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Original poster

what should I wear on visit to new private school

53 replies

mum71 · 14/10/2008 14:08

My husband and I are visiting the private school we hope to send our son to in Sept 09. There is no entrance exam for him to get into the school but I have a feeling that the visit is a test for us.

So what should I wear? What questions should I ask? Anything I can do/say to guarantee his place? Should I flirt a little? (only joking)

OP posts:
TheFallenMadonna · 14/10/2008 18:12

What would be wrong with grungy squeakypop? What would it say to you as a private school teacher? About the child.

cocoleBOO · 14/10/2008 18:15

A fur coat and no knickers.

ScummyMummy · 14/10/2008 18:18

disagree, cd. Don't take the piss out of the poor OP.

willali · 14/10/2008 18:26

AS it isn't a selective school they will want your child if there is space and you can pay the fees. What the parents do or look like is entirely irrelevant

SqueakyPop · 14/10/2008 18:28

I wouldn't go anywhere grungy if I were meeting new people. Grungy is for cleaning and gardening in.

milge · 14/10/2008 18:32

I wouldn't turn up in slippers and pj's, but going obviously "dressed up" would look a bit forced>
Work clothes or smart casual would be fine, but most of all you must feel comfortable in your skin.

forevercleaning · 14/10/2008 18:36

they will be desperate for your money. Please don't feel you have to dress to impress.

Go as you would feel comfortable.
Jeans are fine.

janeite · 14/10/2008 18:36

Malory's ideas sound brilliant, even though she obviously just wants to advertise her coloured tights!

I think the only "test" in the visit though, is how likely it is that you are going to be able to pay the fees. I hope you like the school - good luck!

batters · 14/10/2008 18:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Xfactor · 15/10/2008 11:55

Lots of bling-bling and plenty of £50 notes hanging out from your LV handbag and pockets to assure the headmaster that you can afford the fees for the next whatever years !

dilemma456 · 15/10/2008 12:26

Message withdrawn

Xfactor · 15/10/2008 13:59

...And just for good measure, if your car is more than 2 years old, then go in a rented posh 58-reg car! If that does not get your DS in that school... I dunno what will! Please keep us all updated of the visit and what you did eventually wear....

batters · 15/10/2008 16:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PortAndDemon · 15/10/2008 16:30

dilemma -- don't suppose you'd consider naming and shaming? [nosy emoticon]

AMumInScotland · 15/10/2008 16:37

It's a very strange idea that all parents who go to look at private schools are going to be both extremely rich and also extremely "flash" with what they choose to spend it on. At many schools you'll fit in much better in an old banger, and in clothes which are not the newest and most fashionable - because the majority of families who have the possibility of considering private education have to make a decision not to spend money in other areas in order to afford it.

IotasCat · 15/10/2008 16:44

as it happens, when I looked around 2 state schools I was suited and booted as I had come straight from work.

I also looked round a couple of private schools, but I really can't remember what I was wearing. It was probably jeans as we went at the weekend.

Xfactor · 16/10/2008 11:12
Wink
Rocky12 · 16/10/2008 17:28

I have just come back from an open day this morning. This school is a feeder into Eton, Harrow, Charterhouse etc. My older son already attends the school. You would be staggered by what people wear to things like this. Yes, Boden is popular but so are skinny jeans and low cut tops especially from Russian parents who do have a particular style.

Last year I attended the Harrow open day and found myself mixing with a women in a T Maxx type tracksuit and bottoms and at the other end a very elegant lady in a hat!

Personally I would dress in a smart casual way.

Blandmum · 16/10/2008 17:34

Clothes?

I seem to remember that I wore jeans and a jumper when I went round dd/ds's school.

they are not going to care what you wear

Cammelia · 16/10/2008 17:39

dilemma456 please name and shame

GrimmaTheNome · 16/10/2008 17:39

DH was nonplussed when a female colleague chose to make her visit to an independent secondary school in a very low cut top teamed with an enormous cross pendant. He couldn't figure out at all what message she was trying to convey (it wasnt even a 'faith' school).

Just wear whatever you feel confident and unfussed in.

princesspeahead · 16/10/2008 17:42

I probably wouldn't wear jeans, but then I don't tend to wear jeans for anything other than rock bottom casual.
Equally I don't dress up, or put on office gear (unless I'm actually coming from or going to an office before or after the visit).
I aim to look presentable, which is my default way of dressing anyway really. Boots and a dress, or tailored trousers and a jacket, something like that.

More important to go looking interested, asking pertinant questions, looking like the sort of parent who would be involved but not a PITA, IMO

Anna8888 · 16/10/2008 17:49

I wore a not particularly smart dress, and boots, and a proper winter coat, to the preliminary interview I had with my DD's headmistress. My DP came straight from work and wore a suit.

toobusytothink · 16/10/2008 17:56

ok - I'm going to try and actually be helpful unlike many others! I used to teach at a prep school before I became a mum. I agree that it doesn't really matter too much, but then again what would you think if all the kids and teachers there looked scruffy. It is a matter of respect and politeness to make a little bit of an effort. I certainly don't mean suit but I would certainly go smart casual. Jeans prob ok if worn with smart top. Otherwise nice skirt and knee boots. Remember schooling is a collaboration between school and parents. Teachers will really appreciate supportive parents and that includes those that don't dress inappropriately. If you take the attitude that they are desperate for your money and they should be lucky to have you, I think you could be in for a shock.

Cammelia · 16/10/2008 17:58

I am always smart at school tours as it makes me feel more "professional"

and as its independednt, I'm the one buying