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
Step 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?
Tip: Write down or voice record your impressions while they’re still fresh — this is especially helpful if you’re visiting multiple schools.
Step 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?
Step 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?
Listening carefully to your child’s answers can reveal whether the school will suit them emotionally as well as academically.