Choosing the right school is a deeply personal journey — and while prospectuses and open day programmes provide essential facts, nothing compares to hearing from other parents who’ve been through the process themselves.
In this ongoing series, we share real stories and reflections from families who’ve attended school open days across the UK. Whether they visited a traditional boarding school in Surrey, a progressive day school in London, or joined a virtual open event from abroad, their insights offer honest, practical perspectives to help guide your own decision-making.
Why Parent Stories Matter
- First-hand experiences feel relatable. You’ll hear what surprised them, what questions they asked, and how their children responded to the school environment.
- Each family has unique priorities. From academics and extracurriculars to pastoral care and international student support, stories show how different factors matter to different people.
They build community. Especially for international families or first-time private school applicants, it’s reassuring to know others have navigated the same path.
What to Expect
In each story or interview, parents will share:
- Why they chose to attend a specific open day
- What stood out most — both positively and unexpectedly
- How their child reacted during and after the visit
- The questions they asked (and wished they had asked!)
- How the visit influenced their school choice
- Tips they’d offer other parents starting the process
You may also see quotes like:
“I thought open days would be all show and no substance — but the Head’s talk gave us such a clear sense of the school’s values.”
“We attended from Dubai via a virtual open day. The admissions team were so welcoming, and it really helped us narrow down our top three.”
Join the Conversation
We believe every family’s story can help another. If you’ve attended an open day and would like to share your experience — anonymously or by name — we’d love to hear from you.
✉️ Contact us at [your email/contact form] to contribute your story.
Final Thoughts
Real stories help bring school research to life. They remind us that open days are not just about facts and figures — they’re about people, connections, and finding the right fit for each individual child.