Secondary school tours - is day or evening better?

[TwoMountains]

One of the secondary schools we’re considering for DC1 has an open evening coming up, which sounds like it’ll mainly be a tour of the school by students with a chance to meet staff - no presentation at the open evening, the presentation they would normally give on the open evening will be available separately on their website because Covid.

They’re also offering separate tours during the school day with a member of the senior leadership team.

Does anyone with experience of these things have any advice on whether a tour of a school would be better in the evening or during the school day?

I’m not sure if we’ll be able to sign up for both. With DH’s working hours, he wouldn’t be able to attend the evening, but he would be able to attend a morning slot. But DC1 would only be able to attend the evening.

I would try to take DS to the evening slot, much better for him to hear about things from other pupils (even if carefully picked ones)

If he likes it I would then book to go around with your husband if you have more questions to ask

I’d go to the evening one, because, although they put on a show, if it’s a good show, you get an idea of the best they offer.

I’d also go on a normal school day, when there aren’t events for show and you see more of the normal way of life.

We’re doing the evenings because you can talk to different staff and ask questions particular to that subject. On a tour during the day, teachers are often busy with their classes and you are reliant on the tour guide knowing the information.

Evening. I can't see how you will get much chance to talk to anyone or a proper look at the school if you have to work round classes in place.

We went to a tour last night. It was SO BUSY that no one got a chance to talk to any staff apart from them welcoming our tour group to the classrooms. We were then ushered off after 2 minutes to the next stage of the tour, but mostly spent our time waiting in corridors....

Thanks all

Both. Your husband doesn't have to attend both but I really do suggest attending if possible, why can't your son attend the day one?

The open evening and the say tour is very different. I'd also suggest parking at home time and watching the general atmosphere as the children come out.

Your ds should get authorised absence from primary to look around a school. I would plan to go to both if it is the main contender. Evening tour will be science experients, A level art displays, chance to do some sport. Day time is a chance to see how the students interact with staff, discipline, how they interact with peers.