'TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL'

So, you've secured a job in your dream island location.... your partner and kids are ecstatic, salary and benefits have been agreed, housing has been chosen, work permit has been secured, your extended family are already making plans to fly out and visit you (while running up hefty bills at various beach-side restaurants(!)), and weekly sea side activities have been planned for the family.... but not so fast.... you still have one more bullet point to handle once you arrive on island - the rather serious matter of your child(ren)'s education.

   Here are the some of the key factors to consider when choosing a new school for your ward(s) once your flight hits the tarmac:

- Do your own internet research before approaching your future colleagues with questions about their ward’s experiences

- Take your future colleagues feedback into consideration while retaining an open mind, re: the schools on your shortlist

- Do a tour of the schools before heading back home to bring your family over (you can postpone this school tour until after you start work if your permit forbids you from being on island until your actual start date). Observe teaching styles, academic attainment, extra curricular activities, ‘student culture,’ pastoral care

- Take your ward(s) on a school tour to gain their perspective. While the final decision lies with you, do not dismiss their opinions – they might have observed something that you missed out on your tour

- Now you have all of the information, weigh things up carefully and take an informed decision. Don’t hesitate to make changes if the school doesn’t live up to expectations