School Open Days During the Pandemic: What’s Changed?
Description: The pandemic reshaped many aspects of education—including how families explore and choose schools. School open days, once bustling in-person events, have evolved into hybrid experiences with enhanced safety, digital innovation, and flexible formats. Whether you’re a UK-based parent or an international family evaluating British schools, this guide breaks down what’s changed and how to prepare.
Benefit: Helps parents understand how to safely and effectively participate in school open days during and after the pandemic, whether in person or online, so they can continue making informed decisions with confidence.
How the Pandemic Transformed School Open Days
From social distancing to international travel restrictions, the pandemic forced schools to rethink how they connect with prospective families. The result? More flexibility, accessibility, and innovation than ever before.
Here’s what you can expect in today’s school open day landscape:
1. The Rise of Virtual Open Days
Virtual open days became essential during lockdowns and have now become a permanent fixture in many schools’ admissions offerings.
What to Expect:
- Live-streamed presentations from Headteachers or admissions teams
- Virtual campus tours with 360° videos or student-led walkthroughs
- Interactive Q&A sessions via Zoom or Teams
- On-demand access to recorded talks, performances, and demonstrations
Benefits:
- Ideal for international families who can’t travel easily
- Allows parents to explore multiple schools quickly
- Great for working parents with limited daytime availability
👉 See our full guide: What to Expect During a Virtual School Open Day
2. Smaller, More Personal In-Person Events
When in-person visits resumed, schools reduced group sizes to prioritise safety and individual attention.
What’s Changed:
- Advance registration is often required (no walk-ins)
- Limited numbers per family—some schools allow only one parent and the child
- Shorter tours or time slots to manage footfall
- More personalised tours led by individual staff or student guides
Safety Measures May Include:
- Hand sanitising stations at entrances
- Mask-wearing policies (where appropriate)
- Enhanced cleaning between tour groups
- Social distancing in presentation areas or classrooms
Tip: Always check the school’s website or contact admissions for the most up-to-date guidance before your visit.
3. Hybrid Events Are Here to Stay
Many schools now offer hybrid open days, combining virtual elements with in-person access.
You might attend a live virtual tour first, then book a short in-person campus walk-through on a separate date.
This model:
- Keeps events flexible and inclusive
- Allows families to experience the school at different comfort levels
Gives busy or overseas parents more options to stay involved
4. Changes to Registration and Scheduling
To help manage attendance and safety, most schools now use online registration systems with allocated time slots.
What This Means:
- You may need to book weeks in advance
- Event capacity may be capped
- There might be multiple sessions across a day or weekend
- Some schools offer priority booking for families who’ve already applied
Tip: Sign up early and keep an eye on your inbox—schools often send updates or changes close to the event.
5. Less Crowds, More Quality
Gone are the days of packed assembly halls and open classrooms teeming with visitors. While that may sound like a loss, it’s often a blessing in disguise.
Benefits of the New Format:
- More opportunity for one-on-one interaction with staff
- Easier for shy or anxious children to feel comfortable
- Less pressure and noise = more time to ask thoughtful questions
A more genuine sense of the school’s day-to-day life
6. What You Still Get—Despite the Changes
Even with a few adjustments, schools still ensure you experience:
- Their ethos and values
- Quality of teaching and pastoral care
- Student voice and school spirit
- An overview of academic programmes, extracurriculars, and facilities
Whether online or in person, you’ll still get a feel for whether a school is the right fit for your child.
Final Thoughts: Adapting with Confidence
School open days may look a little different, but they remain one of the most important tools for making the right choice. Schools have gone above and beyond to keep parents informed and connected, no matter the format.
With a little planning and flexibility, you can still gain deep insight into a school’s culture, people, and priorities—even if you’re thousands of miles away.
