10 QUESTIONS TO ASK ON A PRIVATE SCHOOL OPEN DAY
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. While websites and prospectuses can give a sense of a school’s ethos and facilities, there is no substitute for experiencing the environment in person.
A private school Open Day is the perfect opportunity to look beyond the surface, meet teachers and pupils, and ask the questions that really matter.
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To help you make the most of your visit, here are ten key questions to ask—and why they matter.
1. What Makes This School Different from Others?
Every school will talk about their academic provision and pastoral care, but what sets this one apart? Asking this question helps you understand a school’s distinctive strengths, values, and community culture. Listen for specific examples rather than generic phrases, as these will reveal what makes the school truly unique.
2. How Do You Support New Pupils Settling In?
The transition into a new school can feel daunting, whether your child is joining at age 11, 13, or Sixth Form. Find out about buddy systems, induction programmes, and how pastoral staff help new pupils adjust both socially and academically. If you are an international family, ask if there is any additional support available for overseas pupils. Learn more about pupil wellbeing at Repton.
3. How Is Academic Progress Measured and Reported?
Every parent wants reassurance that their child is thriving academically. Ask how progress is tracked, how often reports are issued, and how parents are kept informed. This will give you a clear picture of how the school balances support with challenge.
Explore Repton’s academic approach
4. What Extracurricular Opportunities Are Available?
Education is about much more than classroom learning. Enquire about the breadth of extracurricular activities - sports, music, drama, art, and clubs. These shape pupils’ confidence and character just as much as academic study.
It is particularly important in a boarding school environment to consider what activities and facilities pupils will have access to outside of normal school hours. Is the music department open on a Sunday for practise sessions? Can you pop down to the DT department after tea to continue with your project work?
Repton is particularly proud of its sporting tradition, offering opportunities for both elite performance and recreational participation. Over 80% of Repton pupils represent the School in at least one sport and every Reptonian participates in sport at least three times per week. Sport, academics, and co-curricular activities work hand in hand, without compromising on quality.
Discover more about extracurricular life
5. How Do You Handle Wellbeing and Mental Health?
Pupils thrive when they feel supported, understood, and valued. Ask how the school addresses mental health, whether counselling is available, and how staff are trained to identify concerns early. Strong pastoral care is essential in helping children navigate challenges.
6. What Are the Boarding Facilities and Routines Like?
If you are considering boarding, it is important to understand daily routines, weekend activities, and the role of Houseparents, Matrons and wider support staff. Boarding houses are central to the community and play a significant role in pupils’ personal development.
7. How Do You Prepare Pupils for University or Careers?
A good school will look beyond examinations, offering tailored guidance for higher education, apprenticeships, or career pathways. Ask about careers programmes, UCAS support, and work experience opportunities. This will show how the school equips pupils for life beyond the classroom.
8. What Is the Approach to Discipline and Behaviour?
School culture is shaped by its approach to rules and expectations. Ask how discipline is managed, how boundaries are reinforced, and how positive behaviour is encouraged. This will give you insight into the school’s values and how they are lived day-to-day.
9. How Are Meals, Nutrition, and Special Diets Managed?
Food is a big part of school life, particularly for boarders. Enquire about the quality of meals, variety of choice, and how dietary requirements are handled. Pupils who feel well-nourished are more likely to thrive both academically and socially.
Where pupils take their meals is also important – Repton School pupils, whether day or boarders, all eat together in their boarding house dining hall with their housemates. This fosters a family atmosphere and gives staff an opportunity to keep a close eye on their pupils in a more informal setting.
10. Can I Speak to Current Pupils or Parents?
Hearing directly from pupils or parents provides invaluable insight into the lived experience of the school. A school confident in its community will be happy to arrange these conversations and have pupil representatives available to chat or tour you around the school.
Making Your Open Day Count
Attending a private school open day is about finding the right fit for your child - not just in terms of academic outcomes, but in the values, community, and opportunities that the school provides. By asking the right questions, you can uncover what really matters and make a confident, informed decision.
If you would like to experience Repton first-hand, we warmly invite you to visit Repton or contact our Admissions team for more information.