All Hallow's Blog

8 Questions to Ask on a Prep School Visit

8th December 2025

When choosing the right prep school for your child, it’s important to understand if its values, educational philosophy and culture are a good match for your child.

Asking the right questions when you visit a school open day helps you see beyond the glossy brochures and understand what daily life is really like for pupils.

Here, we cover the most important questions you should be asking your child’s prospective prep school to ensure you make the choice that’s right for them and your family.

1. What is the school’s approach to pastoral care and pupil wellbeing?

When you visit a prep school during an open event, ask how it supports pupils’ emotional and social development. Pastoral care covers the systems that help children feel safe, valued and understood. It is the care that ensures a pupil’s physical and emotional welfare.

Find out who delivers student support services in your child’s prospective school. Some schools rely on form tutors or house parents, while others include counsellors or specialist staff. Ask how teaching staff identify pupils who may need extra help and how concerns are communicated between home and school.

You should also learn about the school’s policy on inclusion and how it creates a respectful, caring culture. Effective systems promote a sense of belonging and mutual respect that is supported by robust pastoral care, helping pupils build confidence and resilience.

Finally, explore how pastoral care links with safeguarding. Strong programmes focus on prevention, support and positive relationships through support staff. This approach helps pupils thrive in a secure, understanding environment.

2. What extracurricular activities and clubs are available?

During a prep school open event, ask about the variety and purpose of its extracurricular activities. These programmes can help your child discover interests beyond the classroom and develop social and practical skills. A strong mix of clubs shows that the school values balance and curiosity.

Look for options that suit different personalities and talents. Many independent schools like All Hallows offer a broad range of co-curricular clubs and activities, from art and drama to coding, sports and debating. Many institutions also offer school trips, from day excursions to visits abroad, to enrich the student experience.

Ask how the school encourages participation and whether all pupils can join. The variety and accessibility of these activities reflects how well the school supports personal growth and community involvement. Ask to see the facilities too – comprehensive science labs, modern computing suites, mixed art studios and extensive sports facilities indicate your prospective school prioritises extracurricular engagement.

Finally, consider how these opportunities are balanced with academics. A well-rounded schedule allows your child to enjoy enrichment without feeling overloaded.

3. What are your typical class sizes and teacher-to-pupil ratios?

When you attend a prep school open morning, ask about the typical number of pupils in each class. Smaller classes often allow teaching staff to give more individual attention, which can support progress for different learning styles. Class size is an important factor many parents consider when choosing an independent school for this reason.

It helps to learn whether the school uses smaller groups for certain subjects or activities. Some schools adjust their teacher-to-pupil ratios depending on age or subject, giving younger pupils or practical lessons more staff time. You can also ask if teaching assistants or specialist teachers are included in these numbers.

Understanding the ratio gives you a sense of how much personal support your child might receive. A lower ratio allows teachers to use a wider range of approaches and respond to individual needs more easily. Be sure to ask how the school balances class size with teaching quality and available resources.

4. What is the school’s approach to behaviour and discipline?

Ask how the school promotes respectful behaviour and manages misbehaviour. You should learn whether staff follow a consistent set of expectations across all classrooms and activities. A clear behaviour policy helps pupils understand what is expected of them and what happens when rules are not followed.

Find out how pupils, teachers and parents contribute to the school’s approach to behaviour. Some schools, like All Hallows, use reward systems, mentoring and restorative practices to build responsibility and support learning. This is a more trusted and effective approach than one based on punishment.

You should also ask how the school deals with serious incidents and supports pupils who struggle with behaviour. Understanding how staff handle these issues gives you insight into the school’s values and how it keeps the environment calm and fair for all children.

5. How does the school prepare pupils for senior school entrance exams?

Prep schools are designed largely to support children with entry into selective secondary schools, so it’s highly important to ask how teachers help pupils get ready for exams such as the 11+ or 13+ Common Entrance. Some schools use dedicated timetabled lessons and mock exams to build confidence and improve performance under pressure. It’s useful to learn whether support begins early or is focused on the final years.

Many prep schools provide targeted guidance through the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) framework, which sets the Common Entrance papers. You can ask how often practice papers are used and whether the school offers feedback to highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

You can also ask about the role of the pastoral support system specifically during exam preparation. Helping children manage exam stress while keeping a healthy balance between study and personal growth is an important element for prep schools. This balance ensures pupils approach senior school entry with readiness and confidence.

6. What opportunities are there for parental involvement?

When visiting a prep school open morning, ask how parents take part in the school community. Find out if there are regular events such as parents’ evenings or social gatherings. These give you a clearer idea of how the school encourages families to stay connected with their children’s education.

Many schools run parent associations that organise fundraising events and social activities. Some even invite parents to help plan school-wide events and extracurricular clubs, creating a sense of shared responsibility and contribution. Ask how accessible these roles are for new families.

You could also explore how the school supports communication between teachers and parents. Regular updates, newsletters and meetings help ensure you stay informed about progress and wellbeing.

Finally, ask whether the school supports parental input in academic or pastoral areas. Schools that encourage active participation often create stronger links between learning at school and at home, benefiting your child’s overall experience.

7. What do your latest inspection reports and academic results reflect?

Ask to see the most recent inspection reports on your visit to the school and discuss their outcomes. These reports give clear information about how the school meets required standards and highlight strengths or areas for improvement.

These reports focus on compliance with educational regulations and other quality measures. Reading them helps you understand how the school performs beyond promotional materials.

Independent prep schools are reviewed by the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI), which offers a more detailed insight into the school than Ofsted reports do. You’ll find out on a deeper level about the school’s culture, pupil attitudes, results and outcomes.

8. How would you define your school’s culture?

You can learn a lot by observing how teachers and pupils communicate during a visit. Ask how the school defines its values, such as kindness, responsibility or integrity, and how these are woven into daily routines. A school’s ethos should create a sense of belonging that encourages students to thrive.

During your visit, speak to staff about behaviour expectations and reward systems. A structured but caring approach shows balance between discipline and encouragement. Explore how assemblies, clubs and community work reinforce the school’s mission. Some schools emphasise academic excellence, while others focus on character and citizenship; knowing which matters most to you helps match your priorities.