Understanding how families choose schools
These guides explain how families research and compare schools — what the official data means, what to look for on a visit, and how to weigh everything up. They describe choices, never rank schools.
What families are trying to understand
Most families do not want to be told which school is 'best' — they want to understand which school fits their child. These guides explain the signals families use: Ofsted reports, Progress 8 and Attainment 8, admissions criteria and the everyday culture of a school.
How to use these guides
Start with the topic closest to your question, then move into the search tools to apply what you have learned. Each guide links to official sources so you can check the latest information for yourself.
Featured guides
Understanding school choices in Surrey
How families explore primary and secondary schools across Surrey using official data, catchment information and community insights.
How families compare secondary schools near London
What families weigh up when researching commuter-friendly towns with strong secondary schools and fast links to London.
Questions families ask
Does Fammove rank schools?
No. Fammove explains how families research schools using official data and anonymised community insights. We never publish rankings or recommend one school over another.
What is the best way to compare two schools?
Compare them on the same measures — Ofsted, Progress 8 or Attainment 8, age range and admissions criteria — then add a visit and community insights for the things data cannot show.
Related categories
Keep researching
Fammove educates, it does not recommend. We explain how families research schools using official data and anonymised community insights — this is information, not rankings or advice. We never fabricate statistics; always check the official source linked from each school.