If you’re concerned that your child’s school may not be the right fit, you’re not alone. There are several signs to look out for, along with practical steps you can take within the UK’s education system to support your child and explore your options.
Signs a School Might Not Be Right for Your Child
- Unhappiness: Your child shows reluctance to go to school, changes in behaviour, or expresses negative feelings.
- Academic Struggles: They are consistently falling behind or not being challenged enough.
- Social Issues: Difficulty making friends or experiencing bullying.
- Teaching Style Mismatch: The school’s approach doesn’t align with your child’s learning style.
- Lack of SEN Support: Special educational needs aren’t being identified or supported effectively.
- Poor Communication: Limited or strained dialogue between you and school staff.
Steps You Can Take to Help
1. Talk to Your Child’s Teacher
Start by raising your concerns with your child’s class teacher or form tutor. They may offer insight or initiate small changes that make a big difference.
2. Escalate if Needed
If concerns continue, request a meeting with a senior leader such as:
- Head of Year
- SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
- Inclusion Manager or Pastoral Lead
- Headteacher
3. Make a Formal Complaint
If informal conversations don’t lead to resolution, every school has a complaints procedure—this should be available on their website or by request from the office.
4. Consider Your Options
Sometimes, staying and advocating for changes in the current school is the best route. But if necessary, other paths may include:
- In-school changes: Request a class switch, additional 1:1 support, or pastoral interventions.
- School transfer: Apply to another state school via your local authority’s in-year admissions process.
- Admissions appeal: If your preferred school rejected your application, you can appeal the decision.
- Independent education: Private schools may offer different teaching styles or smaller settings if financially feasible.
- Home education: Legal in the UK. You must ensure a “suitable” education but do not need a teaching qualification.
5. Contact Your Local Authority
Get in touch with your council’s education department, especially if your child has an EHCP or is struggling with unmet needs.
6. Seek Outside Support
There are fantastic organisations that can help you understand your rights and take next steps:
- SENDIASS – Offers free, impartial support and advocacy for parents of children with SEND.
- Coram Children’s Legal Centre – Legal guidance on education issues.
- Citizens Advice – Helps with school complaints, appeals, and broader legal advice.
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, you are your child’s best advocate—and there are systems and people in place to help you make informed, empowered decisions.