Viewing secondary schools - what do I need to ask/think about?

(I mentioned mixed ability maths as an extreme example, because a few schools seem to not believe in setting anything for ages. I struggle to comprehend how a school can teach maths to level 6 pupils in the same class as level 3 ones. I think it is easier for, say, history.)

Also ask about fluidity in setting. Some schools seem to set and then you are stuck there. Others re-evaluate termly.

A couple of questions you may ask when the current pupils guide you on tours:

"How does the school deal with bullying" - The answer might also tell you if bullying is rife...

"How do you like the food?" - We learnt that one school served chips with every meal, and upon looking at the students more closely, this was not a surprise as 70% of them would be classified obese.

"What do you like best about your school?"

followed by:

"What do you like the least?" One pupil openly told me "I dont know what to say, they did not ask me to prepare for this question".

We found it more revealing to talk to the students, than to talk to the staff who had years of experience of selling their schools.

Oh, and it's interesting to check out the kids who are showing you round. Are they ebullient, or cowed? When you ask them 'tell me your top favourite thing and your least favourite thing about your school' do they answer with disarming honesty, or do they look anxiously around to see if they are giving the 'correct' answer? Do they fill you with cheery anticipation that your child could become like them, or horrified dread?

Agree totally about the 'feeling'. I walked into DD1's school and thought 'wow. YES. This is the place for DD1'.

By contrast, another place had all the joie de vivre of a high security prison...

Do look at their admissions criteria carefully now, and ask if there are any changes afoot. You need to use your choices wisely - a balance of 'the school/s we really like but might be a long shot" and "should get a place here come what may".

If they are partly selective, make sure you really do understand the rules for those places.

Not everyone in practice gets much choice, or has an option with the ethos they prefer, in which case it becomes finding the one which is least bad.

And do ask any parents you know with DC already at the school what they
like best about it, and what one thing they would change if they could. Worth asking any pupil tour guides or staff you get hold of one-to-one those questions too.

Park outside at kicking out time on a normal day and 'feel the vibe' : try not to be scared by the size of them - year 11 boys are HUGE - and it WILL be chaotic
but is it happy chaotic
are the staff there
are they polite to you and to each other

if you pop in to pick up a leaflet, is the noise (and there will be lots) happy noise or is there an 'edge'
do the kids step aside to let you pass and hold doors?

if you feel comfortable with the feeling, then the rest starts to fall into place

(mine are year 11 and year 9 BTW)

If you have strong views on freedom of expression for your little darling, don't choose a school with a very strict uniform policy, then complain when said DC is sent home to buy new trousers/grow out hair/remove false eyelashes. like some recent stories

Avoid any schools like I read about on here with bizarre GCSE set ups where they sit some in Y9, some in Y10 and some in Y11. Early entry is usually a bad idea.

If DC is less academically minded, look for a school with good vocational courses, links to colleges for mechanics, hairdressing, catering etc.

DD1 has just started year 10.

Obvious ones, depending on your priorities

• results v 'whole child' balance
• are they good with high / middle / low achievers (depending on your child)
• pastoral care
• sport/drama/music etc if of special interest
• views on homework

Some less obvious ones

• do they stream (band for all subjects) or set (for individual subjects), and when. (I would not be happy with mixed ability maths for first 2 years for example)
• who gets to do triple science GCSE
• what is the first language studied, when do they start a second one
• can you see this years option blocks for GCSE? (yes they will change, but will give you an idea of range of subjects on offer and flexibility of choice)
• how are staff contacted if there is an issue

Feel of the place
e.g: tidy, clinical, run down, colourful, work on display, scruffy pupils, neat freaks, recently redecorated.

First of all, try to visit on a "normal" school day rather than just the open day- that way you get a real feel for the normal atmosphere in the school. Do the students seem engaged in class? The way pupils behave towards each other as well as to adults/ teachers when moving between classes can be a great indicator of the pastoral care underscoring the school.
Ask about the bullying policy, also any buddy system for new / younger pupils- what support is there for pupils by way of a class teacher or tutor overseeing their studies and progress.

When are you meant to do secondary school open day visits? Have suddenly cottoned on to the fact that this time next year I'll be applying for DSs place (has just started year 5) so are you meant to start visiting now?

No grammar schools or entrance exams here which makes it a bit easier and the school we are currently in catchment for seems v good but I do feel I should do some visiting (we are nearer to several other schools but here there are very defined catchments)