School open days: The big question

Choosing your child’s next school is a big decision so make sure you know what to ask at an open day

We asked schools to share with us what their most asked question is at an open day to help you with your questions. 

Eggar’s School, Alton – Q: “What support do you offer students to settle into a new environment? 

A: We recognise every child should feel like they belong. If students are happy, they will learn and thrive. We encourage students to spend as much time with us as they can through our ‘Discover Eggar’s’ events, as early as Year 4, becoming familiar with the school and key adults before they start. All new families are invited to an ‘Inside Out’ Workshop which focuses on strategies for managing the transition to secondary school. We spend time getting to know each student and make certain everyone is in a tutor group with people they have chosen so they feel confident about their new start. We also run summer camps at the start of the summer holiday where new students spend time with their new tutor group doing fun activities.” 

St Hilary’s School, Godalming – Q: “What is the school’s wellbeing policy? 

A: At St Hilary’s, we believe a happy child is a successful one. Our approach to wellbeing, is at the very heart of everything we do. It’s a proactive, nurturing system that ensures every child feels safe, valued, and understood, allowing them to flourish both academically and personally. We pride ourselves on our inclusive family events, including the Family Day and Colour Run, the EYFS Bugs and Butterflies Ball. We also have our very own wellbeing space, The Nest, where the children can enjoy a haven of calm and support.” 

Ditcham Park, Petersfield – Q: “What is your school’s policy on mobile phones? 

A: We have a very strict zero tolerance policy  with mobiles in the Junior school – no devices are permitted. For Seniors (Y7 upwards), every pupil has a Yonda pouch and their phone is put away into the pouch at the start of the day and then it can be unlocked, using one of the static magnets that are outside the school. We firmly believe children learn best when they are not able to access their mobile device during the day and this has been evident since the introduction of our mobile phone policy.” 

Barfield Prep School, Farnham – Q: “What does success look like at Barfield Prep School? 

A: Having been asked this a number of times in different ways, I often feel that the parents are expecting me to lead them to our scholarship boards or to share with them our most recent Year 6 senior school offers. While there is no doubt that we are very proud of the academic performance of our children, real success starts by creating an environment where the children absolutely love coming to school each day, something I feel proud of each and every day! At Barfield our hope is that children look back on their time with us, perhaps in 10 or 20 years time, and reflect on some of their happiest times. A prep school which has high expectations, but not at the expense of a big smile and lots of happiness.” 

Aldro School, Godalming – Q: “As an academically selective school, where do you pitch yourselves in the market and how does the Group Taster Morning work in terms of assessments? 

A: We offer a balanced, well-rounded education within a family-orientated environment, where we are academically aspirational and support each child in reaching their full potential. Our group Taster Mornings, are designed to be enjoyable and welcoming, giving children a feel for Aldro life. They complete assessments, introduced as ‘exercises’ rather than ‘tests’, across a wide range of skills including English and Maths, but also subjects like Art and PE, to help us better understand their individual strengths. The children are simply encouraged to try their best and to have fun!.” 

Herries Nursery and Pre School, Cookham – Q: “What age can you take the children from in nursery and can you offer holiday provision? 

A: We offer all-year-round provision in our nursery from 7.45am to 6pm. The children have specialist teachers in nursery for languages, music and sports.” 

Queen Anne’s School, Caversham – Q:“What’s the balance between academic work, sport, music, drama, art, and clubs?  

A: Balance is at the heart of everything we do. Our academic timetable runs from 8.15am–4.15pm, with three extended days until 6.15pm for clubs and activities. Girls enjoy everything from sport, choir, and drama to textiles, animation, and even beekeeping. With flexible boarding, weekend socials, and transport tailored around our schedule, every student can take part. It’s this balance that develops confident, well-rounded young women ready to flourish. To learn more contact us to organise a personal tour on a weekday to suit you. admissions@qas.org.uk” 

St George’s School Windsor Castle – Q: “Are the children happy here? 

A: A resounding yes! The best answer to this is the tour itself when it becomes evident very quickly, whether through observing the children in their lessons and break times or by experiencing just how passionately our student tour guides describe the school.  The another question which comes up quite often is “How is the food here?” To answer that one, you just have to ask one of the children about the katsu curry – the excitable look on their faces tell you all you need to know!” 

Pangbourne College – Q: “What makes a Pangbournian education so special?  

A: Pangbourne aims to not only provide an outstanding academic education with excellent outcomes for all pupils but also an ethos of adventure and exploration. Pangbourne’s adventure programme is designed to take students outside of their comfort zone and allow them to face their fears and excel as well as build resilience. It also provides a platform to foster critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on experiences. Pangbourne wants pupils to thrive in uncertain situations, to face unknown outcomes and to embrace novel experiences. Situated within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and encompassing over 230 acres of Berkshire countryside, this provides the perfect setting for all aspects of the adventure curriculum.” 

Windsor Girls’ School and The Windsor Boys’ School – Q: “How do I know my child will succeed here? 

A: Our job is to develop all students’ individual talents to make sure they reach their maximum potential. We aspire to deliver the very best education we can by employing outstanding teachers, providing excellent and tailored pastoral care as well as a superb range of enrichment activities.”