Open events are a valuable opportunity to see a school in action, meet staff and pupils, and get a feel for whether it might be the right fit for your child. But with so much to take in – guided tours, speeches, student ambassadors, curriculum displays – it can be easy to be overloaded with information and forget your core purpose: finding the right fit for your child.
Here are some practical tips to help keep this in focus.
Keep Your Child in Mind
Every school will have its strengths, and these can vary greatly, and finding the right one for your child is essential. At all times, as you walk through the corridors, listen to presentations and chat with teachers, ask yourself: “How would my child experience this?”
Some families may find themselves blinded by a school’s prestige and reputation, or perhaps long-standing family traditions, but it is critical to remember that each child is different and understanding how well the school will support and challenge your child is critical.
Use the Co-Curricular Programme as a Lens
Most schools will proudly display a rich co-curricular programme. Parents look for wide-ranging opportunities for their children to engage with and are interested to hear from musicians, linguists, writers and artists sharing how their passions have been brought to life within the school day. However, whilst taking all this in, probe a little deeper – how a school approaches their co-curricular programme might offer more than surface value.
If your child is enthusiastic and inclined to become overwhelmed with too many activities, you may wish to enquire as to how the school support pupils in balancing their co-curricular commitments with their academic workload? How do they utilise their wellbeing programme to good effect within this context.
If your child is more reserved or hesitant to join in, you might like to question what does the school do to encourage less confident pupils to get involved in clubs or try new things? How do they track engagement with the co-curricular programme and inspire those who may be less willing to step forward. Through this particular lens, you may wish to expand your questions further around those children less likely to put their hands up in the classroom, or to volunteer for leadership roles owing to a lack of confidence or a touch of shyness. How does the school reach these children and ensure that they are not overlooked.
It is important to remember that it is not just about what is on offer, but how the school helps every child access those opportunities.
Sport also plays a huge role in a school’s identity. Some uphold reputations as first-rate rugby, or hockey schools. Some have rowing programs which see their pupils go on to Olympic success; some have incredible equine facilities. Whilst this may suit those competitive and able children, for those who do not identify themselves this way, parents may wish to enquire as to how the school ensures that its culture is inclusive of all, and encouraging to those who have not yet found their niche. How is the sports program tailored to allow competitive pupils to flourish whilst encouraging others to try everything and have fun along the way. What do you know about the sports coaches and their competitive backgrounds? Find out a little more about those who will be coaching your children.
Consider the School Size – and What It Means for Your Child
School size can significantly affect a child’s experience, and both large and small schools have their strengths.
If the school you are considering is large, think about how your child might stand out (or feel lost). Ask the school ensures that every pupil is seen and known? How are opportunities like leadership or performance spread across the student body?
If the school is small, consider whether there’s enough variety to stimulate your child. Ask how the school maintains breadth of opportunity in a smaller setting, whether that is in clubs, sports, or academic subjects? Do they partner with other schools to enable further opportunities and friendship building.
Again, think about your child’s needs – would they thrive in a big, bustling environment, or would they benefit more from a smaller, tight-knit community?
Do Your Research Before You Go
It is tempting to go in with a blank slate and just absorb the atmosphere, but an open event can whizz by in a flurry of information, so before you go, here are some suggestions as to what to consider:
- Read the school’s website thoroughly.
- Is the School part of a trust? How do these links manifest themselves? How do they share best practice? Do the run initiatives that may be beneficial for pupils and staff?
- Speak to anyone you know whose children have attended the school – what are their experiences (good and bad!)
- A Headteacher can set the tone for the whole community, greatly influencing vision, ethos and staff and pupil engagement. Take a good look at how they connect with those around them. What particular interests and passions do they have, which may influence their plans.
- Consider the school’s examination results, compare them with their competitor schools, looking deeply at their Value Added Scores, and any particular subjects that stand out (either good or bad!) Look back over the last five years or so to get a sense of their academic trajectory.
- If your child has a learning need, consider carefully the size of the SEND provision and how it is embedded into school life. Look for those more niche roles within the staff body such as school councillors, mentors and nurses who work to support those most in need. Ask how their work is woven into that of pastoral heads and the leadership team.
- And finally, note down specific questions that relate to your child’s needs, strengths, or potential challenges.
- Consider the future – are you looking for a setting which continues through to Sixth Form? How does the school prepare children for their future beyond the school, with respect to careers guidance, UCAS applications, university entry. What are the statistics in this area? How many of their students achieve the places they had hoped for.
This preparation will allow you to make focused observations and ask insightful questions, rather than generic ones.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask the “What If” Questions
Some of the most revealing conversations can come from asking what happens when things don’t go to plan:
- “What support is there if a child is struggling socially or emotionally?”
- “How does the school respond if a pupil isn’t thriving academically?”
- “How flexible is the school when a child’s interests change over time?”
A great school isn’t one where nothing ever goes wrong – it’s one that responds thoughtfully and effectively when it does.
Consider ‘the feel’
While you’re gathering information, also tune into the atmosphere. Do pupils seem relaxed and engaged? Are staff warm, knowledgeable, and approachable? Do you hear laughter in the corridors?
You will get a lot from the tone of conversations, not just the answers. And sometimes, what’s not said can be as important as what is.
In Summary: Make It Personal
Remember to ask yourself “Can I imagine my child thriving here?” Armed with thorough research, a good set of rigorous questions, and the willingness to really immerse yourself into their community, an open event can be a truly insightful experience.
Want to discover what makes Surbiton High School so special? Join us at one of our upcoming Open Events – we’d love to welcome you!
