“The perception of student recruitment for independent senior schools is a challenging equation for many families. Parents first have to decide which type of school to apply for – co-educational, single sex, day or boarding” says Laura Bursey Faulkner, Director of Admissions at Rugby School.

Having narrowed down their search, they consider family connections and compelling sales pitches from friends, all of whom recommend the school they chose for their own son or daughter. To add to any confusion, schools have different processes and timelines, and require a range of interviews, pre-tests, assessments and taster days, starting at any point from year five. It’s quite a business.

I have taught at a range of schools and recognise the need to offer a bespoke experience from the first point of contact. I also know that boys and girls need different things from the outset, and the initial meeting with them is designed wit

h this in mind. Many children are nervous. As well as their parents, sometimes they have granny and/or the family dog in tow. (I remember one meeting when the dog ‘had an accident’ on the school’s drawing-room floor – twice.) But the school is not assessing at this point, just getting to know the child.

A questionnaire filled in ahead of a visit gives valuable information for conversation starters with the child. What they like doing in their spare time, when they are at their happiest, what personal achievements they would like to share. The dialogue is then steered by the child’s interests and what they aspire to achieve at senior school.

The temptation for parents to oversell their children by completing the form themselves is counterproductive. One potential student I met recently claimed to have read Anna Karenina. When I asked her about the book, she wasn’t sure who the main character was and didn’t recognise the name Tolstoy, so that was a bit of a give away! Producing an impressive reading list isn’t showcasing the child’s real interests. I’d rather be given a genuine answer, whatever the title, and hear why they enjoyed it.

Boys and girls look through different lenses when touring schools. Girls typically warm to the familiarity and cosiness of a boarding environment and can be quick to judge on first impressions of a House. Soft furnishings and spaces to relax with friends is essential. Girls want to know that they can personalise their own space with photographs, LED lights, fake ivy, teddies and their own duvet set.

This claim on their ‘turf’ for the term they spend in their allocated bed is a big deal. Girls in year nine really want to ‘fit in’, so knowing what people bring on the first day, and what they wear is a priority. Storage for clothes is another important wish list tick – ironic, as boarders generally only wear three outfits (unless there is a social event): school uniform, sports kit and pyjamas!

Boys are keenly influenced by connections with the students they meet – a family member or a former pupil of their current school. They enjoy being introduced to future role models (sporting, musical or academic) and I have seen faces light up when personal links are made. Most boys are not fussed about the soft furnishings; they like to know that there is plenty of food. When energy is being burned in the classroom, on the sports field, and running around the House enjoying table football, air hockey, Xbox and five-a-side football, they are hungry.

Three meals a day and two snacks sometimes need to be supplemented. Being able to plan a takeaway night is a huge plus forboth boys and girls. At Rugby School, we only permit this once a week, but, as we are in the middle of town, it is easy to visit the local supermarket for emergency snacks and treats (which become currency).

The right level of communication from the start is key to delivering a successful admissions process – listening and talking to the child, showing them what life would be like for them if they came to this school. Every child is an individual and should be treated as such from day one.

This article was originally featured in Independent School Parent. Read here.