What to Expect During a School Open Day Tour
Description: Visiting a school on an open day is one of the best ways to get a feel for its culture, values, and day-to-day life—but if you’ve never been on a school tour before, it can be hard to know what to expect. This guide walks you through a typical open day structure, so you and your child can attend feeling confident, prepared, and ready to make the most of the experience.
Benefit: Helps parents reduce uncertainty and feel more in control of the school selection process by knowing exactly what to expect—and what to focus on—during a school tour.
Why School Tours Matter
A school open day is more than a marketing event. It’s a unique chance to:
- Meet staff and current students
- Experience the campus in action
- Ask important questions
- Assess the school’s atmosphere, teaching style, and support systems
- Get a “gut feeling” about whether it’s the right fit for your child
Open days can vary slightly by school type (state, private, grammar, or boarding), but most follow a similar structure.
A Step-by-Step Guide to a Typical School Open Day Tour
Here’s what you can expect from the moment you arrive to when you leave—with tips for making the most of each stage.
1. Arrival and Registration
🕘 What happens: You’ll be greeted at the entrance, often by senior staff or student ambassadors. You’ll register your name, receive a welcome pack (including a map, timetable, and prospectus), and be guided to a meeting point.
🎒 Tip: Arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle in, grab a drink if provided, and review the itinerary. Use this time to jot down any questions you’d like to ask later.
2. Welcome Talk or Presentation
🗣️ What happens: Most open days begin with a welcome address from the Headteacher or Principal. This presentation usually includes:
- The school’s ethos and values
- Academic performance highlights
- Pastoral care overview
- Co-curricular strengths (sports, arts, trips, etc.)
- The school’s vision for the future
🎯 Tip: Listen for the school’s tone—is it nurturing, academic, sporty, creative, or values-driven? It’s a chance to assess alignment with your child’s needs and your family’s values.
3. Guided Tour of the Campus
👟 What happens: You’ll be taken on a walking tour, often led by current students, sometimes accompanied by staff. Expect to visit:
- Classrooms and labs
- Libraries and study spaces
- Arts and music departments
- Sports facilities (gyms, fields, courts, swimming pools)
- Dining halls and common areas
- Boarding houses (if applicable)
- Outdoor spaces, gardens, or courtyards
🧠 Tip: Ask your student guide about daily routines, favourite subjects, how new students are welcomed, and their honest opinions of the school. You’ll get valuable insights beyond what brochures offer.
4. Visit to Live Classrooms (If Applicable)
📚 What happens: Some schools allow visitors to peek into lessons to see teaching in action. Others may offer sample activities, group tasks, or short subject-specific presentations from staff.
👀 Tip: Look for student engagement, teacher energy, classroom atmosphere, and whether different learning styles are supported.
5. Pastoral & SEN Support Sessions
💬 What happens: You may be offered the chance to meet pastoral leads, Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs), or EAL (English as an Additional Language) support teams.
🤝 Tip: If your child needs specific emotional or academic support, this is your chance to ask about provision, staff qualifications, and how pupils are monitored and supported.
6. Q&A or Informal Chat Time
❓ What happens: At the end of the tour, there’s usually time for parents to ask questions—either in a formal panel or informally over refreshments.
☕ Tip: Use this opportunity to chat with:
- Senior staff and subject leaders
- Admissions or bursary teams
- Other prospective parents
- Current pupils (especially helpful for your child if they attend too)
Prepare 2–3 key questions in advance, especially about topics unique to your family: academic stretch, pastoral care, co-curricular breadth, boarding routines, or scholarships.
7. Next Steps and Admissions Guidance
📄 What happens: Before you leave, the school may outline the admissions process:
- Application forms and deadlines
- Entrance exam or assessment details
- Interview dates
- Bursary/scholarship applications
- Registration or deposit requirements
📝 Tip: Pick up a key dates sheet or prospectus (if you haven’t already) and ask how follow-up questions can be submitted.
What to Bring on the Day
- A notepad or phone for taking notes
- Your list of key questions
- A water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing for walking
- Your child, if appropriate—many schools welcome them, especially at entry points like Year 7 or Sixth Form
A copy of your calendar to record follow-up appointments or deadlines
Final Thoughts: Make It Count
School open days are your chance to go beyond websites and discover what a school feels like. Take the time to explore, connect, observe, and ask questions. Often, it’s not just about what you hear—it’s about what you sense.
That feeling of “this is the right place” comes from walking the halls, chatting with students, and seeing the school’s community in action.
