Preparing for your visit

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When you are searching for a secondary school or sixth form for your child, we highly recommend that you attend a range of open events. This provides you with the chance to meet current students and staff, take a look at the facilities on offer and get a sense of the atmosphere of the school environment.
 

As places are limited at each school, it is important to shortlist a number of options in case your first choice is oversubscribed. 

Here are some things to consider: 

• Everyone is different, so consider which settings are most suited to your child. it is a good idea to bring your child along to the open event, so they can get the chance to take a look around too. 
• The Headteacher's address is usually a key part of any open evening, so it is worth listening to what they have to say - this gives you insight into the ethos and values of the school and how students are supported throughout their time there. 
• Visit different faculties, and ask teachers about the curriculum on offer in each subject and throughout each key stage. 
• Take a look at the extra-curricular provision, find out more about the clubs and societies, educational visits and residential your child could participate in. 
• Each school will have a slightly different approach to the pastoral support that they provide, so it is a good idea to ask about how this works at each setting. For example, you could ask about how students are supported during Year 7 and whether there are house systems in place, or support for applying to universities or for apprenticeships.
• If a current student provides a guided tour for you this is the perfect opportunity to ask them about their experiences at their school, the subjects they particularly enjoy and what day to day school life is like. 
• Don't be afraid to ask questions, senior leaders and transition leads will be available to speak with parents and carer during the event, as well as responding to queries you may have via phone or email afterwards. 
• If your child has special educational needs or disabilities or requires additional support with aspects of school life, please do not hesitate to contact the schools directly with any queries you may have.