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Before the visit
- Read the school's admissions policy (criteria, distance rules, sibling rules, tie-breaks).
- Look at the school website: behaviour policy, SEND information report, safeguarding, uniform, curriculum.
- Skim the most recent Ofsted report (note dates, recurring themes, and any weaknesses).
- List your must-haves vs nice-to-haves for your family (keep it short).
- Prepare 3-5 questions you want answered before you leave.
During the visit
- First impressions: calm or chaotic? Friendly but firm? Clear routines?
- Watch transitions (lining up, moving between lessons, break to class).
- Look at corridors and classrooms: pupils engaged? teachers in control?
- Check how behaviour is handled in practice (not just the policy).
- Ask to see typical work (books) across ability ranges, not just display boards.
- Notice how adults speak to children (respectful, consistent, warm, high expectations).
Questions to ask
- Headteacher: What are you most proud of - and what are you working to improve right now?
- Headteacher: How do you ensure behaviour standards are consistent across staff and year groups?
- Classroom: How do you support pupils who are behind, and stretch pupils who are ahead?
- Pastoral: What does support look like on a bad day for a child (and how quickly can you respond)?
- Admissions: What are the most common reasons families miss out, and what can they do earlier?
Red flags to watch for
- Answers that are vague, defensive, or inconsistent across different staff members.
- Behaviour is "explained away" rather than owned and managed.
- SEND support is described in slogans, not in specific routines and resourcing.
- You can't see real pupil work or observe learning in action.
- High staff turnover is mentioned casually with no plan to stabilise.
Notes
- Notes: what surprised you (good or bad)?
- Notes: what would your child likely enjoy here?
- Notes: what would be difficult for your child here?
- Notes: key follow-ups (documents to read, people to email, second visit).
Sources / assumptions
This checklist is a decision-support template based on common UK school-visit patterns and typical admissions processes. It is not official guidance and does not guarantee admissions outcomes.
Always verify admissions criteria and deadlines in the school's published admissions policy and your Local Authority website.
Last updated: 2026-02-18
FAQs
Practical answers to common questions: questions to ask at a school open day, questions to ask the headteacher, what to look for in classrooms, and SEND questions to ask.
What questions should I ask at a school open day?
Aim for questions that reveal day-to-day reality: behaviour routines, support for children who struggle or need stretching, and how pastoral support works in practice. Use the "Questions to ask" section as a script and pick 5-8 that match your priorities.
What questions should I ask the headteacher?
Ask what they are improving right now, how they keep behaviour consistent across staff, and how they communicate with parents when things go wrong. A good answer is specific, not salesy.
What should I look for in classrooms?
Look for calm routines, clear explanations, children who are engaged, and teachers who can maintain attention without shouting. If possible, ask to see typical pupil work across ability ranges, not just displays.
What SEND questions should I ask at a school visit?
Ask who leads SEND, what support is realistic day-to-day, how needs are identified and tracked, and how often parents are updated. Try to turn general claims ("we are inclusive") into concrete examples.
Is it normal not to see a lesson during an open day?
Some schools restrict classroom access. If you can't observe learning, ask for a follow-up visit in a normal school day, and ask to see workbooks or talk to staff about typical lesson structure.
How should I compare schools after visits?
Write down what you saw (not just what you were told), then compare using a consistent set of criteria: learning, behaviour, support, culture, and practicalities like commute. Consistency beats memory.
Can a checklist guarantee a good school choice?
No. But it reduces "halo effect" and helps you validate trade-offs with better questions. Always read the admissions policy and verify key facts with original sources.
Should I bring my child to the visit?
If the school allows it, it can be helpful. Watch how staff interact with your child, and ask your child what felt easy or hard. For some children (especially anxious or SEND), a shorter visit is better.
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Included with subscriptions: unlimited reports or 15 credits/month. No signup for preview • Not official advice • Always verify key details with original sources.