When choosing a school look for the skyscrapers - Mark S. Steed

Here is a great piece written by Mark Steed on his blog (link)...
Great cities can be recognised by their skylines.

Some cities are dominated by ancient domes and spires testament to centuries of culture and learning; other more recent new-comers compete through ever taller and imaginative iconic structures; and truly great cities combine the two with a juxtaposition of history and an ever evolving modernity. 

However, on the ground, modern cities tend to be increasingly similar: shopping malls and business districts have a similar feel whether in Dubai, Kuala Lumpur or Toronto or Sydney. Life in one world city can be a very similar experience as life in another. 

In many ways schools are like cities. On the ground they all do very similar things: lessons take place, young people excel in music, drama, sport and adventurous activities; trips and visits go out both near and far. Some schools have long and distinguished histories and have the buildings to match, whilst others are forward-looking and have new technology and infrastructure to dazzle. So how to choose between them? 

Top independent schools, like world cities, have skyscrapers: areas of particular strength that define their skyline. These are areas where a school would consider itself making a distinctive contribution, areas where perhaps it puts a greater proportion of its resources than its peers. School skyscrapers are usually built on the foundations of long-standing tradition and expertise. So when choosing a school, consider the skyscrapers and ask yourself, 'Will the school in question provide my son or daughter the best possible opportunities to thrive, develop his/ her talents and, above all, to see new horizons?'