Choosing the best school for your child

Chris Woodhead and Katy Ricks

You need Flash Player 8 or higher to view video content with the ROO Flash Player. Click here to download and install it.

How can you be sure what is best for your child? Different schools will suit different children.

The best schools all have key ingredients in common, however. Dynamic leadership, high-quality teaching, good facilities, a range of extra-curricular activities - and, of course, engaged, enthusiastic children.

Chris Woodhead, the former chief inspector of schools, and Katy Ricks, head teacher of Sevenoaks, The Sunday Times Parent Power Independent Secondary School of the Year, explain what sets the very best schools apart.