How to Prepare Your Child for a School Open Day
Description: Attending a school open day isn’t just important for parents—it’s a key moment for children too. Whether you’re visiting a local independent school in the UK or exploring boarding school options from overseas, preparing your child ahead of time can make the experience far more enjoyable, informative, and meaningful.
Benefit: This guide helps parents ensure their child feels confident, comfortable, and engaged during a school visit, allowing you both to get the most out of the open day experience.
Why Preparing Your Child Matters
Choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a family. And while parents usually lead the decision-making process, it’s vital that children feel included and supported—especially if they’ll be the one spending every day there.
Open days can be exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. With new faces, unfamiliar surroundings, and a packed schedule, children who are prepared are more likely to stay calm, confident, and curious.
Whether your child is 7 or 17, these tips will help make the visit a positive experience for everyone involved.
1. Talk About What to Expect
Before the visit, sit down with your child and explain what a school open day is and why you’re going. Cover the basics:
- You’ll be touring the school grounds
- Meeting some teachers and students
- Seeing classrooms, sports facilities, and other areas
- Attending a short talk by the Headteacher or staff
For younger children, frame it as an adventure. For older ones, explain how their input matters in choosing the right school.
2. Research the School Together
Look through the school’s website with your child—especially the photo galleries, videos, and pupil blogs. This builds familiarity and can ease anxiety about going somewhere completely new.
You might also point out interesting features like:
- A science lab or music studio
- A big sports pitch
- A house system or school mascot
- Clubs or activities your child might enjoy
- This helps your child feel more excited and less uncertain.
3. Encourage Your Child to Ask Questions
Empower your child to take part by preparing a few simple questions they can ask during the visit. This builds confidence and helps them feel their voice matters.
Ideas include:
- “What’s your favourite thing about this school?”
- “What clubs can I join?”
- “What happens at break time?”
- “Is it easy to make friends?”
Older children may have more practical questions about academics, boarding life, or friendships. Let them write these down ahead of time or store them on a phone.
4. Practise Social Confidence
If your child is shy or nervous about meeting new people, do some light role-playing. Practise greetings, shaking hands, making eye contact, or answering questions like:
- “What year are you in?”
- “What do you enjoy at school?”
- “Do you like sports, music, or drama?”
This helps reduce nerves and makes social interactions on the day feel more natural.
5. Dress Comfortably and Appropriately
Some schools may suggest “smart casual” dress or request that children wear their current school uniform. Others are more relaxed.
Make sure your child is dressed comfortably—something they feel good in and can walk around in easily. If the school has outdoor space or you’ll be walking between buildings, pack for the weather too (especially important for UK autumn and spring visits!).
6. Take Notes Together After the Visit
After the open day, talk to your child about what they saw, heard, and felt. Ask open-ended questions like:
- “What did you like the most?”
- “Was there anything you didn’t enjoy?”
- “Can you see yourself going there?”
- “How did the students seem to you?”
Their feedback—especially their emotional reactions—can give you important clues about how well the school fits.
7. For International Families: Address the Big Questions
If you’re visiting from abroad and considering a UK boarding school, your child might have extra concerns. Talk openly about:
- Living away from home
- Making new friends
- Travel routines
- Staying in touch with family
Many schools offer international-friendly open days or specific sessions for overseas families—make use of these to help your child feel seen and supported.
Final Thoughts: A Confident Child = A More Insightful Visit
When your child feels prepared and included, the open day becomes a richer, more enjoyable experience—not just a tour, but a chance for them to imagine themselves in a new environment.
By preparing together, you’ll not only gain insight into the school—you’ll strengthen your child’s sense of agency and confidence in a big life decision.
Bonus: What to Pack for a School Open Day
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Comfortable shoes
- Notepad and pen (or phone for notes)
- List of questions (for both you and your child)
- Water bottle and snack (especially for longer visits)
- Weather appropriate clothing
