Preparing to relocate to a new country with children can be a scary time because there are so many changes taking place at once. As well as learning a new culture, environment and settling in to a new home children will need to adjust to a new school. It's key that you visit a number of schools and make comparisons to establish which one is the best fit for your children. Here are some key questions parents should typically ask. What do you do to help children settle in to your school? Most international schools have a ‘buddy’ or mentor system . Every school should have a policy they will share with parents explaining how they ensure children fit in. In an international school all pupils at some point have gone through the adjustment period and the teachers will have lots of experience of supporting them. What curriculum do you follow? It varies based on the school but in many cases the curriculum studied in the previous country can be picked up in the new school, so it’s worth verifying this with the school when you are comparing your options. What is the background of your teaching staff? Always ask about the background of teaching staff. They should have considerable experience in teaching the curriculum and be well qualified and trained. Always ask the question when arranging school visits. How large are the classes at your school? Teacher/pupil ratios are very important. Students should have as much individual attention as necessary. Always ask. Many schools have a maximum of 24 in the senior school and primary school classes tend to be bigger with 32 as a maximum. Check the number of teaching assistants to pupils. That can make all the difference. How have your pupils performed in examinations in recent years? This is important because you need to know a school’s past achievements. Where your child goes in the future depends on public examinations and you have every right to ask for the result tables. If you are looking at secondary schools then ask where pupils have gone to university and beyond. What extra-curricular activities do you have? Activities such as sports, drama or debating are very important for a child to develop new skills and make new friends so always get a full list of what is available.