Top Questions to Ask on School Open Days

Choosing a school for your child is a big decision. Open days are a valuable opportunity to go beyond the prospectus and websites, and to actually see the school in action. You’ll meet staff, walk through the classrooms, and get a sense of the school’s atmosphere. But with so much to take in, it’s easy to leave feeling you didn’t ask the right things.

Here’s a guide to the key questions every parent should consider asking, along with why they matter and what to look out for in the answers.

1. What is the School’s Approach to Learning?

Not all schools teach in the same way. Some place emphasis on traditional teaching, with a focus on exams, discipline, and structured lessons. Others may prioritise creativity, group projects, or hands-on activities. By asking about the school’s philosophy, you’ll get a better sense of whether it suits your child’s personality and strengths.

For example, does the school encourage independent thinking and problem-solving? Do they balance academic learning with creative subjects like art and music? A school that matches your child’s learning style is more likely to keep them motivated and confident.

2. How Does the School Support Different Abilities?

Every child is unique. Some need extra help, while others may need additional challenge. Ask how teachers stretch high-achieving pupils so they don’t get bored, and how they support children who struggle in certain subjects.

For children with special educational needs (SEN), it’s particularly important to ask about dedicated support staff, individual learning plans, and whether the school has an SEN coordinator (SENCO). A good school should be able to explain clearly how they adapt teaching to make sure every child is included.

3. What Are Class Sizes Like?

Class size can have a huge impact on the amount of attention your child receives. Smaller classes often allow teachers to spot problems early and give more tailored support. Larger schools can still provide excellent education, but only if they have systems in place, such as teaching assistants, smaller group sessions, or intervention programmes.

Don’t just ask for numbers — try to find out how the school manages its resources. For example, if a class has 30 children, are there two adults in the room? Do older pupils sometimes get smaller seminar-style groups for more advanced work?

4. What Extracurricular Opportunities Are Available?

Education isn’t only about what happens in the classroom. Clubs, sports, music, and arts can help children discover passions, build confidence, and develop teamwork skills.

Ask about the range of extracurricular activities on offer and how widely pupils are encouraged to join. Is there something for both sporty and non-sporty children? Are there opportunities in music, drama, debating, or science clubs? A rich extracurricular programme can make school life far more rewarding.

5. How Does the School Handle Behaviour and Discipline?

Every parent wants their child to feel safe and supported. Schools should have a clear behaviour policy that sets out expectations and explains how they deal with issues like bullying, lateness, or disruption in class.

Ask how teachers handle difficult behaviour in practice, and whether the school focuses on punishment or positive reinforcement. A good school will explain how they balance discipline with helping children learn from mistakes. It’s also worth asking how parents are kept informed if problems arise.

6. What Pastoral Support Is Available?

Pastoral care covers the emotional and social wellbeing of pupils. Children can face challenges at any stage of their school journey — from making friends to dealing with anxiety or family changes.

Find out what kind of support systems the school has. Do they have counsellors or mentors? Are there staff members children can turn to if they need help? Do teachers receive training in mental health awareness? Strong pastoral support ensures that children feel cared for, which in turn helps them achieve academically.

7. How Does the School Communicate With Parents?

Communication between school and home can make a huge difference. Ask how often parents are updated on progress, and in what form. Some schools use apps and online platforms, while others rely on newsletters, reports, or parents’ evenings.

It’s also worth asking how accessible teachers are if you need to raise a concern. A school that values strong parent partnerships will make it easy to stay informed and involved.

8. What Are the Facilities Like?

Take note of the classrooms, libraries, science labs, and outdoor spaces during your visit. Ask about access to sports facilities, technology, and specialist equipment. Even older buildings can work well if they are clean, safe, and well cared for.

Facilities can also show how seriously a school takes particular subjects. For example, a well-stocked art room or modern music studio suggests creativity is valued. Ask if pupils have access to computers or tablets, and whether the school invests regularly in maintaining its spaces.

9. How Are Transitions Managed?

Starting a new school can be daunting. Whether it’s moving from nursery to primary, or from primary to secondary, ask how the school helps pupils settle in.

Good schools often run induction days, buddy systems, or small group introductions to ease the transition. Secondary schools may also visit feeder primaries to get to know new pupils in advance. Smooth transitions can make a big difference to your child’s confidence and happiness.

10. What Do Pupils Say About the School?

Finally, take the chance to talk to pupils if you can. Children are often honest about their experiences. Ask them what they enjoy most, what they’d change, and how they get along with teachers.

Pay attention to how pupils interact with each other and with staff during your visit. Are they polite and engaged, or restless and distracted? Sometimes the atmosphere tells you more than the official answers ever could.

Conclusion

School open days are your chance to go beyond the brochures and websites and get a real feel for a place. By asking thoughtful questions, you’ll learn about teaching styles, support systems, behaviour policies, and the culture of the school. Combine what you hear with your own instincts about the atmosphere, and you’ll be in a much stronger position to decide if it’s the right school for your child.