A Good School Should Feel Less Like a Showroom and More Like a Second Home.
Walking around the brand-new campus of a well-known school in West Jakarta, the Smitherton family from the United Kingdom were impressed by its up-to-date facilities and by the treacle-thick sales pitch delivered by both the marketing team and the Head. This, they agreed, was the ideal place for their young children to spend the three years of their overseas posting. Here, they would receive the multicultural exposure they were seeking, combined with a high-quality education that would leave them well placed for their eventual return to Blighty.
Seven months later, the cost and upheaval of withdrawing their children mid-term provided a stark reminder of the old adage: “It wasn’t quite as advertised.”
So, what mistakes did the Smithertons make, and what steps might they have taken to avoid such a potentially traumatic experience? This article looks beyond brochures and websites to uncover the real questions expatriate parents should be asking when choosing a school. In doing so, it highlights the central challenge for expat families: balancing aspirations, budget, logistics, and—most importantly—the child’s individual needs.
Curriculum and Academic Pathways
The first consideration is the range of curricula and academic pathways on offer. Where one originates from is obviously significant, as is where the family intends to settle later; however, just as important is the child’s personal growth and development.
Some of the most common options include British or American pathways, the IB, Cambridge, and local bilingual programmes. A key question is whether qualifications and credits will be recognised in the next country or back home. A Montessori-style education may encourage learning through exploration and discovery, for example, but if the next step is to join Years 10 and 11 at a comprehensive school in the middle of Essex, a rethink may be in order. Hence, it is vital to think ahead: “Where will my child be in three to five years?”
Quality of Teaching and Learning
Glossy brochures may highlight facilities and smiling faces, but what matters most is the quality of teaching. Attending a school’s open day is an excellent way to see the layout and gather a breadth of information in a relatively short space of time. There will invariably be a slew of welcoming speeches, but pay attention to what is said off-script. How senior staff handle ‘questions from the floor’ is usually far more revealing than any pre-prepared remarks.
Use these occasions to ask about teacher turnover, professional development, and accreditation. Where do the teachers come from, in terms of nationality as well as career background? Do they attract staff from competitors, or do staff tend to leave for rival schools? How experienced are the teachers, and what qualifications do they hold?
If possible, talk to current parents. What is really happening in classrooms? Do pupils complain of teachers being too strict, or conversely, that there is little discipline either in lessons or around the school?
Look at exam results, but also at ‘value added’, not just headline grades. By ‘headline grades’ we mean the raw results schools promote (e.g. “90% of our pupils scored A or above at IGCSE”). ‘Value added’ reflects how much progress students make compared to their starting point—it measures the impact of the school on learning, not simply the outcomes.
A school with a selective admissions policy may look impressive on paper because it only accepts high-achieving students to begin with, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it adds much value. Another school may take pupils of average ability and help them achieve far beyond expectations—that is genuine value added.
School Culture and Values
Every school will profess a set of values and almost certainly publish a ‘vision statement’ or ‘mission’. But what do these really mean, and how can parents be sure the school lives up to them?
Consider whether the school is nurturing or competitive; structured or flexible; and whether its ethos matches your family’s priorities—be they academic, artistic, sporting, or holistic development.
During your visit, observe as many interactions as possible—between staff and students, and between staff themselves. Do they communicate respectfully? Is the atmosphere relaxed or overly formal? Do teachers know pupils by name? Do the children appear comfortable in their surroundings? Finally, does the school actively promote inclusion, diversity, and well-being?
Other Practical Considerations
Choosing a school should be an exciting experience, not an ordeal. Beyond the classroom, it is worth examining the school’s approach to extracurricular and whole-child development. Does it actively promote sport and the arts? Are there opportunities for service learning or leadership? For expat children in particular, a broad range of extracurricular activities can be crucial for social integration.
Investigate class sizes and pupil-teacher ratios. Enquire about fees and potential hidden costs—uniforms, trips, activities, transport. Understand what kind of collaboration and communication exists between parents and the school community. For families moving into a new country, opportunities to build friendships with other parents can be invaluable in easing the transition.
Final Thoughts
No school is perfect—it’s about finding the right fit for your child and your family. Look beyond the glossy brochure: visit during a normal school day, ask candid questions, and trust your instincts.