School open days are a vital part of the admissions journey — yet many families hold back from attending due to confusion, uncertainty, or outdated assumptions. Whether you’re a UK parent considering independent education or an international family exploring boarding schools in Britain, it’s important to approach open days with clarity and confidence.
In this guide, we’ll address some of the most common myths about school open days and private school tours, and offer accurate, reassuring guidance on what to expect.
Myth #1
"You Must Already Be Accepted to Attend an Open Day"
Truth
Open days are designed for prospective families — attending one does not mean you’ve already been offered a place.
Most UK independent schools host open days before the application deadline, precisely to give families an opportunity to explore the school, ask questions, and decide whether to apply. Some even encourage early visits for future-year entry (e.g. looking at Year 7 when your child is in Year 5).
Most UK independent schools host open days before the application deadline, precisely to give families an opportunity to explore the school, ask questions, and decide whether to apply. Some even encourage early visits for future-year entry (e.g. looking at Year 7 when your child is in Year 5).
Myth #2
"Open Days Are Just Marketing Events — You Won’t Learn Anything New"
Truth
While open days do showcase the school’s strengths, they also offer real, valuable insight that you simply can't get from a website or brochure.
Parents often walk away with a clearer sense of:
The school’s ethos and teaching philosophy
Classroom environments and staff-student interaction
Student behaviour, confidence, and communication
Practical details like facilities, extracurriculars, and daily routines
The school’s ethos and teaching philosophy
Classroom environments and staff-student interaction
Student behaviour, confidence, and communication
Practical details like facilities, extracurriculars, and daily routines
Myth #3
“Virtual Open Days Aren’t Worth Attending”
Truth
Virtual open days have become highly interactive and informative. While they can't replace an in-person visit entirely, they offer a valuable introduction — especially for international or out-of-area families.
Expect features such as:
Live presentations from school leadership
Q&A sessions with staff or pupils
Virtual tours and on-demand videos
Insights into admissions, boarding, and pastoral care
Live presentations from school leadership
Q&A sessions with staff or pupils
Virtual tours and on-demand videos
Insights into admissions, boarding, and pastoral care
Myth #4
“You Can’t Bring Your Child to an Open Day”
Truth
Most schools encourage students to attend open days with their parents — especially if your child is old enough to engage with the experience.
Children gain confidence by seeing the school first-hand and often have valuable opinions after the visit. Some schools even offer taster lessons, pupil-led tours, or sessions tailored specifically for prospective students.
Children gain confidence by seeing the school first-hand and often have valuable opinions after the visit. Some schools even offer taster lessons, pupil-led tours, or sessions tailored specifically for prospective students.
Myth #5
“All Open Days Are the Same”
Truth
Each school’s open day is different. Some offer large, formal events; others may host small-group or personalised tours. Some combine open mornings with individual interviews or taster sessions. Attending more than one open day allows you to compare schools meaningfully and understand what makes each one unique.
Senior schools may focus on subject specialisms and university pathways
Prep schools might emphasise nurturing, play-based learning, or boarding readiness
Boarding schools may include dorm tours, weekend life insights and house visits
Senior schools may focus on subject specialisms and university pathways
Prep schools might emphasise nurturing, play-based learning, or boarding readiness
Boarding schools may include dorm tours, weekend life insights and house visits
Myth #6
“It’s Too Late (or Too Early) to Attend”
Truth
Open days are held throughout the year often more than once. You can attend well in advance (especially for competitive entry years) and most schools welcome interest even before formal applications open.
If you've missed an open day, schools may still offer:
Private tours
Virtual open day recordings
One-to-one admissions consultations
Private tours
Virtual open day recordings
One-to-one admissions consultations
Myth #7
“You’ll Be Judged During the Open Day”
Truth
Open days are not assessments. They are designed for your benefit, not as part of the admissions decision.
You and your child are there to learn, ask, and explore — not to be evaluated. You won’t be tested, and you’re not expected to dress formally or behave in any special way beyond general courtesy.
You and your child are there to learn, ask, and explore — not to be evaluated. You won’t be tested, and you’re not expected to dress formally or behave in any special way beyond general courtesy.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the purpose and reality of school open days helps families approach them with confidence. They’re an invaluable opportunity to:
Learn how a school operates.
- Ask questions that matter to your family
- Meet the people who will shape your child’s education
- Get a feel for the community your child might join
- Whether you’re applying from London or Lagos, open days are designed to inform and inspire — not intimidate.
School Open Days Guide
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