Chris Woodhead and Janet Pickering discuss the key ingredients required to provide an outstanding education for your child

It's one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent, but how can you be sure what is best? Different schools will suit different children.

The best schools all have some qualities in common, however. Dynamic leadership, high-quality teaching, good facilities, a range of extra-curricular activities offered by committed and talented staff - and, of course, engaged, enthusiastic children who want to learn.

Chris Woodhead, the former chief inspector of schools, and Janet Pickering, headmistress of Withington Girls' School, Manchester, The Sunday Times Parent Power Independent Secondary School of the Year, explain what sets the very best schools apart.