I saw 2 large state schools, one with yr 6 DC in tow and one without. Both with good reputations locally but didn't know them from childhood as wasn't local to the area until about 10 years ago. Had been expecting that the one that is closer to home and slightly smaller would win over impressions very easily.
At open days: the smaller one was much, much busier and was pulling out all the stops (bunsen burners and crowd pleasing experiments, good displays, music demos etc). Given a tour by a student. But what stayed in the memory was this:
The student (year 8?) wore a name badge that clearly wasn't theirs, as the open day planners had got it wrong or not known they were helping.
Every corridor had prominent notices on with stiff penalties for discipline infractions, especially uniform. Made me want to rebel just reading it.
While all the classrooms were clearly in full swing, Reception had a sign on the glass window that said 'Enter through Class X' and not a soul around there. No welcome, no checks on who, exactly, was going in or why!
The other school:
Well-organised sign-in process for visitors.
Well-timed movement over the site to avoid the swarming class changeovers.
Not the most polished of buildings but smartboards, events, UCAS deadlines, student reps, etc all displayed with a look of this being both creative and organised.
On small offices, nurse's room doors, etc. there were non-intimidating reminders easily understood by both students and staff that reminded of how to speak to, behave, and record, situations where 1:1 meetings based on welfare concerns might take place.
Students in lessons looked as if they were motivated (this was in performance arts and was a mock workshop assessment that would really count towards grades)
Have been very pleased with School 2. Large, has its issues, but encouraging, good communication insofaras it can, and does value more than the grades.