Researching secondary schools in England for your child but can’t seem to get enough information to make a decision? Attending an Open Event such as an Open Morning or Open Evening for secondary schools is a great way to learn more and get a feel for the school. Besides being able to tour the campus and check out school facilities in person, it’s also the perfect opportunity to meet with members of the staff and speak with current students.
In fact, secondary school open days are where you’ll really get to know an institution and their ethos better than any brochure or pamphlet can provide. If you’re keen on attending one soon, keep reading as this article covers everything you need to know, from the differences between Open Mornings and Open Evenings, to important questions to ask at a secondary school Open Evening, and tips on making the most of these school visits.
Key Takeaways
- A school Open Evening is an event that allows prospective families to visit a school, meet staff and students, see facilities, and ask questions about admissions and school life.
- Secondary school Open Evenings typically last 90 minutes to 2.5 hours and can include a Headteacher’s address, guided tour, department stands, and informal Q&A.
- Private school Open Days and Open Mornings tend to be smaller and more personalised, with greater access to senior staff and specialist facilities.
- The most important questions to ask cover academic results, class sizes, pastoral care, sixth form outcomes, and the admissions process — prepare these in advance.
- Watch how staff and students interact during the tour — this reveals the school’s culture more honestly than any brochure.
- Lord Wandsworth College hosts a Summer Open Evening and Open Events throughout the year — book a place at lordwandsworth.org/open-event-booking-form/
What Is a School Open Evening?
A school Open Evening is an event hosted by a school to allow prospective families — parents and children — to visit the campus, meet staff and current students, see facilities, and ask questions about admissions, curriculum, and school life. Open Evenings are typically held in the autumn term for secondary school entry the following September. Independent and private schools may also hold a variety of other Open Events throughout the year.
What Is the Difference Between a School Open Evening and an Open Day?
The main difference is timing and how much of the school experience families can observe. Whilst both events help parents and students evaluate a school, they offer slightly different perspectives. An Open Evening usually gives you a broad overview of the school. Meanwhile, an Open Day or Open Morning gives you a peek into how students and teachers engage in their everyday routines.
The table below shows a few more ways to differentiate an Open Evening vs Open Day:
| Open Evening | Open Day / Open Morning |
|---|---|
| Usually held after school hours on a weekday evening | Takes place during the school day during normal school hours of a term |
| Allows families to meet staff and tour facilities | Allows families to see lessons and daily routines in action |
| Common among state and independent schools | Particularly common at independent schools |
| Often attracts larger numbers of visitors | Usually offers a more personalised experience |
| Focuses on presentations, tours, and information sessions | Provides a closer look at everyday school life |
At Lord Wandsworth College, both formats — a Summer Open Evening and Open Mornings — are available throughout the year, so families can choose to attend the type of visit they prefer.
Who Should Attend a School Open Evening?
A school Open Evening is designed for both parents and prospective students. During the visit, parents may assess and ask questions about the school’s academic standards, pastoral support, and admissions processes. Meanwhile, children may evaluate whether they feel safe and welcomed after walking through the campus. Attending together is also beneficial, as it’ll lead to productive conversations and a better-informed decision.
What Actually Happens at a Secondary School Open Evening?
Most secondary school Open Days and Open Evenings follow a structured format that helps families learn about academics, school culture, facilities, and admissions. Each school may have a different flow, but you’ll definitely find a few commonalities during your visit, such as guided tours, a Q&A session, and more.
The Typical Structure of a School Open Evening
It usually begins with a welcome note or presentation from a key member of staff such as the Headteacher or Admissions Director. Towards the end, families would get the opportunity to ask questions and speak with staff and students.
Here’s a typical flow of an Open Evening:
- Headteacher’s address: Most Opening Evenings begin with a welcome talk from the Head or Principal — this sets the school’s ethos and gives a sense of leadership.
- Guided tours: Families are shown around the campus, usually led by current students — this is often the most revealing part of the evening.
- Department stands: Subject departments set up displays or demonstrations — parents and students can speak directly with teachers.
- Q&A opportunities: Most schools allow free time to ask questions of staff, current parents, or students informally.
- Admissions meeting: Some schools offer individual slots with the Admissions Team to discuss entry requirements and timeline.
How Long Does a School Open Evening Last?
An Open Evening could last anywhere between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours. During this time, you’ll get to attend presentations and subject showcases, tour facilities and boarding amenities, speak with teachers and students, and ask admissions questions.
What Should You Bring to a School Open Evening?
Bring a notebook or use an app on your smartphone to jot down your first impressions of the school. You should also bring a list of questions that’s relevant either to the school’s culture and academics or your child’s interests and needs. Comfortable shoes are advisable, since the visit often involves extensive walking across the campus. Most importantly, bring your child because their perspective matters most when deciding whether a school is a good fit.
What to Expect at a Private School Open Day or Open Morning
Private school Open Days often provide a more personalised experience than larger Open Evenings at state schools. Families who visit LWC for instance, are warmly welcomed into our 1200-acre campus and get to enjoy a student-led tour. They’ll also get the opportunity to speak directly with senior staff like the Head or a Head of Department, and have more time to ask detailed questions.
How Is a Private School’s Open Day Different?
A private school Open Day is much smaller in scale compared to those of state schools. This allows for deeper conversations with important staff members such as department heads or pastoral care leads. Families also get to observe ongoing lessons and student-teacher interactions, discuss school admission requirements, and gain a clearer understanding of academic pathways, enrichment opportunities, and student support.
What Makes Lord Wandsworth College’s Open Events Distinctive?
