Begin with the student's subjects, learning support, accessibility needs and interests. Separate essential needs from preferences. A famous name or one score cannot show whether a school suits a particular learner.
Compare school level, location and type. Check the official website for current admissions, fees and deadlines. Directory records may describe an earlier reporting year; confirm important details directly.
Visit if possible. Ask how staff support newcomers and respond to bullying. Consider travel time and the student's own impressions. Compare finalists using the same questions, record missing information and confirm eligibility before applying.