Questions to ask at Open Evenings

There are a lot of questions here (please do not be overwhelmed). Do not feel like you need to remember them all. It just gives you an idea of different aspects of the school.

It will depend your child as to what your priorities are. I would suggest you choose a couple of sections which are most important to you and then decide on 1 or 2 questions.

For many of these questions, there are no right or wrong answers, it depends on your values and priorities for your child.

Some of these will be covered in the Headteacher’s talk.

Academics:

·       What are the range of subjects on offer in Year 7?

·       How many different teachers teach the student in 1 week? (i.e. For Science 3 or 1).

·       How much choice do they get at GCSE?

·       How much homework do students get in year 7 (how much and how often)?

·       How much homework do students get in Year 11?

·       What happens if students do not complete their homework on time?

·       Are the classes set or mixed ability?

·       How much practical work do students do from year 7? In pairs or groups?

·       How many languages do they choose at Year 7/ for GCSE? How do you decide?

·       How do you challenge students in lessons?

·       What do you do if students complete their homework quickly?

·       How do you identify and support students who are either struggling?

·       What happens if students do not complete homework in the time? (Complete until they are finished or make a note of how long it took?

·       What is the support for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) students?

·       How many students have EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans)?

·       What was your Progress 8 school last year? (No Progress 8 data for 2025,2026 due to COVID)

Behaviour:

·       What are the rewards and sanctions policy?

·       What happens if homework is late?

·       What happens if a student is late?

·       What happens if the student has the wrong uniform?

·       What happens if a student is mis-behaving in lessons?

Reporting

·       How often is communication sent home?

·       How many parents’ evenings are there and in what format (online or at school)?

Pastoral care:

·       What does your pastoral system look like? (Form tutors, Heads of year, house system).

·       If I have a concern (say a friendship issue), what is the best way to contact the school?

·       How do you handle bullying or friendship issues?

Extracurricular:

·       What clubs and activities are available outside lessons?

·       Are there trips, competitions, or enrichment days?

·       Are the clubs free?

·       Is there a strong music, drama, or sports offering?

Technology:

·       What is your mobile phone policy?

·       Do students use digital platforms for homework or revision?

Other:

·       Is the school full?

·       Is the school fully staffed?

·       What is your admission policy? Test? Straight line distance?

·       How many siblings got in last year?

In all honesty, you will get a feel of the school as you walk around it. Think of it like viewing a house, you get a gut feeling and everyone has a different opinion.

The best thing you can do is to attend the Open Morning as that shows what the students and teachers are really like.

Feel free to get in contact if you have any questions