PARENTS are spoilt for choice with an excellent selection of schools in the county.
Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset local authorities all provide top-notch education in a wide variety of schools for all age groups.
And the independent sector is well represented across the county. Most schools in the area are non-selective but Bournemouth and Poole also have grammar schools for academic high-fliers.
Some of the most popular schools are over-subscribed but parents are not always restricted to the schools nearest to their homes. Changes are currently underway in Poole and Dorset to change from a three-tier education system to two-tier.
And thousands more primary places are being created in Bournemouth to cater for a rising birth rate and an influx of new residents to the area. Those wishing to stay at school for sixth form also have a wider choice than ever as more schools provide for 16-18-year-olds.
And high-quality education can also continue after school age with colleges and universities all easily accessible, offering a wide range of further and higher education options.
Choosing the right school is important for you and making the right decision is key for our children’s future.
PRE SCHOOL/NURSERY
NURSERY schools play a big role in your child's educational and social development. Aimed for children between the ages of three and five, they are seen by many as the first step in human education.
In the UK all children aged three to four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year. This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday). Free nursery education can take place in nurseries, playgroups, preschools or at their childminders.
There are also many private nursery schools and pre schools for children under the age of three and these can be known as playgroups and childcare centres.
Nursery schools offer a safe and friendly 'home from home' environment with qualified staff offering high quality care.
All nursery schools in the UK follow the Early Learning Goals program, established by the department of Schools and Children and Families. The Early Learning Goals Programs cover the main areas of education without being subject driven, looking at mathematical development, social development, creative development and language, literacy and communication.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
DORSET is home to a plethora of quality schools, both primary and secondary.
Schools throughout the county achieved outstanding GCSE results for 2013, with many gaining higher pass rates than ever before.
Local private, public and academy schools set a high benchmark and the choice of primary and secondary school in the county are regarded as some of the best in the country.
So where do you begin when choosing the right school?
Dorset is popular area with families as there is an abundance of shops, education resources, facilities and transport links.
Spanning from Ferndown and Christchurch, to Bournemouth, Poole, Swanage and Weymouth there is are a range of primary and secondary schools which have set exemplary standards. Dorset is a great area for families with excellent catchment areas that are hard to beat anywhere else in the UK.
Primary and secondary schools offer a wealth of great facilities with wonderful grounds and buildings set up for their needs. Scholarships are also offered by some schools to enable students to achieve their full potential.
For Ofsted reports on local schools visit www.ofsted.gov.uk.
SIXTH FORM /COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
DEPENDING on what you want to study, you could decide to stay on at school, or go to a sixth form college, specialist college, or university.
You can apply to more than one sixth form or college. Many colleges let you apply online through their website, or you can contact them for an application form. You should start applying for popular or specialist courses in the autumn term of Year 11. For other courses, you normally apply in the spring. You do not normally need to apply if you want to stay on at your school's own sixth form.
Whichever route you choose after leaving school, it pays to keep learning. More and more employers are looking for people with higher level skills and qualifications.
To get the most out of studying after the age of 16, it's important to take time to choose the right courses and qualifications. Ask yourself: what you are good at, and what you enjoy, whether you want to learn something new, do you prefer end of year exams, continual assessment or a mixture of both? Where will the course lead - does it fit in with your long term plans?
You could study for academic qualifications such as AS or A-levels or go for work-related qualifications such as BTECs, City and Guilds and OCR Nationals.
One of the best ways to find out what a college or university is really like is to go to an education open day. The try-before-you-buy aspect of schools, colleges and universities flinging their doors open to prospective parents and students is great. Open days have cemented themselves as an essential part of the process of looking for a place of education.
More and more adults are also attending college or open universities to gain new qualification and broaden their skillset. Why not sign up for a part-time course at your local college?
The choice can seem overwhelming, so if you want to take an academic qualification, but you're not sure which one is right for you call your local college or university for free advice.
The next step is to find a course at the university or college you want and apply through UCAS - for information about higher education go online to www.ucas.com
Your local council website should have details of courses in your area and these will range in cost.
If you can't study during the day or after work, why not speak to your boss about taking a qualification while you're at work. Your employer can even get support from the government's Train To Gain initiative.
Mature students, especially those with families, experience different pressures from the average 18-year-old, but most universities have an advisor on hand to deal with any issues.
Although qualifications cannot guarantee you a job, people with the right skills and qualifications have a better chance of finding a job with good prospects, and stability for life.
Top tips to get the most out of an open day:
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