Independent School Virtual/online Open Days

[Corblimbea]

We were due to attend a fair few Open Days in the May/June period before deciding where to apply for DD in y5. We saw a few last year but DD didn’t come.
A few of the schools we are interested in are offering online open days or virtual tours. What do people think about this? Has anyone ‘been to’ one? What are other parents doing to decide where to apply? We are looking at SW London and Surrey independents.

I think they are the best thing you have at the moment. I think they will give you a flavour of the facilities and the way the school markets itself, but I wouldn’t want to have to make a decision on schools based purely on that.

Thanks Zoodlebud.

I have attended a few virtual school open days and had a few virtual meetings
With Heads. Are you looking at prep or senior schools?

We did a virtual open day this morning which was well organised and informative. It was held via Zoom, so had the facility to ask questions on the chat but they weren't able to answer them all. However, it wasn't possible to get 'a feeling' about the school which is essential, and I'm not sure how they can do that remotely.

The technology has definitely improved over the years. I'd say go for it! Will give you an idea of what it will be like to walk the halls at the school. You certainly won't lose anything by going to the virtual open day!