A parent’s school-visit guide

Before you visit

Write down three priorities for your child: perhaps feeling known, being stretched in learning, or getting help with friendships. Add your practical limits, such as travel time and budget. Take the same priorities to every school so you can compare fairly.

1. Being known and belonging

Listen for specific people, routines and examples, not only a promise of a caring community.

• Who gets to know my child well, and how would they notice if something changed?
• How do you help new students build friendships, including those who arrive without friends?

2. Learning, challenge and support

Describe what helps your child learn. Ask how support works in the classroom as well as outside it.

• How do teachers check understanding and respond when a student needs more help or more challenge?
• What help is available with organisation, homework and asking for assistance?

3. Wellbeing and communication

Ask what happens after a concern is raised, and how you would know it has been followed through.

• If my child feels excluded or reports bullying, what would happen next?
• Who should parents contact about a concern, and how is progress communicated?

4. Opportunities to participate

A long list of activities is less useful than knowing which ones your child could realistically join.

• Can beginners join the activities my child is interested in, and are there trials or selection requirements?
• What additional costs, equipment and out-of-hours commitments should we expect?

5. Everyday family life

Picture the school day from leaving home to going to bed. A sustainable routine belongs in the decision.

• What does a typical week look like for this year level, including homework and activities?
• What transport and before- or after-school arrangements are available, and what needs separate booking?

6. Enrolment and the full cost

Ask the admissions team to confirm information for your intended entry year rather than relying on a brochure or another family’s experience.

• Is a place available for our intended year, and what eligibility, application steps and deadlines apply?
• Can you provide a current breakdown of fees and other expected costs, including uniforms, devices, camps and activities?

After the visit

Ask your child: “Where could you picture yourself being comfortable? What still worries you?” Record their answer before sharing your own view. Separate what you saw from what you were told, and note anything to check.

You are not looking for a perfect school. You are looking for a workable fit, with a clear understanding of the strengths, trade-offs and support your child may need.