“Am I choosing the best fit of school for my child”? For any parent, this can be a tricky question and decision-making process overwhelming. Stephanie Cheah, founder of the BESSA Schools Show, says that campus visits are essential to finding that right school and shares some tips about how to approach the visit.
You have read the beautiful glossy brochure, met the school admissions team, and are ready now to visit the school. How can you make the most of this opportunity?
Be prepared to ask questions on the key aspects of the school and how these may affect your child – the academic programmes, rules and regulations, extra-curricular activities, boarding life and the pastoral care. Take notes so you and your child can discuss your thoughts about what you were told.
Ask to visit the school on a normal school day. Do the students appear engaged and interested in their work? Were the staff communicative and did they enjoy their teaching? Did they have control of their class?
Observe your surroundings. Check the quality of furnishings, and for graffiti on the desks and walls. Were the buildings well maintained, was there an absence of litter and were the grounds neat and attractive?
Ask about sporting opportunities, especially for students who are not natural athletes.
Engage with the current students. Do not be afraid to stop students to ask them what they believe are the school’s strengths and weaknesses, and if they are happy there. Your child will not remember the school by its facilities, but by the quality of the teachers and teaching – by far the most valuable resource in the school.
Check in with your child. What did they think of the school? Will it meet their needs and abilities?
School visits offer valuable insight into the daily life and culture of a school. Take time to observe the atmosphere, the interactions between students and staff, and the sense of care and engagement. Above all, trust your instincts and your child’s impressions. The right school will feel like a place where your child can truly belong, learn, and thrive. Good luck!
At BESSA, we are independent and do not take commission from any school. Our mission is simple: to empower parents to make informed and researched choices about their child’s education. This forum focuses on the well-being of the child, bringing together British schools that uphold high standards of pastoral care, academic excellence, and boarding life. Follow Us to stay updated for future events in your city.
FB/IG: @bessa.asia | LinkedIn: bessaasia | Web: www.bessa.asia | Email: contact@bessa.asia