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A few days ago, I replied to a post from a parent whose child received offers from multiple secondary schools asking for advice about how to decide between them. Since then, I have had no fewer than five wonderful phone calls with parents in similar, enviable, positions.

Therefore, I thought it would be beneficial to record a short video extending my advice to the broader 11+ community in the hope that it will help parents who are facing similar decisions.

To provide a little introduction about myself, my name is Vivek Gathani, I am Director and Senior Tutor at Trefoil Tutors. Having grown up in North London, I attended Merchant Taylors’ School. I went on to complete a Mathematics Degree from the University of Warwick and, in 2011, completed my PGCE from the University of Oxford, before returning to North London to teach Mathematics at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School for four years, the last two of which in an additional role as a Deputy Housemaster.

I have also been a private mathematics tutor for the last 14 years. I currently tutor over 190 students myself and oversee the teaching and learning at Trefoil Tutors. Indeed, part of the reason I left classroom teaching in school was to have open conversations like these, offering impartial advice and support to parents.

In the video, my advice covers four areas that I advise parents to consider when choosing a secondary school for their child:

1. Find a school that compliments the needs of the child and not the volition of the parents.
2. Understand the specialism of each school before deciding which is the right fit for your child. What balance have the school struck between academic rigour, extra-curricular pursuits and pastoral care?
3. Consider the importance of the following aspects for your family’s situation:
   1. Travel and logistics
   2. Siblings
   3. League Tables
   4. Oxbridge
   5. Scholarships and bursaries
4. Grammar Schools versus Independent Schools

Although these categories offer a framework to structure your deliberations, the decisions are incredibly personal and will be unique to the student and their family. Therefore, if you find yourself in a similar position regarding choosing between schools in North London and would like to discuss these further, please do get in touch with my team on 0203 565 0539 or office@trefoiltutors.co.uk and I will do my best to free up some time this half term. Please note that our specialism is very much schools in North London.

Good luck in making your choice and I hope you and your child have a successful transition into Year 7 at your chosen secondary school!