Choosing the right school is a pivotal decision for your child’s future, and attending school open days is an excellent way to gather the information you need to make an informed choice.
Open days give you the chance to experience a school’s ethos, explore its facilities, and get a sense of the community. To help you get the most out of these events, here are some practical tips on what to look for and key questions to ask when attending school open days.
Plan Ahead
Preparation is essential to getting the most out of an open day. Start by identifying the key factors that matter most to you and your child, such as academic curriculum, pastoral care, facilities, extracurricular opportunities, boarding options, and the school’s ethos.
Explore the school’s website beforehand to familiarise yourself with its unique features. This research will help you focus on areas that are most important to your family and prepare thoughtful questions for staff and students.
Observe the Atmosphere
When you arrive, take in the school’s atmosphere. A warm, welcoming environment reflects a strong sense of community and care. Pay attention to how students and staff engage with one another, the confidence and friendliness of the pupils, and whether the school feels like a place where your child will thrive. A positive, supportive environment is often a strong indicator of a school where children feel valued and encouraged to excel.
Tour the Facilities
Facilities are a vital part of the student experience, and an open day is the perfect opportunity to explore what’s available. At Luckley House School, our outstanding facilities include a state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre, designed for focused study and socialising, modern science laboratories fully equipped to inspire curiosity and discovery, performing arts spaces including a professional theatre for drama, music, and dance, a sports centre featuring a climbing wall, fitness suite, and all-weather pitch, and creative spaces such as an inspiring art studio and a well-resourced music centre.
For those considering boarding, take time to visit the boarding houses. Pay attention to the layout, comfort, and communal areas, and ask about the daily routines, weekend activities, and support systems in place for boarders.
Engage with Staff and Students
Speaking to staff and pupils during an open day is one of the best ways to gain a genuine understanding of the school. Take the opportunity to ask teachers about their approach to personalised education, and pupils about their experiences, particularly how they’ve been supported academically and socially. If you’re considering boarding, speak with boarding staff about how they ensure students feel at home. These conversations will help you assess whether the school’s ethos aligns with your family’s values.
Learn About the Curriculum and Enrichment Opportunities
A well-rounded education is key to helping students reach their potential. During your visit, explore how academic subjects are taught with a focus on personalising learning. Discover how extracurricular activities enrich students’ lives, from music and drama to sports and clubs. Additionally, find out how Sixth Form students are prepared for university, apprenticeships, or other pathways through tailored support and career guidance.
Explore Boarding Options
If you’re considering boarding, use the open day to dive deeper into the options available. At Luckley House School, we offer full boarding, ideal for families living further afield; weekly boarding, perfect for students who want to return home on weekends; and flexi-boarding, a flexible option for families who need occasional boarding. Ask about how boarding life supports academic success, the range of pastoral care systems, and the activities available to boarders on weekends. This will give you a clear picture of how boarding fits into the school’s wider community.
If you’re new to the concept of boarding schools, or if you would like to explore more about the benefits of boarding, visit The Boarding Schools’ Association for additional insights and resources.
Consider the Logistics
Practical details like transport links and daily routines can significantly impact your decision. At Luckley, our location in Wokingham, Berkshire—just 40 miles from London—makes it an ideal choice for both day and boarding pupils. With excellent transport links and flexible boarding options, we cater to the modern family’s needs.
Reflect and Follow Up
After the open day, take time to reflect on your experience. Discuss whether the school meets your expectations and feels like the right environment for your child. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school for further information.
Visiting Luckley House School
At Luckley House School, we understand that finding the right fit for your child is a personal journey. To support this, we offer individual visits where you can meet our Headmistress and take a guided tour of our facilities. This is a wonderful opportunity to get a deeper understanding of what life at Luckley is like and see our campus in action.
In addition to individual visits, we host open events throughout the year, including open mornings and taster days. These events provide a comprehensive overview of our academic offerings, co-curricular activities, and school community. If a visit to the school isn’t possible, we also offer virtual meetings to discuss any questions or queries you may have.
To explore Luckley House School for yourself, book a place at one of our open events or taster days today. These sessions are the first step to finding the right fit for your child’s future.
We look forward to welcoming you to Luckley House School and sharing all that makes our community special.
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