7 years is a long time. Schools can really change in that time. A Principal makes or breaks a school so you could go and see an awesome school and then discover in 5 years time that they have been replaced by an idiot.

I'm the last person who should offer advice about Private schools. I can't wait to get back into the Public system. I'm way too tight to pay a premium for something when I can get a similar or better product at cost price.

Free Schools is very easy reading and makes a number of suggestions about what to look for in a school (regardless of system, although he is biased towards Public).