Questions to Ask on a School Tour

A school tour is one of the most useful parts of choosing an international school. It gives parents the chance to see the campus, meet staff, ask questions and get a feel for the school community.

However, it is easy to be impressed by facilities alone. A beautiful library, swimming pool, theatre or sports field can look exciting, but parents also need to understand what daily school life is really like for their child.

This guide gives parents practical questions to ask during a school tour so they can look beyond the surface and make a clearer, calmer decision.

1. Questions about classroom life

Your child will spend most of their time in the classroom, so it is important to understand what learning feels like day to day.

Useful questions to ask include:

• What is the average class size?

• How many adults usually support each class?

• What does a typical school day look like?

• How are lessons structured?

• How much independent work do students do?

• How much group work or discussion is included?

• How do teachers support children who need extra help?

• How do teachers challenge children who are ready for more?

• What kind of child tends to thrive in this school?

It can also help to observe the atmosphere during your visit.

• Are students calm and engaged?

• Do teachers speak warmly and clearly?

• Do classrooms feel organised, welcoming and purposeful?

These small details can tell you a lot about the daily experience your child may have.

2. Questions about curriculum

Different international schools may follow different curriculum pathways, such as British, IB, American, bilingual or other international models.

Parents do not need to understand every detail straight away, but it is useful to ask clear questions about how the curriculum works.

Useful questions include:

• Which curriculum does the school follow?

• How is learning assessed?

• What subjects are taught each week?

• How does the school support reading, writing and maths?

• How much project-based or inquiry-based learning is included?

• How does the curriculum change as children move through the school?

• What qualifications or pathways does the curriculum lead to later?

• How does the school help families understand their child’s progress?

A curriculum is not just a label. Two schools may both describe themselves as international, but the learning experience can feel very different. Try to understand how the curriculum is actually taught in classrooms.

3. Questions about language support

For many international families, language support is one of the most important areas to understand.

If your child is new to English, or still developing confidence in English, it is important to ask how the school supports language development.

Useful questions include:

• How do you support students who are new to English?

• Is there EAL or English language support?

• Is language support inside the classroom, outside the classroom, or both?

• How do teachers help children access learning while their English is still developing?

• How do you communicate with parents who may not speak English confidently?

• Are home languages valued in the school community?

• How long does it usually take for students to feel confident in English?

Good language support is not only about learning vocabulary. It is also about helping children feel included, confident and able to take part in school life.

4. Questions about wellbeing and friendships

A child’s happiness matters. Even a strong academic school may not be the right fit if a child does not feel safe, known or supported.

During a school tour, ask about how the school helps children settle in socially and emotionally.

Useful questions include:

• How do you help new students settle into the school?

• What happens if my child finds it hard to make friends?

• How does the school support student wellbeing?

• What systems are in place for behaviour and pastoral care?

• Who should parents contact if they are worried about their child?

• How do teachers build relationships with students?

• How does the school deal with friendship issues or bullying concerns?

• Are there opportunities for children to join clubs, teams or activities?

Parents should pay attention to the feeling of the school. Do children seem comfortable? Do adults seem calm and approachable? Does the school talk about wellbeing in a genuine and practical way?

5. Questions about communication with parents

Strong communication between school and home can make a big difference, especially for international families.

Parents should ask how the school shares information and how easy it is to contact teachers.

Useful questions include:

• How often do teachers communicate with parents?

• What platform or system is used for parent communication?

• How are parents updated about learning and progress?

• Are there regular parent meetings or reports?

• How does the school communicate if there is a concern?

• Can parents contact teachers directly?

• How does the school support families who are new to the country or city?

Clear communication helps parents feel involved and informed. It also helps families understand how their child is settling, learning and growing.

6. Questions about admissions and transition

Admissions can feel confusing, especially when families are comparing several schools or moving from another country.

It is helpful to ask about the process early so you know what to expect.

Useful questions include:

• What documents are required for the application?

• Is there an assessment or interview?

• How does the school decide year group placement?

• What is the timeline for admissions decisions?

• Are there waiting lists for certain year groups?

• What support is given before the first day of school?

• Is there an orientation or transition programme?

• What should families do to help their child prepare?

A good admissions process should feel clear and supportive. Parents should leave understanding the next steps, not feeling more confused.

7. Questions to ask yourself after the tour

After the visit, take time to reflect. It can be helpful to write down your thoughts straight away while the experience is fresh.

Ask yourself:

• Did the school feel welcoming?

• Could I imagine my child feeling safe and happy here?

• Did the staff answer questions clearly?

• Did the school seem organised and calm?

• \Did the curriculum match our family’s goals?

• Did the school explain language support and wellbeing clearly?

• Did anything feel unclear or concerning?

• What would I still like to ask?

A school tour is not only about what the school tells you. It is also about what you notice, feel and understand during the visit.

Final thoughts

A school tour can give parents valuable insight, but only if they ask the right questions.

Try to look beyond the facilities and focus on what your child will experience every day: classroom life, teacher relationships, language support, wellbeing, communication and the overall feeling of the school.

The right school should not only look impressive. It should feel like a place where your child can be known, supported and ready to grow.