Should I Go to Open Days? A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right School and Finding the Best Tutors for Your Child’s Success

If you’re a parent asking “should I go to open days?”, the short answer is yes—but with a clear plan. Open days are one of the best ways to explore secondary schools, grammar schools, and independent schools in the UK, especially if your child is preparing for 11+ exams, 7+ exams , entrance exams, or academic assessments.

Attending open days gives you real insight beyond league tables. You can observe teaching quality, school environment, student behaviour, and academic expectations. These factors are crucial when considering how well your child will thrive. For parents searching for tutors, 11+ preparation, or academic coaching, open days also help you understand the level your child needs to reach.

Many parents don’t realise that schools often subtly reveal their expectations during open events. Listening carefully to how they discuss entrance requirements, exam performance, and homework standards can help you decide whether your child may benefit from extra tuition, maths tutoring, English support, or verbal reasoning practice.

To maximise your visit:

• Ask about exam results and support systems

• Look at student work and curriculum structure

• Speak to teachers about preparation for entrance exams

• Compare multiple schools to identify the right fit

We have also created a useful checklist for open days, this can be downloaded free of charge on our Selective Schools Open Days page. 

In summary, open days are not just visits—they are strategic opportunities. Imagine how your child would fit into the school. Will it provide the challenge, engagement opportunities for them to thrive?