Making those important decisions for our child's future isn't getting any easier, Independent education has been a state school alternative for many parents because of the choice and diversity it offers. Parents can choose single-sex or co-educational schools, boarding or day schools, senior or junior schools, rural or urban schools and schools that are large or small. Independent schools provide education from age 3 to age 19.

One of the advantages in independent schools are the smaller class sizes, in particular for the younger age groups between 5-13 years, which can vary from 10-18 pupils. They also have the resources to nurture and build upon a child's strengths, alternatively identify any difficulties early on and assist to resolve these.

When choosing where to start, there's no doubt that independent pre-prep and preparatory schools provide an excellent foundation for early education, helping to maximise their future opportunities.

Essentially, pre-prep schools are the nurseries or kindergartens, children will attend these schools usually from the ages of two. Here they will learn to read, write, develop numeracy skills and learn to play. Most pre-prep schools are attached to prep or junior schools enabling a smoother transition into the next education stage.

Prep or junior schools are the years children prepare for senior education, universities and the competitive adult world. Independent schools commitment continues the strong tradition of academic attainment, sound discipline and excellent exam results.

With such flexibility within independent education sector this allows a child's individual needs to be met. Many schools have open mornings or days offering you and your child the opportunity to visit the school, meet the teachers, chat with the students and view some of their work on display, it's also an ideal time to ask plenty of questions.