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Original poster

State secondary parent evenings - what does your school do?

32 replies

fruitbomb · 25/01/2025 09:38

I know there was a thread on this a while back, and there are lots of opinions, but I'm really just interested to know how typical our school is compared to other similar schools. So if yours is a state secondary, for years 7-11, please can you tell me:

  • How many appointments you can book,
  • How long the appointments are
  • Is it online / in person / hybrid?
  • Is it after school or during the school day?
  • If you're in touch with other parents, are they generally happy with it?

I'll start:

  • 6 appointments
  • 5 mins each
  • Online
  • After school
  • Parents complain if can't get their 6 appointments, or if they have tech problems. Some think there should be more/longer appointments. Some think they should be in-person, others prefer online.
OP posts:
menopausalmare · 25/01/2025 10:02

After school, online, 5 minutes for years 7-11, 10 minutes for sixth form.

SnowyIcySnow · 25/01/2025 09:53

How many appointments you can book, none
How long the appointments are as long as needed
Is it online / in person / hybrid? in person
Is it after school or during the school day? after school - 3.30 -7 ish
If you're in touch with other parents, are they generally happy with it? I think we'd find issue with any system!

It's a free for all shit show, but I'm not convinced appointments would be any better, as they are never stuck to. I did like the online ones, but equally, it's lovely to actually go into the building the kids spend do much time in and see it, and all the kids & parents. There is no perfect system.

Pascha · 25/01/2025 09:45

• 9 appointments
• 4 mins per slot
• online
• after school

I know lot of parents don't like online only but honestly it suits both dh and me as we can dial in from wherever we happen to be.

Thingsthatgo · 25/01/2025 09:42

I have mine this week. If I get on early when the appointments open I can make an appointment for all of DS's teachers (yr 8). But they are spread out over a couple of hours. 6 minutes per teacher. It is run brilliantly to be honest and we can buy drinks and secondhand uniform (run by the PTA). SLT are always around too.
It's quite a big school - 240 per year, but I have been so impressed so far.
We also get an online chat with tutor twice a year.
Any issues, or if you couldn't see a particular teacher at parent's evening, you can email them directly.

TeenToTwenties · 25/01/2025 09:41

Pre covid.

Paper booking system in planner.
Teachers could write in a slot if they definitely wanted to see a parent.
Relied more on child and teacher than parents.
5 min slots.

Always got to see the teachers I wanted.

StillTryingToKeepGoing · 25/01/2025 09:40

In person, 5 mins, priority appointments for disadvantaged students (bookings open early for them), online booking system so you do need to be organised and get in there quickly.

TickingAlongNicely · 25/01/2025 09:40

5 minutes, after school, in person.

Its first come, first served for booking so the fast finger editing could get appointments with everyone but just an hour later just two or three.