Key findings from ‘What Parents Want’ Survey 2021
The Independent Schools Queensland Survey was recently released, and as the longest-running survey in Australia, it delves into the decision-making processes of independent school parents. Somerville House parents made up some of the 3,961 parents with children at 116 independent schools who participated in the 2021 survey.
As a Principal, I think about what it is that make parents choose Somerville House for their daughter’s education. Is it the academic reputation? Our co-curricular activities and facilities? Is it the culture and school spirit? Is it the quality of the teachers?
In the What Parents Want Survey, parents were asked to identify the extent to which forty-three factors, categorised by school type, curriculum, programs, school characteristics, services and people, contributed to their decision. Based on an analysis of these results, the top ten most important factors driving school decision by independent school parents are listed in the ranked order below:
- preparation for student to fulfil potential in later life
- school seemed right for child’s individual needs
- the high quality of teachers
- encouragement of responsible attitude to work
- teaching methods/philosophy
- reputation of school
- good discipline
- emphasis place by school on developing student’s sense of community responsibility
- range of subjects offered
- prospects for school leavers
Traffic Management
Traffic management in and around Somerville House continues to be a challenge at morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods. The School encourages all parents to adopt a community-minded approach to ensure the safety of everyone’s children. Child safety and illegal parking around the School remains a concern for parents, students, local residents and schools alike.
Brisbane City Council (BCC) has recently notified the School that they will be conducting patrols around Somerville House to ensure safe parking. I encourage you to visit the BCC website at brisbane.qld.gov.au and search parking rules to learn more about parking in Brisbane.
Roma Show
This Friday (6 May), I will be at the Roma Show with Head of Boarding, Mrs Frances Greene. We hope to say hello to boarding families on either Friday or Saturday. Please let prospective families from the surrounding districts know that Somerville House will be at the Roma Show.
Enjoy the rest of this third week of the term.
Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal