After attending a school open day — whether in-person or virtual — it’s important to take time to reflect. With so much information shared, impressions formed, and questions answered, the experience can be overwhelming. This guide offers a clear framework to help you and your child process the visit and move forward confidently in your school search.
Whether you’ve visited one school or several, thoughtful reflection can turn a great visit into a smart decision.
Why Reflection Matters
Open days give you a unique opportunity to:
- Observe the school’s learning environment
- Ask questions tailored to your child’s needs
- Sense the school’s values, tone, and culture
But the real value lies in what you do with that experience afterward. Reflecting helps you:
- Identify what matters most
- Clarify your impressions
- Compare schools meaningfully
- Involve your child in the process
Table of Contents
1: Immediate Reactions – How Did You Feel?
Soon after your visit, capture your gut feelings — they’re often the most telling.
Ask yourself and your child:
- Did the school feel welcoming and inclusive?
- Could you picture your child thriving there?
- Did the staff and students seem happy, confident, and respectful?
Was the tone traditional, progressive, nurturing, academic — and did that feel right for your family?
2. Key Questions for Parents
Use the questions below to guide a more structured reflection:
- Were your key questions answered clearly and honestly?
- How well did the school communicate its values and vision?
- Did the school meet your academic expectations?
- Was there support for special interests (e.g. music, sport, coding)?
- Did the school seem genuinely interested in your child as an individual?
- How strong was the pastoral care offering?
- What was the atmosphere in the classrooms and communal areas?
For boarding schools:
- Did the boarding houses feel safe, warm, and well-organised?
- Were students positive about boarding life?
How were weekends and downtime structured?
3. Involve Your Child in the Discussion
Children often notice details that adults don’t — and their instincts matter too.
Ask your child:
- Did you feel comfortable there?
- What did you like most? What didn’t you like?
- Would you feel excited to go to school there every day?
- Did you get along with the students or guides you met?
- Did anything feel confusing, strict, or too different?
4. Use a Comparison Framework
If you’re considering several schools, creating a simple comparison table can be very helpful.
| Criteria | School A | School B | School C |
| Atmosphere/first impression | |||
| Academic strength | |||
| Class size/teacher ratio | |||
| Extracurricular activities | |||
| Pastoral care | |||
| Facilities | |||
| Boarding provision (if any) | |||
| Suitability for my child | |||
| Overall impression |
5. Clarify Next Steps
Once you’ve reviewed your notes and talked things through as a family, consider:
- Do you need a second visit or personal tour?
- Are there any follow-up questions for admissions?
- Is this school now a strong contender for your shortlist?
If you’ve ruled out a school, that’s progress too — it means you’re refining your focus.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a school is a deeply personal decision — and there’s rarely a single “perfect” choice. But by reflecting thoughtfully after each open day, you give yourself the best chance of finding a school where your child will feel confident, supported, and inspired.