What to Look for When Visiting a School: 10 Expert Tips for Parents

1. Observe How Staff Interact with Pupils

Notice how teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff engage with students. Are they respectful, encouraging, and attentive? Do they know pupils by name and interact warmly?

What to look for: A school where staff-student relationships are positive and grounded in mutual respect is a school where children feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn.

 2. Ask Questions—Including to Pupils

If you get the chance, speak directly with current pupils. Their responses can offer honest, practical insights into everyday school life.

Try asking:

• What do you enjoy most about this school?

• What’s your relationship like with your teachers?

• What happens when someone struggles in class?

Children tend to be refreshingly candid—and their answers can be very revealing.

3. Explore the School’s Values and How They’re Lived

Most schools can list their core values—but what matters is how those values show up in day-to-day life.

Ask about:

• How values are taught and reinforced across year groups

• Examples of how pupils are expected to show those values

• School-wide initiatives that reflect the school ethos

You’re looking for a school where values like kindness, resilience, and responsibility are more than just words on a wall.

4. Review the Extra-Curricular Programme

Clubs, activities, and enrichment opportunities help children develop interests, friendships, and confidence outside the classroom.

Ask about:

• The range of activities offered (sports, music, drama, coding, debating, etc.)

• Who can take part and whether participation is encouraged for all

• When and how often these activities run (during school hours or after)

A vibrant, inclusive extra-curricular programme is often a sign of a school that invests in the whole child.

5. Ask About Learning Styles and Differentiation

Great schools understand that no two children learn the same way. Find out how teaching is adapted to support a variety of learners.

Good questions include:

• How do you support different learning styles?

• How is challenge provided for advanced learners?

• Are lessons adapted based on student needs?

Tailored teaching approaches show that the school values each child as an individual.

6. Understand the Support Systems for Pupils Who Struggle

Even the most capable pupils can find certain topics or times challenging. Find out how the school steps in when extra support is needed.

Ask:

• What happens if my child falls behind?

• Are there booster sessions or one-to-one support?

• How do you support emotional or pastoral needs?

A strong support system ensures your child won’t be left behind—or left to struggle alone.

7. Watch for General Pupil Behaviour and School Atmosphere

Notice the mood of the school as you walk around. Do pupils seem relaxed, focused, respectful, and engaged? How do they interact with each other?

Look for:

• Calm but purposeful movement between lessons

• Positive interactions in shared spaces

• A sense of order without excessive strictness

The tone and atmosphere of the school will directly impact your child’s happiness.

8. Assess the Facilities—But Focus on Function

From sports fields to science labs, impressive facilities are great—but what really matters is how they’re used and whether pupils have access.

Ask:

• Are facilities used by all year groups or just older pupils?

• How are these spaces integrated into learning and extra-curriculars?

• Is there equal access for all students, not just top teams or select groups?

Don’t be swayed by aesthetics alone—prioritise schools that use their resources meaningfully.

9. Ask How the School Tracks Academic Progress

Understanding how a school monitors learning and keeps parents informed is essential—especially if your child is coming from a different education system.

Ask about:

• How teachers track and report progress

• How parents are kept in the loop

• How quickly action is taken if a pupil needs more support or stretch

Transparent, proactive progress monitoring helps ensure your child stays on track.

10. Ask About Support for Transitions and Settling In

If your child is joining mid-year, entering at a new stage, or arriving from abroad, they may need extra support to settle.

Questions to consider:

• What systems are in place for new joiners?

• Are there buddy schemes, welcome sessions, or dedicated staff to help them adjust?

• How do you support emotional wellbeing in the early weeks?

A thoughtful transition process helps children start confidently—and reduces first-day anxiety.

A school visit is your chance to go beyond brochures and websites—to see how the school actually feels. Look for warmth, inclusivity, purpose, and real engagement between staff and students. Ask questions that matter to your child’s academic and emotional needs. And most importantly, trust your instincts.

The right school isn’t just about prestige or polished buildings—it’s about the place where your child will feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.