For many parents school fees are not an option, for some they are the only option. Whatever your views on paying for education, school fees are a major financial commitment.

Remember that private/independent schools may offer scholarships and sometimes bursaries to gifted students which will reduce the cost.

However, the most important thing to take into consideration is that school fees do not remain static. They tend to increase year on year at a greater rate than inflation.

Information on school open days can be found in local papers, the school's own website and maybe on the local authority website (Education section).

It is vital to visit the schools, preferably with your child. Together you can meet the teachers, see the facilities and the type of work they do there.

Be prepared to ask some questions. If there is an entrance exam - ask about its format, how many papers? How many questions? How long they last.

If your child has special strengths or special needs find out if this school can accommodate them. It is better to find out now that the school your child has set their heart on attending plays rugby not football or has no facilities for cooking, textiles or Pottery for example.

Not all schools will have an entrance exam but, for those that do the following is of vital importance.

Find out from your chosen schools: WHAT, WHERE and WHEN.

What do the exams entail? How many are there, what format are they in (Multiple choice/direct answer) How many questions on the paper? and how long do they last?

Usually there are English and/or verbal reasoning along with a Maths test. Some schools will include a non-verbal reasoning paper and others an essay and comprehension.

Armed with this knowledge the next step is PRACTICE, either on past papers or equivalent standard papers. Some schools provide sample papers free of charge, or will charge for them. Alternatively there are many makes of test lining the shelves of your local bookstore.

Buy or get hold of as many different test papers as you can and work out a realistic timetable for your child to go through them.

Of equal importance is making sure that you child understands what is likely to happen on the day. It is likely that they will be left on their own at an unfamiliar school for a few hours.

You may need to prepare your child for an interview. Practice answering questions about hobbies, sports and achievements. Remind your child about maintaining eye contact with the interviewer.

Make sure that you have made a list of your child's achievements, interests etc. and that they are comfortable talking about them.

Sometimes a child's ability or approach to teamwork will be assessed. It is important that your child remember that he/she is being watched and remains on best behaviour during these exercises and any breaks in between.

It is important to show that they are positive, enthusiastic, helpful and inclusive.

Not everyone has the time or is comfortable working with their child to prepare them for the exams. If this is the case then a tutor may be invaluable and might really make a difference.

How to find a good tutor.
Ask around, a recommendation is always preferable to picking someone from a local paper/yellow pages advert. Maybe some of the teachers at your child's school may be able to help. Or maybe there is an after school coaching club in your area.

Whilst many schools says that they don't like children to be tutored, there is no denying that one-to-one attention, even for just an hour a week, can benefit a child. Their confidence increases and therefore their chances of doing better in the exams.

Keep a file
collect school brochures and application forms,
diarise dates for open days & exams, results etc.
Keep photocopies of all applications (and print outs of all on-line applications)
Be aware that some schools may ask for photos and/or copies of birth certificates.

If posting applications, why not add a stamped self-addresses-envelope or post card and ask the school to return it when they have received the application.

On the day
Make sure that you know where you are going. Be prepared for traffic jams, road closures or traffic restrictions. It is not uncommon for frantic parents to abandon their car in front of a stranger's driveway because they are late getting their child to an exam!

Your attitude
Try to remain light-hearted when talking about the situation with other parents. Remember that everyone is nervous and all want the best school for your child. Equally, try to ignore the comments of other children as to how hard/easy the exam was. Post mortems are not particularly useful and a child's recall of events may not be accurate.

If however, your child has more than one school to sit for, it may be useful to talk about the type of question that they found difficult or words they didn't understand so that these areas can be worked on.

For those whose child gets into a school they want, this is the end of the process. For the parents of those that don't, this is a most stressful time.

Your child will be disappointed, especially if his/her friends have been successful and you will no doubt be feeling bad too. The key to getting through this time is to remain positive. Look at your options and decide what you want to do.

1. You can accept the situation and the school that has chosen to accept your child.
2. You can appeal the decision - but only if you have good grounds. (Medical/social etc).
3. You can contact your chosen school about their waiting list.

Be aware that some places may even become available during the first year of secondary school as some children do not settle and move schools.