Heads You Win

William Trelawny Vernon - St Ronan's

You should be looking for different qualities in a prep school than a public school. At prep school, I'd pay a lot of attention to the prep school's head, your child will have a close relationship with them, whereas, when they are older, the most important relationship will be with a housemaster. The head has to be someone they get on with and can talk to. Obviously parents must like the head as well. Do they have a clear vision for their school and students and are they strong enough to say what this is? When prospective parents come round St Ronan's, I show them round on an individual basis myself, which allows us to get to know each other.

Walking around the school you'll get a sense of the atmosphere. Is there a buzz of activity? Are the classrooms places where children and teachers love and respect each other or are the children fearful of the discipline? Is there a level of professionalism with the teacher? You want the teacher to be enthusiastic about their subject and about your child. Offering music, sporting and academic opportunities is important but if children aren't happy, they won't make the most of everything on offer. Look at the children as you walk round: how do they greet you? With a scowl or a smile?

Give some thought about the next school for your child and bear this in mind when looking around a prep school. What destinations does the school feed on to and what age do most children move on? In some areas, the majority of pupils will haemorrhage after Year 6 on to state grammar schools. At St Ronan's the majority stay on until Common Entrance or 13+.

When it comes to boarding facilities, I want them to be part of the school and have a family atmosphere. Here we offer boarding in the upper floors of the large old family house which is our school rather than in a separate building. The boarding area shouldn't look neglected or regimented.

Take your time looking round a school – you should know by the end of the visit if it's right for your child.

Founded in 1883, St Ronan's offers co-educational day and boarding from 2½ years to 13+. www.saintronans.co.uk