School open days are a chance for parents to evaluate their child’s potential future. Armed with clipboards, pointed questions, and the occasional cup of watered-down tea from the PTA stand. But let’s face it—every school is on its best behaviour, showcasing shiny facilities, impeccable manners, and an inexplicably large variety of biscuits. So how do you cut through the glitter to find the real story?
I asked some secondary school teachers for their thoughts…
1. Treat Open Day Like a Night Out
Some schools roll out sweets, snacks, and interactive games. Don’t shy away—bring the whole family and make a night of it. Bonus points if you’ve sent five kids there already and work in the school—you’ve earned that buffet plate.
But jokes aside, pay attention to the extras. Schools that make an effort to create a welcoming atmosphere for families might just extend that effort to their pupils. The ones that don’t? Well, if the biscuits are stale, the curriculum might be too.
2. Talk to the Student Guides
These kids are your insiders. They’re probably more honest than they’re meant to be, and their insights will be priceless. Are they enthusiastic or rehearsed? Do they beam with pride or glance nervously at their supervising teacher before answering? The students will tell you, intentionally or not, if this is a place where children thrive—or just survive.
3. Observe the Teachers’ Smiles
A genuine smile goes a long way. If the teachers seem friendly, approachable, and interested in your child, that’s a great sign. If they’re merely gritting their teeth to get through the night, think twice. And if they don’t even bother to fake a smile—run. Also, remember: teachers should look at least a little exhausted by December. If they’re not, something is wrong. Overworked, happy teachers = good school. Perpetually fresh-looking staff? Highly suspicious.
4. Check the Vibes (And the Ceiling Heights)
One teacher noticed some amusing but potentially reliable indicators:
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Short ceilings = bickering. Tall ceilings = lofty ideas.
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A shabby staff room? Red flag. If the school doesn’t care about the teachers’ well-being, how much will they care about your child’s?
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Are the teachers too tall? Beware of chiropractor bills when your child has to crane their neck to see eye-to-eye.
5. Ask the Big Questions About Support
Don’t accept vague answers. Ask specific questions like:
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“If my child struggles in class, what exactly will you do to help?”
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“How do you support kids with dyslexia or other learning challenges?”
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“What happens to your students after they leave? Do you help set them up for success?”
These aren’t just nit-picky concerns—they’re vital for understanding how well the school supports diverse needs and aspirations. A couple of teachers stressed that if pupils are overwhelmed, do they have a place they can go to, not just a teacher they can speak to.
6. Explore the Curriculum and Activities
If the arts are important to you, make sure they’re celebrated, not an afterthought. Schools in certain academy chains may deprioritise creative subjects, so ask directly:
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“What role do the arts play in the curriculum?”
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“Do non-sporty kids have opportunities during lunch and breaks?”
Similarly, check the after-school activities. Are there clubs and programmes that cater to a wide range of interests, or do the staff seem eager to shoo the kids out the door at 3:30pm?
7. Location, Location, Location
Is the school close enough to walk or bike to? A short, active commute is an underrated factor in your child’s physical and mental well-being. Plus, fewer long, dreary car rides, and… you know… carbon footprint.
8. Evaluate the Leadership and Their Vision
Take the headteacher’s tour. Are they passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely proud of their school? Local gossip and outdated Ofsted reports can only tell you so much—this is your chance to get a feel for the real ethos of the school. And on the topic of ethos: if you’re not prepared to support teacher decisions, and back the rules and expectations, then it’s not the school for you.
9. Check for Evidence, Not Buzzwords
Beware of generic responses like, “We provide extra classes to help struggling students.” That’s meaningless without specifics. Ask:
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“Can you show me an example of how you’ve helped a student overcome challenges?”
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“What systems are in place for identifying and addressing learning gaps?”
If their answers feel rehearsed or evasive, dig deeper.
10. Look Beyond the Shine
Remember: schools are wheeling out their best bits on open days. That state-of-the-art science lab might be locked 364 days of the year. Look at the little things:
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Are the corridors lively but not chaotic?
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Are the displays current and reflective of real student work?
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Do the students seem happy and confident—or tired and disengaged?