7 Questions Parents Need to Ask on a Prep School Tour

Once you've decided that prep school is the best option for your child, your next major decision is choosing the right prep school. An in person visit gives you the chance to observe the atmosphere, meet teachers and understand whether it's a good fit for your child.

The key to a successful school visit is knowing which questions to ask and what to look for while you’re there. You need to understand how the school approaches teaching, supports your child's wellbeing and prepares pupils for their next steps. 

Here, we'll help you prepare for your prep school visits with confidence. We'll cover what questions to ask, including queries around teaching methods, pastoral care, secondary school progression and daily school life

1. How does the school support pupils' wellbeing?

One of the biggest benefits of UK private schools is that they have the resources to offer strong pastoral care and student support services. You should ask about the school's approach to mental health support during your open day visit.

Find out whether the school follows a whole-school approach to mental health and student welfare. This means the entire school culture is built to support children's physical and mental health, which is the case at Alleyn Court. Our school is a compassionate community where staff support students, and students can offer support to one another.

Individualised support is important too; you need to make sure that your chosen school has the resources to support your child on an individual level. At Alleyn Court, our small class sizes of around 17 pupils a class are designed so teachers can offer personalised attention and support, with all teaching and support staff trained in pupil wellbeing.

Ask about resources and student support services that enhance student voice, which should include school councils and leadership opportunities. These show whether pupils have input into their own wellbeing support.

2. Which secondary schools do pupils progress to and how is this supported?

Ask about the destination schools where pupils typically move after year 6 or year 8 and find out whether the school has established relationships with particular secondary schools. Prep schools are equivalent to primary schools, but some go up to year 8 before students move on.

Some prep schools work closely with specific senior schools to ensure smooth transitions. Understanding how schools work together to support pupils' transition can help you gauge the level of support your child will receive.

It's also a good idea to get an understanding of how the school prepares pupils for entrance exams or assessments. Does the curriculum align with Common Entrance requirements? Are there any additional tutoring or preparation classes offered?

Enquire about the school's success rate in placing pupils at their first-choice secondary schools. Whilst past results don't guarantee future outcomes, they indicate the school's experience with the transition process. Prep schools are UK private schools that are largely dedicated to securing children's future educational success.

At Alleyn Court, students receive subject-specialist teaching from year 5 onwards, which helps prepare them for their Common Entrance exams. We are proud that our students achieve the best results in the 11+ exam in the region  and go on to exciting and selective grammar and independent schools.

3. What extracurricular activities and clubs are offered beyond the curriculum?

Extracurricular activities are a cornerstone of the prep school offering and help pupils develop important life skills. You should ask which clubs and activities the school offers at lunchtime and after school.

Find out if they provide options in sports, music, theatre and the creative arts. These programmes help pupils explore new interests and discover hidden talents outside of regular lessons. It's important that private schools offering these extracurricular activities also have good arts and sports facilities too, as this shows they are invested in offering a strong experience.

Ask about the variety of activities available. Schools typically run clubs throughout the year that offer pupils chances to try new things. You want to ensure your child has access to activities that match their interests.

These activities help pupils develop leadership, teamwork and time management skills. They also teach commitment and prioritisation whilst providing enjoyable experiences.

Alleyn Court's extracurricular programme offers opportunities across a range of subjects, including arts and sport, plus additional enrichment through visits and excursions, to enhance your child's educational experience.

4. What are the class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios?

Understanding class sizes helps you assess how much individual attention your child will receive. Smaller classes typically allow teachers to spend more time with each student.

Find out the average class size for your child's year group and enquire about the maximum class size the school permits. At Alleyn Court, we have an average class size of 17 pupils per class, meaning your child will receive a lot of personalised attention and support from their teacher.

This low student-teacher ratio not only means your child can receive tailored support, but it can also help them improve their academic results too. Small classes are less intimidating for children who may be shy or reluctant to participate in larger discussions, creating the right school environment for success.

5. How is progress assessed and communicated to parents?

Understanding how a school tracks and shares your child's development helps you stay informed about their learning journey. Ask about the frequency and format of progress reports.

Most schools use professional judgement based on classroom observations alongside formal assessments. Find out whether the school provides written reports, parent-teacher meetings or online portals to share this information.

Ask how often you'll receive updates about your child's progress. Some schools offer termly reports whilst others communicate more frequently through informal channels. Teachers often give feedback through marking and quick guidance during lessons, but schools will have established practices for formal communication.

Question whether the school uses standardised assessments or their own internal measures. Understanding the assessment methods helps you know what to expect and how to interpret the feedback you receive.

6. Is there provision for after-school care?

Working parents often need flexible childcare options beyond the standard school day. Ask whether the school offers supervised after-school care and what hours it covers.

Ask whether after-school care is available every day or only on certain days. Some schools charge additional fees for this service, whilst others include it in the termly costs. Alleyn Court's wraparound care is available from 7.30am to 6pm, offering peace of mind for busy parents.

Check what activities children can access during after-school care. Some schools offer enrichment activities, which can add value to your child's experience. Understanding the school's after-school provision helps you plan your family's daily routine effectively.

7. What are the school's values and ethos?

It's important that your chosen school aligns with your family values. Create a priority list before your tour with your family's top three non-negotiable needs. During your school open day, evaluate how the school addresses each priority through their answers and what you observe.

As well as asking about the school's values, you should also compare the school's mission to the evidence you see. Consider whether discipline and community approaches match your parenting style. Schools vary widely in their handling of behaviour, homework expectations and parent communication.

You can also find out how well the school lives its values by reviewing inspection reports. Prep primary schools are evaluated by the Independent School Inspectorate, who will assess key areas including wellbeing, leadership and more, and they will provide feedback on the school's culture and how well its values are embedded.

Frequently asked questions

When it comes to choosing the right prep school for your child, asking questions on a school tour is the best way to get the answers you need. Here, we cover some of the most frequently asked questions around choosing a prep school that meets your child's and family's needs.

What criteria should be used to evaluate the academic performance of a prep school?

To assess the academic performance of prep schools, you should examine where pupils progress after leaving the school. Ask about the schools that previous pupils have gone on to attend and what percentage secure places at their first-choice senior schools. Inspection reports also cover academic achievement in prep schools.

Request specific data about academic results and any assessments the school uses to track progress. This is available by local and national league tables and exam performance data. You can also ask how often parents receive updates about their child's academic development and what format these take.

How can I evaluate whether staff are being transparent when answering questions?

Listen for concrete examples when staff answer your questions. A headteacher who says "we support diverse learners" without describing specific programmes or strategies may lack real resources. Strong answers include details like "our learning support team meets weekly with subject teachers" or "we use multi-sensory teaching methods in maths classes."

Watch for deflection or overly rehearsed responses. When you ask about challenges the school faces, honest administrators will acknowledge areas for growth. Schools that claim perfection or redirect every difficult question may lack transparency.

Notice body language and enthusiasm levels. Staff who genuinely love their work show energy when discussing their programmes. Pay attention to consistency across different staff members too; if the admissions director describes one approach but teachers mention something entirely different, the school's stated values may not match daily practice.