What to look for at a school Open Morning

An Open Morning is one of the best ways to understand whether a school feels right for your child. Prospectuses and websites provide useful information, but visiting in person gives families the chance to experience the atmosphere, meet teachers and pupils, and see how the school feels day-to-day.

At Brighton College, our Open Mornings offer families the opportunity to discover what makes our school special and explore whether it could be the right environment for their child.

Look beyond the facilities

Beautiful buildings and impressive facilities can make a strong first impression, but they should not be the main focus.

As you walk around the school, ask yourself:

• Do pupils appear confident, happy and engaged?
• Are classrooms calm and purposeful?
• Do interactions between teachers and pupils feel warm and respectful?
• Does the school feel busy and energetic without being chaotic? 

The atmosphere of a school can often tell you as much as its facilities.

Observe the pupils

Current pupils are usually the clearest reflection of school life.

Notice whether they seem:

• Polite and welcoming 
• Enthusiastic about their learning 
• Comfortable speaking with adults 
• Supportive of one another 
• Proud of their school. 

If pupils are leading tours, listen carefully to how they talk about their experience. Genuine enthusiasm can be more revealing than a polished presentation.

Ask about wellbeing and support

Strong wellbeing support is important at every stage of school life, particularly when pupils are joining a new school.

Useful questions include:

• How are new pupils supported?
• What systems are in place to support pupil wellbeing?
• Who would a child speak to if they were worried about something?
• How does the school communicate with parents?
• What support is available if a child needs extra help academically or emotionally? 

Explore opportunities beyond the classroom

School life is about much more than academic lessons, so take time to explore the wider opportunities available.

Ask about:

• Sport and fitness 
• Music, dance and drama 
• Clubs and societies 
• Leadership opportunities 
• Volunteering and community engagement 
• Trips, competitions and other enrichment opportunities.

These experiences can play an important role in helping pupils develop confidence, friendships and interests beyond the classroom.

Speak with teachers and school leadership

An Open Morning is also an opportunity to understand the school's approach to teaching and learning.

You might ask:

• How does the school inspire a love of learning?
• How are pupils challenged and supported?
• How do teachers respond when a child is struggling?
• What qualities does the school hope pupils develop? 
• What do teachers enjoy most about working at the school?

Pay attention not only to the answers, but also to whether staff seem enthusiastic, approachable and genuinely interested in pupils.

Consider whether the school is right for your child

 It can be tempting to focus on exam results, facilities or reputation, but the most important question is whether your child is likely to thrive there.

 Think about whether the school's pace, culture, expectations and values suit your child's personality and learning style.

A school can be academically excellent but still not be the right fit for every child.

Trust your instincts

At the end of an Open Morning, ask yourself a simple question: can you imagine your child being happy here?

The right school should feel both ambitious and supportive – a place where your child will be challenged, encouraged and able to develop as an individual.

Discover Brighton College for yourself

The best way to discover whether Brighton College is the right fit for your child is to experience it first-hand.

Join us at one of our upcoming Open Mornings to explore our facilities, meet our teachers and pupils, and experience the welcoming atmosphere and vibrant school community that make Brighton College so special.