstrates the character of its students through social action.

If you’re seeking a school that places a high value on community and family, in all its modern adaptations, then selecting a school like St Leonard’s that spans ELC all the way to year 12 is also ideal.

When I accepted the role as Principal of St Leonard’s College, I was based in the UK and unable to travel due to the pandemic. Fortunately, I was able to conduct extensive preliminary research online. Like many schools, St Leonard’s offers virtual tours and provides a wide range of information on their website. Following a school’s social media channels also provides a daily peek into the breadth and depth of its daily activities.

The calibre of a school is most evident through positive word of mouth. The willingness of parents and students to share their satisfaction can be a reliable barometer of quality education. At St Leonard’s College, we often receive feedback from alumni, parents, and even members of the public who have encountered our students. Affirmation about their positive experiences and gratitude for the exceptional teachers and mentors is always an encouraging measure of our success.

That said, the best way to really gauge if a school is right for your child is to visit in person. Despite hours trawling the online tours of St Leonard’s College, nothing really prepared me for the impact of the incredible facilities, nor the dynamic culture within them, when I finally set foot on campus. Joining a College tour allows you to observe the culture directly and develop an intuitive feel for whether it is the right fit for your child.

Quality schools that are highly sought after will often have waitlists, so be sure to submit your waitlist application for enrolment earlier rather than later.

Schools with healthy waitlists, like St Leonard’s, often have parents enrolling their children in year 5, a key intake year, as it provides the assurance that their child will then be able to transition directly into secondary school in year 7.

To learn more about St Leonard’s College visit stleonards.vic.edu.au