How can I find out what each school is like?
To help you make the best and most realistic choice, we recommend that you and your child visit any schools of interest.
Nursery and primary schools do not often hold Open Days but they will normally make arrangements for you to meet staff and look around if requested.
Secondary schools will have an ‘Open Day’ or ‘Open Evening’ each year, usually in September or October (see ‘Downloads' section for this year’s dates). If you are unable to attend, they will often make arrangements for you to look around during the school day if requested.
For details of schools in a neighbouring council, click on their link in the ‘Related Links’ section.
Many of your questions will be answered during the course of a visit to the school but if you would like more information you could:
- Speak to parents who have a child already attending the school
- Study the prospectus or visit the school’s website
- Read the most recent OFSTED report
- Look at the school’s exam results – either in the prospectus or on the Department for Education (DfE) website
- Read the ‘Guide for Parents’ document – it includes details of the Published Admission Number, as well as the number of applications and appeals last year
- Contact the Choice Advice Service on 0800 587 8042
