Finding the Best Schools

They point out that an enhanced education also contributes to the nation in that it offers social and economic well-being that advances the success of the UK itself as a country. To build their list of the best schools in England, Ofsted inspects and regulates personal care and training for students of all ages. For those seeking the best of the best universities, the Financial Times also offers a yearly international ranking of secondary schools.

Sought for qualities include opportunities for parental involvement; personalised learning; and strategies for pupil achievement, with a study support system in place. Educational work should provide an efficient and effective service focusing on the interests and needs of the student while providing value for money in the process. Specifically, solid policies, records, and procedures should be in place on an administrative and educational level, which review, monitor and improve student performance. Interestingly, also reflected in the Ofsted school review was a high number of single sex schools.

Parents should also look for appropriately qualified staff who have undergone background and reference checks. Staff performance, training, appraisals and qualifications should be available and efficiently used to guarantee, as well as maintain an ongoing high-quality service. Ofsted notes that by maintaining a high standard in English, an effective school reflects a strong leadership in understanding this subject's importance, cantering it at the push for improvement.

Such services integrate a positive ethos, and a vigorous "can do" attitude that offers support to students and their families, as well as local communities. What defines a school as "outstanding" is an exceptional setting providing excellent outcomes for children in safe and healthy environments where they can enjoy their education as they achieve. They promote positive outcomes that extend beyond the confines of the school itself while educators endeavour to promote improvement through a reflective and evaluative process

To be well informed, a partial list of parental questions should include, "Is there equal access to all activities? Are parents involved in planning? What is your response to complaints, including allegations about staff? How do you evaluate yourself? How is children's safety maintained? In what ways does your use of resources and space enhance a child's all-round development? In what ways is a stimulating environment offered?"

Some of the best schools meeting Ofsted's standards are in the Greater Manchester area, Martenscroft Nursery School; St. Vincent's RC Primary School; St. Patrick's RC High School and Arts College; and Oldham College. A complete list may be found at the Ofsted website.

For those seeking the highest ranked universities, the Financial Times has published a list of outstanding institutions. On an international scale, the following represent the best of the best, with three of the top five located in the UK: 1 Harvard University (US); 2 University of Cambridge (UK); 2 University of Oxford (UK); 2 Yale University (US); 5 Imperial College London (UK).