How to choose the
Empowering Parents with Insightful, Unbiased Advice for
Why Choosing the Right School Matters
Now More Than Ever
Choosing the right school for your child has always been important, but in 2025, it’s more
complex than ever.
With an evolving educational landscape shaped by technology, global shifts, and a
renewed focus on values and well-being, today’s parents are faced with more choices, and more pressure.
This guide is designed to help you cut through the noise. Whether you’re exploring private or
public education, traditional or progressive curricula, faith-based or secular schooling, our goal is
to give you a comprehensive framework to make a confident, informed decision.
At The King’s College and Preparatory School, we know that choosing the right school is deeply
personal. That’s why we’re offering this unbiased guide, not just to promote our school, but to
empower all parents to make the best decision for their child’s future.
Understand Your Child’s Unique Needs
Every child is different. Some thrive in structured, academically rigorous environments;
others blossom with creative freedom and holistic learning. Start by asking:
What are your child’s
learning needs, preferences
and interests?
Do they need smaller class
sizes and individual attention?
Are they more social, or do
they benefit from quieter,
more focused settings?
Is faith or character
development important in
their growth?
Understanding these
factors can help you filter out
schools that may not
align with your child’s
personality or potential.
Insight from King’s: At The King’s College and Preparatory School, we prioritise knowing each child personally, from academic strengths to emotional well-being, to ensure the right support is in place for every learner.
Consider Curriculum and Academic Approach
In 2025, schools will offer a wide range of curricula, from CAPS and IEB to Cambridge or Montessori and even Hybrid models. It’s important to research not only the content but also how it’s taught:
- Is the curriculum future-ready and globally relevant?
- How are critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving fostered?
- Are there robust STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths) opportunities?
- What balance exists between academic achievement and whole-child development?
- What to Look For: A curriculum that challenges and inspires, while preparing children for an unpredictable world.
The King’s Perspective: Our IEB curriculum encourages independent thinking, global-mindedness
and academic excellence, giving learners a competitive edge in both local and international arenas
Assess Class Sizes and Teacher Quality
The best curriculum in the world falls short without excellent teachers and the right classroom environment. Investigate:
- What is the average student-teacher ratio?
- Are educators qualified, passionate, and well-supported?
- Is there ongoing teacher development?
- How are learning difficulties and exceptional talents handled?
- Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for a tour and a trial period.
The King’s Perspective: We offer smaller class sizes, tailored learning approaches
and a faculty of dedicated educators who are deeply invested in every child’s growth.
Evaluate Values, Culture & Community
School is more than academics. It’s where your child will form identity, values and friendships. Ask:
- Does the school’s ethos align with your family values?
- Is there a sense of belonging and warmth ?
- How are respect, integrity and discipline cultivated?
- Is the school’s faith or worldview something your family is comfortable with?
- Why It Matters: Children thrive where they feel safe, seen, and supported.
The King’s Approach: As a Christian school, King’s is grounded in Biblical values, but welcomes families from all backgrounds who value character-driven education and a warm, nurturing environment.
Look Into Facilities, Safety & Extracurriculars
A well-rounded education happens both in and out of the classroom. Consider:
- Are classrooms and facilities modern, clean, and safe?
- What safety and security measures are in place?
- Are there ample opportunities for sport, music, drama, and other interests?
- Does the school promote physical, emotional, and social wellness?
- Don’t Overlook: A safe, engaging campus can greatly influence a child’s daily experience.
The King’s Campus: Located in Bryanston, our campus offers state-of-the-art academic spaces,
sporting facilities and a peaceful environment where learning flourishes.
Explore the School’s Reputation and Results
Reputation isn’t everything, but it often reflects consistency. Do your homework:
- Talk to other parents and students.
- Check Matric results or external exam benchmarks.
- Ask about alumni achievements.
- Review inspection or accreditation reports if available.
-
Word of Caution: Online reviews can be helpful, but always visit a
school in person.
“
The King’s Track Record: Known for academic rigour and a culture of excellence,
many of our learners go on to study at top universities, locally and abroad.
Think Practically: Location, Cost & Commitment
Even the perfect school may not work if the logistics don’t align. Be realistic:
- Is the location convenient for your family’s routine?
- Are the fees manageable, and is there value for what you’re paying?
- What are the long-term prospects (e.g., does it go from Preparatory through High school)?
- What is the admissions process, and how competitive is it?
- Worth Noting: Some schools, like King’s, offer multiple entry points across age groups, making transitions smoother and more affordable.
Conclusion: Choosing with Confidence
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to education. The “best” school is the one where your child will feel inspired, supported and prepared for life ahead.
Take the time to explore, ask questions, and reflect. This guide is just the beginning of your journey, and if The King’s College and Preparatory School feels like a potential fit, we’d be honoured to meetyou and your family.
Looking for more personalised guidance?
Download our free School Selection Checklist or book a visit today.
Visit and Ask the Right Questions
Nothing replaces seeing a school in action.
When you visit:
- Talk to teachers, students, and parents.
- Book a trial day/week for your child.
- Observe how children interact on campus.
- Ask yourself: “Can I imagine my child here?”
Helpful Questions to Ask:
- How does the school support children emotionally?
- How is discipline handled?
- What are the school’s goals for students beyond academics?
Tour King’s: We invite you to schedule a personal visit. Whether you choose us or not,
we will ensure you leave feeling more confident in your school search.
we will ensure you leave feeling more confident in your school search.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
It’s best to begin researching schools at least 12 to 18 months before enrolment. This allows time for open days, application and scholarships deadlines, and understanding the curriculum and values of each school.
Both are vital. A strong academic offering is important, but a school’s ethos, environment, and how it supports emotional wellbeing will influence your child’s happiness and development. The ideal school strikes a healthy balance.
Visit the school, trial the school, speak to staff, and trust your instincts. Look for signs that your child would feel supported, stimulated, and safe. Ask about how the school handles diverse learning needs and celebrates individuality.
Faith-based education can offer strong moral grounding and community values. For many families, this adds purpose and consistency to their child’s education. What matters most is whether the school fosters consideration and respect.
Smaller classes often mean more individual attention, better teacher-student relationships, and a stronger sense of belonging. Ask about student-teacher ratios and how the school supports learners of varying abilities.
Reputation matters, but it’s not everything. A school should align with your child’s strengths, learning style, and emotional needs. Look beyond exam results—evaluate how students are prepared for life, not just academics.
Some helpful questions include:
- How is individual progress tracked and supported?
- What values does the school promote daily?
- How are creativity, sport, and leadership encouraged?
- How do teachers partner with parents?
While each family’s needs are unique, parents often highlight King’s for its:
- Strong Christian values with a future-focused curriculum
- Nurturing yet academically rigorous environment
- Extensive leadership training & developement
- Small classes and passionate educators
- Commitment to personal excellence and character formation
Use a checklist or comparison tool (like our free downloadable checklist), take notes during visits, and speak to other parents. Consider long-term fit, not just the next grade or phase.
That’s okay! Gather information, schedule multiple visits, and reflect on what aligns best with your child and family values. The right decision often becomes clear with time and insight.