Questions to ask on a prep school visit

A school visit gives you a chance to picture your child’s day: arriving at the gate, asking for help in a lesson, finding someone to sit with at lunch. Go with a few questions that matter to your family, and leave time to notice how people respond.

Before you go, write down what helps your child feel settled, what they enjoy and where they need support. Ask admissions whether you can see the school during a normal working day and meet someone who teaches the age group you are considering.

1. What happens on an ordinary school day?

Ask to see a sample timetable for your child’s year. A tour can show you the facilities; these questions help you understand how children use them.

• When do lessons, breaks, lunch and activities take place?

• How much of the day is spent outside, and what happens in poor weather?

• Which clubs can children of this age join, and are places limited?

2. Who notices when a child needs help?

Pastoral care is easier to understand through everyday examples. You could ask how staff help a new pupil join a game, or what they do when a child repeatedly sits alone. Ask for an anonymised example, never details about another pupil.

• Who would be our first point of contact?

• How do you share concerns with families, and how soon?

• How can a child raise a worry privately?

3. How would teaching adapt to my child?

Describe your child’s interests and any learning needs you want to discuss. Ask how teachers identify gaps, provide extra challenge and review whether support is working. If specialist support matters, arrange a separate conversation with the relevant member of staff.

Ask what support is included, what may cost extra and what information the school needs before it can confirm a place. A clear answer about what the school can offer is more useful than a general reassurance.

4. What will the week mean for our family?

• What are the usual drop-off and collection times?

• How do transport, early care and late collection work?

• Which activities or fixtures involve evenings or weekends?

• What is included in the current fee quotation, and which extras should we budget for?

Request the current fee schedule and admissions terms. Check availability for the intended entry year, assessment arrangements and dates for your next steps.

5. What does my child want to know?

Make room for questions about lunch, friendships, clubs or where to put a muddy coat. Afterwards, let your child describe the visit before sharing your own impressions. A quiet response may need time rather than another question immediately.

Keep a short visit note

Before the details blur, record three things: what you learnt, what your child noticed and what still needs an answer. Read the school’s latest inspection report and use it to inform follow-up questions. Ask the school which inspectorate covers it; the ISI and Ofsted links below are starting points, not a complete list for every country.

Ready to arrange a visit? Find schools in the directory and contact admissions directly to confirm current arrangements.