Lord Wandsworth College combines the scale of a leading independent school with the warmth of a close-knit community. Whether attending an Open Morning or the annual Open Evening (Summer), families have meaningful access to senior leaders, students, and teaching staff whilst exploring our expansive 1,200-acre campus.
Ready to see Lord Wandsworth College for yourself? Book a place at our next Open Evening or Open Morning — and come with your questions.
Questions to Ask at a Secondary School Open Evening
We highly recommend preparing a list of questions ahead of an Open Evening. Try to focus on areas that will have the greatest impact on your child’s experience, whether that’s academics, student wellbeing, or boarding arrangement. This ensures you leave with information that brochures and websites may not fully cover.
Not sure where to begin? Here’s a few sample questions to get you started:
| Category | Question to Ask | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Academic & Curriculum | What subjects are available at GCSE and A-level? | How are students grouped — by ability or mixed? |
| Academic & Curriculum | What are the school’s most recent exam results? | How does the school support students who struggle? |
| Pastoral & Wellbeing | How are students supported emotionally and socially? | What is the form tutor/head of year structure? |
| Pastoral & Wellbeing | How does the school handle bullying? | What is the school’s approach to mental health? |
| Boarding (if relevant) | What does a typical boarding week look like? | How are boarding and day students integrated? |
| Sixth Form & Beyond | What A-level or BTEC combinations are available? | What is the school’s university placement record? |
| Admissions Process | When are the entry deadlines and assessment dates? | Is there a bursary or scholarship available? |
| Campus & Facilities | Can we see the specific facilities relevant to our child? | What transport or bus routes serve the school? |
Questions About Academic Results and Teaching Quality
To better understand the school’s educational standards and expectations, here are several questions you may ask:
- How are students taught and assessed throughout the school year?
- What are the average class sizes across different year groups?
- How do the school’s GCSE, A-level, or BTEC results compare year on year?
- What teaching approaches are used to support different learning styles and abilities?
- What GCSE subjects and options are available to students?
- What A-level and BTEC pathways are offered in sixth form?
- How does the school support students who need additional academic help or challenge?
- What proportion of students progress to their first-choice university, apprenticeship, or career pathway?
Questions About Pastoral Care and School Culture
Curious about the school’s environment, values, and pastoral care system? Consider asking these questions:
- How does the school support students’ emotional wellbeing and personal development?
- What does the pastoral care structure look like, and who would be my child’s main point of contact?
- How does the school promote positive behaviour and a respectful community culture?
- What processes are in place to prevent and address bullying?
- How does the school support students during key transitions, such as moving into Year 7 or sixth form?
- What wellbeing, counselling, or mental health support services are available?
- How are parents kept informed about their child’s progress, wellbeing, and school life?
- What opportunities are available for students to take on leadership roles, participate in clubs, or contribute to the wider school community?
Questions to Ask at a Sixth Form Open Evening
An Open Evening sixth form event should help students evaluate whether a school’s post-16 provision aligns with their academic ambitions and future goals. As such, your questions should focus on subject choices, university preparation, career guidance, and the overall student experience.
Academic Questions for Sixth Form
From subject combinations to Sixth Form Admissions, these academic-related questions would come in handy:
- What A-level and BTEC subjects are available, and which combinations are most popular?
- What are the sixth form entry requirements for my child’s preferred subjects?
- How are sixth form students taught and assessed?
- What academic support is available for students who need extra help?
- What are the school’s recent university, apprenticeship, and career progression outcomes?
- How does the school support applications to competitive universities and courses, including Oxbridge, Medicine, Law, and Engineering?
- What guidance is available for UCAS applications, personal statements, and interview preparation?
Lifestyle and Transition Questions for Sixth Form
Get a clearer picture of daily life and expectations by asking these questions at an Open Evening sixth form event:
- How does sixth form differ from studying in Year 11 and what does a typical day look like?
- How much study time is expected outside of lessons?
- What leadership opportunities, enrichment programmes, and co-curricular activities are available?
- What pastoral and wellbeing support is available specifically for sixth form students?
- How does the school help students prepare for university, apprenticeships, and life beyond school?
- Are there opportunities for work experience, volunteering, or career-related placements?
- How does the school help students develop confidence, leadership, and life skills before university or employment?
What to Expect at an Open Evening at Lord Wandsworth College
Lord Wandsworth College’s Open Events are designed to help families experience the school first-hand. As you walk across our campus, see how our students engage with teachers, and chat with key staff members, you’ll gain a genuine understanding of LWC’s community and ethos.
LWC’s Open Evening and Open Morning Format
Summer Open Evening: An evening event held at LWC’s 1,200-acre Hampshire campus in Long Sutton, Hampshire. Families are welcomed by senior staff, tour the campus with current students, meet department heads, and have the opportunity to ask detailed admissions questions.
Open Mornings: Smaller, more intimate visits during the school day — ideal for families who want to see LWC with lessons running and students fully engaged. Available throughout the year.
Both formats include direct access to the Head (Adam Williams), with involvement from Heads of Year, Heads of Department, and the Director of Admissions.
What To Bring and What To Expect on the Day
Whether you attend an Open Morning or Open Evening, families should not hesitate to ask questions regarding academics, scholarships, boarding, day provision, pastoral care support, transportation, Sixth Form Admissions, and more. Our campus spans 1200 acres, so expect plenty of walking during a school visit. You’ll also get to converse informally with our wonderful students and discuss individual circumstances with Admissions staff.
How To Book a Place at an LWC Open Event
Booking is simple and takes under two minutes via our website. Places at Open Events are limited — book early to secure your preferred date. If no upcoming date suits you, contact the LWC Admissions Team to arrange an individual visit.