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Choosing a school

Before deciding which school is right for your child, you should find out as much as possible about the schools you're interested in. As well as the suggestions on this page, you can also find out about choosing a school on GOV.UK.

How to choose a school

Check the list of schools in Middlesbrough

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The Family Service Directory provides a list of all schools in Middlesbrough, including those with special needs bases.

Middlesbrough's Local Offer has a range of information and services to support children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities. This includes more information about special needs bases and how to access a place in a base.

Read school prospectuses

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All schools publish a prospectus which gives information about the school. This includes the subjects on offer, extra-curricular activities, arrangements for uniforms and school meals, and policies on behaviour, discipline, special educational needs etc.

Visit the schools you're interested in

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This will give you first-hand experience of the school's facilities and staff, and give you a chance to ask questions. Open evenings are usually held for secondary schools in the autumn term. Check the school admissions guide for parents for dates.

Read Ofsted reports

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Ofsted is the government department which carries out inspections of schools. Every school is inspected by Ofsted, and a report is written about it. Reports are available via the Ofsted website, in your local library, or from the school concerned. There may be a small charge to cover photocopying costs.

Look at school performance tables

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School performance tables are available online, and in some local libraries. We recommend that you do not choose a school for your child based only on performance data.