School Open Days: The Ultimate Checklist of What to Look and Ask For

You’ve read the websites, scanned the brochures, and talked to friends. But nothing is more revealing than stepping onto a school campus during an Open Day. This is your chance to move beyond the marketing gloss and see the real heart of a school: its culture, its people, and its daily rhythm. However, without a plan, it’s easy to be swept away by impressive facilities and polished presentations, only to miss the subtle details that truly matter.

We believe an Open Day is a critical research tool. To help you cut through the noise, we’ve created the ultimate checklist that goes far beyond “is the campus nice?”. Use these observational tips and pointed questions to uncover the information that will lead you to the best fit for your child.

What to Observe: Look Beyond the Architecture

While facilities are important, the true character of a school is found in the interactions between people.

1. Student-Teacher Interactions: This is the most important thing to watch. Are students comfortable approaching teachers? Do conversations seem respectful and warm? Do teachers seem genuinely engaged with students, or are they distracted? Look for eye contact, open body language, and smiles. This tells you more about the school’s climate than any mission statement.

2. Student Demeanor and Work: Look at the students who are guiding tours or in classrooms. Do they seem happy, engaged, and proud of their school? Are they enthusiastic or merely going through the motions? Also, look at the work on the walls. Is it creative and individual, or is it uniform and formulaic? This speaks volumes about the school’s approach to learning.

3. The “Vibe” and Facilities in Use: A shiny new science lab is great, but is it being used? Are the libraries and common spaces inviting and populated, or are they sterile and empty? Notice the noise level—is it a buzz of productive activity or a chaotic din? The overall atmosphere is a powerful indicator of the school’s community and values.
   

What to Ask: Moving Beyond the Basics

The guides and administrators are there to help. Ask questions that get to the heart of the school’s operations and stability.

For the Tour Guide (Current Student):

• “What’s your favourite thing about going to school here?”

• “Can you tell me about a time a teacher really helped you?”

• “What happens if a student is struggling with a subject?”

• “What would you change about the school if you could?”

For Teachers and Academic Staff:

• “How do you differentiate instruction for different learning styles in your classroom?”

• “What does a typical professional development day look like for you?” (This indicates if the school invests in its teachers).

• “How does the school support student well-being and mental health?”

• “Can you describe the collaboration between teachers in your grade level/year?”

For the Principal or Admissions Director:

• “What is your annual teacher turnover rate?” A high rate can be a major red flag for administrative or morale issues.

• “How does the school measure success beyond academic results?”

• “What is the school’s approach to homework and why?”

• “How does the school handle behavioural issues like bullying?”

• “Can you describe the communication process between school and parents?”
  

Understanding the Parent Community

The parent body will be your community for years to come. Gauge whether it’s a group you can see yourself partnering with.

• Observe Parent Interactions: Are the current parents at the Open Day friendly and approachable? Do they seem to know each other? Are they positive ambassadors for the school?

• Ask About Involvement: “What opportunities are there for parent involvement?” (e.g., PTA, volunteering in class, parent workshops).

• Inquire About Community Building: “Are there organized events or channels (e.g., WhatsApp groups) for parents to connect socially and support each other?” A strong, supportive parent network can be invaluable.

Your Gut Feeling Matters

After you’ve collected all the factual data, take a moment to check in with yourself. Could you see your child thriving in these hallways? Did the values expressed by staff align with your family’s values? Your intuition is a powerful tool. A school can look perfect on paper, but if it doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling.

An Open Day is a snapshot, but a crucial one. Going in with a strategy ensures you gather the intelligence you need to make a confident decision.