by Kat Field, Marketing Campaign Manager, Lancing College
Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision, and attending an open event is one of the best ways to get a real feel for a school beyond its website or prospectus.
Whether you’re visiting a primary, prep or secondary/senior school, an open day gives you the opportunity to look around, meet staff and pupils, ask questions and, perhaps most importantly, get a sense of whether the school feels the right fit for your child.
It’s easy to be impressed by beautiful buildings, fabulous facilities or a long list of achievements, but the most important question is really simple – can you see your child being happy, confident and successful there?
Here are Lancing College’s 10 top tips for making the most of a school open event.
1. Start with your child, not the school
Before looking at results or reputations, think about where your child is most likely to thrive – academically, socially and emotionally.
Every child is different. Think about their personality, interests, strengths and areas where they may need support. The right school is not necessarily the one that looks best on paper – it is the one where your child can grow and flourish.
2. Take your child with you!
Your child’s reaction to a school can tell you a great deal. Do they seem curious, comfortable or excited? How do they interact with staff and pupils? Do they start asking questions of their own?
Give them the chance to get involved, whether that’s trying an activity, exploring the facilities or sampling the school food.
3. Pay attention to how the school makes you feel
The admissions process itself can tell you something about a school. Are staff welcoming? Do they listen? Are their answers thoughtful and candid? Do they seem genuinely interested in getting to know your child?
Trust your gut. Your overall impression is worth paying attention to.
4. Talk to the pupils
Current pupils can offer insights you simply won’t find in a prospectus.
Natural, honest answers can tell you a lot. Notice how pupils interact with each other and with teachers. This can reveal a great deal about a school’s culture.
5. Visit on a normal school day too
Open events are useful, but many schools offer individual tours or visits outside their main open events too.
Watch how pupils interact when nobody is putting on a show. An ordinary day can give you a valuable glimpse of what school life is really like.
6. Ask the questions that matter to you
Don’t be afraid to ask the difficult or practical questions. Depending on your child’s age, these might include reading and phonics, how children are supported, settling in and transitions, behaviour, pastoral care, homework, screen time, friendships or additional needs.
Think about your child and what matters most to your family.
7. Don’t choose purely on academic results
Academic results matter, but they are only part of the picture.
How does it stretch those who are very able? Support those who are struggling? Develop confidence and independence? Encourage pupils to think for themselves and discover what they are good at?For younger children, ask how the school builds strong foundations while nurturing curiosity and a love of learning. For older pupils, consider how it prepares them for life beyond the classroom.
8. Look beyond your child’s existing “thing”
Sport, music, drama and other interests matter, but don’t just ask what the school can offer your child now. Ask what opportunities there are to discover something completely new. The right school should broaden a child’s horizons, not just develop the talents they already have.
9. Consider the journey, not just the entry point
Think beyond the first year or two. How does the school support children as they grow in confidence and independence? How are pupils prepared for their next steps?
For younger children, this might include preparing for senior school. You are choosing a school not just for the child standing in front of you today, but for the child they will become.
10. Visit more than one school
Even if you have your heart set on a particular school, try to visit more than one. Seeing different schools gives you something to compare.
For state schools, catchment areas and competition for places mean your first choice is not always guaranteed.
For independent schools, selection works both ways: the school is assessing whether your child is also right for them.
And finally…
Your research shouldn’t stop when you leave the school gates. Read inspection reports and reviews, listen to other parents’ experiences (with an open mind) and, where appropriate, talk to your child’s current nursery or school. Look beyond the official information to get a fuller picture.
Most importantly, talk to your child. What did they like? What didn’t they like? What are they still talking about afterwards?
Choosing a school is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take your time and focus on the environment where your child is most likely to feel happy, supported and inspired to learn.
To find out more about Lancing College Family of Schools please visit www.lancingcollege.co.uk
