Parent toolkit

Move from a long list to a defensible shortlist without turning one old grade, one result or one postcode into a verdict on a school.

Start with schools you can realistically reach

Use straight-line distance as a starting point, not a catchment promise. The admissions authority's current policy remains the source of truth.

Compare the same questions

Add up to six schools and read the compatibility note before the table. Historic Ofsted grades and current report cards are not one scale; primary and secondary results are not one measure; popularity is not quality.

Open the comparison guide

Prepare for visits and conversations

These prompts are intentionally about fit and support rather than recreating a league table. Tick boxes are local to this page and reset when it reloads; nothing is submitted or stored by School Facts.

Ask how the school supports a child who is struggling or needs more challenge.
Ask what the dated attendance, behaviour and safeguarding evidence looks like in daily practice.
Check the exact admissions authority, entry point, deadline and tie-break rules.
Test the real journey at school-run time, including public transport and safe crossing points.
Ask which clubs, pastoral support and SEND provision are actually available to the relevant year group.

Apply using the official route

Local authorities and admissions authorities manage applications. Check the school's published arrangements, then use the official primary or secondary school application guidance. School Facts does not accept applications or predict an offer.

Further guidance

Use the official guidance for your next step

Read admissions arrangements and the school’s published support information alongside the dated evidence. The comparison guide helps you keep these questions together.

Open the comparison guide

Evidence boundary

Evidence found: 23,890 in-scope school records plus the dated official evidence shown on each eligible page.
Source coverage: The approved public sources and current editions listed on the data and licences page.
What this means: You can build and interrogate a shortlist without a hidden school score or paid ordering.
What this does not mean: School Facts has chosen a school for your child, predicted an offer or endorsed an education-support provider.