Half day closure for Open Evening?

[AChickenCalledKorma]

So tonight I'm taking DD1 to have a look round our nearest secondary school. And all afternoon I've been passing teenagers in mufti, wandering round the town. I deduce that they've all been sent home early, so the school can get ready for Open Evening.

Do all schools do this? Do they really need an afternoon to get ready (starting at 6:30pm?) Or should I be looking behind closed doors and under tables to see what's been tucked away out of sight?

Yes, I have a suspicious mind ! (The other school we are considering has an "every day is open day" policy, so there is quite a contrast in approach so far!)

We use one of our PD Days on Open Evening (have done for years). There are whole school training sessions in the morning; some departmental time after lunch; then time to set up for the evening. It works well. Just remember, only nice children act as guides, demonstrators etc! Unruly children are not asked!!