A guide to school tours and online appointments
Choosing the right British boarding school for your child can feel like a big step, and it is completely natural to want as much clarity and reassurance as possible along the way. If you can, visiting a school in person is the best way to get a genuine sense of the atmosphere. If not, an online appointment can still offer a very helpful and informative first impression.
As part of our tailored support, we help you plan visits or calls with your shortlist of schools and think through what matters most for your child. To make those conversations feel more focused and productive, here is a practical list of questions you may wish to ask the schools:
- What makes your school distinctive, and in what ways might it be a particularly good fit for my child?
- How do you help students feel engaged, supported and happy, both academically and beyond the classroom? Are there any special curricular or co-curricular opportunities that might especially suit my child’s interests?
- What does a typical day and week look like at your school? How much homework is usually set, and when and where is it completed?
- What is life like at weekends? How do you ensure boarders are active, included and well looked after, rather than spending too much time on their own? Are there Saturday lessons, and what kinds of activities or outings are available?
- What is your approach to phones and devices? When are students allowed access to them, especially during the day and at night? If technology or tablets are used for lessons, are these provided, and how do you help children develop healthy digital habits?
- How does your school help prepare children for the future? What support is available for university applications, careers guidance and wider life skills that may help them stand out later on?
- Are there any admissions deadlines, entrance requirements, scholarship opportunities or key dates that we should be aware of?
Of course, not every question will apply to every family, and you may well think of others that are more specific to your child’s character, interests or needs. After your visit or online meeting, Gina can help you reflect on your impressions and weigh up your options with confidence, so that the final decision feels as clear and comfortable as possible.
