A school tour shows you rooms, resources and a version of the school at its most prepared. Choosing a school also means understanding the quieter moments: when a child feels unsure, needs a different explanation or arrives halfway through a term.
Use these seven questions to structure a conversation with a prospective school. They are a starting point for comparing fit, not a scoring system or a ranking. Adapt them to your child's age, needs and previous learning experience.
1. What would the first month look like?
Ask how the school welcomes a new student and finds out what they already know. Who checks how they are settling in, and when will you hear from that person? If your child is moving between countries or curricula, ask how the school identifies gaps and avoids making assumptions about prior learning.
2. What happens when an explanation does not work?
Request a concrete example of how a teacher responds when a student has not understood a lesson. Ask how additional support is arranged, who provides it and whether there are extra costs or eligibility conditions. A general promise of personalised learning needs a practical explanation.
3. How will we understand progress?
Discuss the information families receive beyond grades. Can teachers show examples of feedback and explain what a student should try next? Ask how parents can raise a concern between formal reporting periods and what response process they should expect.
4. How are language needs supported?
If the language of instruction is new to your child, ask how language support connects with ordinary classroom learning. Find out how the school communicates with families who use different languages. Be specific about the support your child currently receives and ask what the school can realistically provide.
5. What does a difficult day look like?
Ask who a child can approach if they feel excluded, experience bullying or need help. Request the relevant written policies and an explanation of how concerns are escalated. The aim is to understand responsibilities and communication, rather than accepting a promise that problems never occur.
6. Which costs sit outside tuition?
Request a written breakdown covering transport, meals, devices, activities, examinations and any compulsory extras that apply. Check which charges are optional and how fees can change. Compare schools using the same set of assumptions about your family's likely needs.
7. Can my child take part in the decision?
Where possible, let your child ask a question or describe what they noticed. A younger child may focus on a place to play; an older student may want to understand subject choices or friendships. Their perspective is one part of the decision, alongside the information you collect.
Write down what was answered clearly, what needs evidence and what remains uncertain. Send one focused follow-up message before comparing your options.