What to Expect During a Virtual School Open Day
Description: As more UK schools adapt to meet the needs of busy families and international applicants, virtual school open days have become a popular alternative—or complement—to in-person visits. Whether you’re based in the UK or exploring British private or boarding schools from overseas, virtual open days offer a convenient and informative way to experience a school from the comfort of your home.
Benefit: This guide helps parents understand what a virtual open day looks like, how to prepare for it, and how to make the most of the digital format—so you don’t miss out on valuable insights despite not being there in person.
Why Schools Offer Virtual Open Days
Virtual open days became a necessity during the pandemic, but they’ve continued due to demand from:
- International families unable to travel easily
- Busy UK-based parents juggling work and other commitments
- Families shortlisting multiple schools before visiting in person
Many independent schools in the UK now offer high-quality virtual events with live tours, Q&A sessions, and recorded content—designed to give you a well-rounded picture of life at the school.
What to Expect from a Virtual Open Day
Every school formats their virtual open days slightly differently, but here are the most common components:
1. Welcome Talk from the Headteacher
This is usually pre-recorded or presented live via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. It sets the tone and covers:
- The school’s ethos and values
- Academic vision
- Pastoral care priorities
- Recent achievements or developments
It’s a good moment to understand the leadership style and the culture the school promotes.
2. Virtual Campus Tour
Many schools offer:
- Interactive 360° campus tours
- Pre-recorded videos of key facilities like classrooms, theatres, labs, and boarding houses
- Drone footage or walk-throughs led by students or staff
This helps you get a feel for the layout and scale of the school—and how modern or well-resourced it is.
3. Live Q&A Sessions
Virtual open days often include live Q&A panels with:
- The Head or senior leadership team
- Heads of department
- Pastoral leads
- Current students
You’ll usually be able to submit questions via chat. Some schools accept questions in advance, so think ahead about what matters to you (boarding life, SEN support, EAL provision, academic pathways, etc.).
4. Subject & Department Showcases
Some schools break their event into sections where subject leads talk about the curriculum, exam results, and enrichment opportunities in:
- Maths, sciences, and humanities
- Arts, music, and drama
- Languages and STEM clubs
This is useful if your child has a strong interest in a specific subject.
5. Boarding Life & International Student Information (If Applicable)
If the school offers boarding or accepts international students, there may be dedicated sessions for:
- Life in boarding houses
- Guardian requirements
- EAL (English as an Additional Language) support
- Travel and holiday arrangements
Some schools provide breakout rooms for international families to ask region-specific questions.
6. Admissions Process Overview
You’ll often get a short segment explaining:
- How to register
- Key dates for applications, assessments, and interviews
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Entry requirements by year group
Take notes here—especially if applying from overseas, as some steps may differ for international applicants.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Open Day
Even though you’re attending from home, a little preparation goes a long way:
✅ Check Your Tech
- Test your internet connection
- Install any required software (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
- Use a laptop or tablet instead of a phone for a better viewing experience
- Charge your devices
✅ Create a Quiet Viewing Space
Try to attend from a quiet room where you can concentrate and take notes. If your child is joining, make it a shared experience.
✅ Prepare Questions in Advance
Think about what’s important for your family. Example questions:
- How does the school support new joiners?
- What makes your school stand out from others?
- How are students supported pastorally and academically?
Tips to Get the Most Out of a Virtual Open Day
- Engage actively: Don’t just sit back—take notes, ask questions, and use chat functions when available.
- Involve your child: Encourage them to watch with you and share their thoughts afterwards.
- Request a follow-up: Many schools offer one-to-one calls with admissions or additional resources—don’t hesitate to ask for more information.
Watch recordings: If you can’t attend live, check if the school provides recordings to watch on demand.
Final Thoughts: A Valuable First Step
Virtual open days may not replace the full sensory experience of walking the school grounds, but they are a valuable first step—especially for shortlisting schools or gaining insight from overseas. They allow you to explore a school’s personality, priorities, and community, all from your own home.
And remember, many families now combine virtual and in-person visits to make their final decision.
