Attending an open event is an excellent opportunity for families to see how a school operates, meet pupils and staff, and experience it firsthand to help decide which school provides the right environment for your child.
Emily Hoey, Senior Admissions Executive at Robert Gordon’s College, shares her top 10 tips to make the most of your visit!
1. Welcoming Atmosphere
Setting foot on campus allows you to take in the atmosphere of the school. How the pupils greet you, how the staff interact with you, how happy are the children in the playground, and how engaging the teachers are. A welcoming and inclusive atmosphere suggests a positive school environment where pupils are happy to be there.
2. Quality of Facilities
Where possible, take a tour of the school in order to have a thorough look at the facilities. Think about what is important to your child and visit the areas that are. Do you have a future scientist, an aspiring athlete, a budding artist, or a stage star in the making? Whether it is science labs, sports complexes, music rooms, art studios, libraries, or drama theatres, an open event is an excellent opportunity to explore these facilities and see where your child’s talents can truly shine. Look around the campus, is it maintained well? A school with a Campus Development Plan shows their commitment to providing an optimal learning environment for their pupils.
3. Engaged and Enthusiastic Staff
Look out for enthusiastic teachers who are passionate about what they teach within and beyond the classroom. Observe the classrooms in action - are the teachers engaging with the pupils? Is there any additional education support staff working with pupils? If available, take the opportunity to speak with teaching staff and ask them any questions that you may have. If your child has a particular requirement or interest make sure to speak with the relevant member of staff for that year group or subject. These members of staff will play a crucial role in your child's educational experience.
4. Classrooms
Visit the classrooms to observe the learning environment. Are they well-organised, bright and spacious? Notice how the seating is arranged; are the classrooms set up to encourage interaction and collaborative learning appropriate for the age and stage? Do they have the facilities and technology that you would expect? An engaging classroom environment can have a significant impact on learning.
5. Curriculum
Find out about what curriculum is offered and how it is delivered. Independent schools tend to offer a wide range of courses and flexibility in choice. If there are certain subjects that are of interest, ask about them. It is important to ensure that the school meets your curricular expectations. Ask about the opportunities for pupils to extend their learning beyond the curriculum in subject areas they are interested in. These opportunities are crucial for preparing pupils for their future pathways.
6. Co-curricular
As well as the academic offer, the co-curricular opportunities are hugely important to see what truly makes a school stand out. Co-curricular activities are more than just hobbies - they are a key part of developing happy, motivated, confident, and curious individuals who strive to achieve their best. They provide children with a sense of fulfilment and are a great way to build friendships and school memories. A broad range of options, including sports, arts, music, drama, and clubs, indicates a commitment to developing well-rounded pupils with diverse interests and talents.
7. Health and Wellbeing
School should be a safe and supportive place to learn. Is there a strong pastoral care programme and network of healthcare professionals to ensure every child’s emotional and social wellbeing is looked after. Find out about the school’s guidance and medical teams, ask to see the wellbeing facilities. If your child has additional support needs, be sure to ask about support for learning.
8. Happy Campus
If possible, talk to current pupils during your visit. If they are carrying out your campus tour this is an excellent time to ask them what it is truly like to be a pupil at the school. Ask them about their experiences and favourite aspects of the school. Look at how children interact around school. Their feedback can offer valuable insights into the school’s culture and whether it aligns with what you’re looking for as a family.
9. Educational and Career Development
Enquire about how the school tracks and reports pupil progress. Look for evidence of strong academic standards and how they support pupils to reach their full potential. Ask about recent exam results, university placements and the former pupil community. How does the school support educational and career development for individual pathways? Do they have an engaged former pupil community?
10. Parent Engagement
It takes a community to raise a child. Is there a strong partnership between the school and home? Ask about how the school communicates with parents, how often meetings are held, and any other opportunities for parent interaction. A school that encourages active parent engagement creates a supportive home-school partnership.
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. Be curious during an open event, and look out for these 10 key points to gain a comprehensive understanding of what each school has to offer and how well it aligns with your child’s needs and your family values. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, take notes, and trust your instincts. And remember, if you can’t attend an open event - book a one-to-one tour! This is a great opportunity to get a personalised experience, ask questions, and see all that a school has to offer at your own pace.
The right school should not only meet your expectations but should also feel like a place where your child will be happy, supported, and inspired to learn!