Making the most of school open days
An open day is your chance to understand the things data cannot show — atmosphere, relationships and daily life. These guides help you prepare questions and notice what really matters.
Prepare before you go
Read the latest Ofsted report and results first, so your open-day questions can focus on culture, support and routines rather than the facts already published online.
What to notice on the day
Listen to how pupils talk about their school, watch how staff and children interact, and ask how the school communicates with families. These guides give you a practical structure for your visit.
Featured guides
Questions families ask
What should I ask at a school open day?
Focus on daily life and support: a typical day, homework, behaviour, how the school communicates with parents, and how it helps children who need extra support, including SEND.
Is it worth visiting on a normal school day too?
Yes. Open days are showcases. A visit on an ordinary day gives a more honest sense of atmosphere and routines, where the school can accommodate it.
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Keep researching
Fammove educates, it does not recommend. We explain how families research schools using official data and anonymised community insights — this is information, not rankings or advice. We never fabricate statistics; always check the official source linked from each school.