Make a Day of it!

School visits are a vital part of choosing the right place for your child, so we’re finding out how to make the most of them

A Little Taste-Test

Kings School Canterbury tell us what Taster Days are all about

Designed to move beyond prospectuses and websites, taster days allow young people to experience the rhythm, atmosphere and opportunities of a school first-hand. They offer a valuable introduction to school life, giving prospective pupils a clear sense of what to expect both in the classroom and beyond.
At The King’s School Canterbury, Taster Days are structured to reflect the breadth of school life. Pupils typically take part in a mix of academic lessons and co-curricular activities, helping them to see how their interests might develop. Taster Days also reassure parents who see their children engaged and comfortable, while gaining a clearer understanding of the school’s ethos and opportunities, helps them make informed decisions. Whether in a classroom, on the sports field or engaged in creative pursuits, they gain a more realistic picture of daily life and the possibilities available to them.
One key benefit is the opportunity to build early connections. Meeting other prospective pupils can ease concerns about joining a new environment, particularly for those considering boarding. King’s boarding taster weekends, for example, allow pupils to spend time together in a relaxed setting, forming friendships that often continue into their school years. This sense of familiarity can make the transition feel far less daunting. Equally important is the chance to meet staff. Informal interactions with both teachers and wider pastoral staff help pupils feel recognised and welcomed, reinforcing a sense of belonging before they even start. This personal contact often leaves a lasting impression, shaping how pupils view the school community.
Ultimately, Taster Days are about confidence, giving pupils and their families the clarity and assurance needed to take the next step with enthusiasm rather than uncertainty.
Book to see the The King’s School Canterbury yourself at kings-school.co.uk

Sevenoaks School’s top questions to ask on an Open Day

How do you develop skills like entrepreneurialism and leadership?
How are communication skills nurtured across subjects?
What encourages creative and analytical thinking?
How diverse is the community, culturally and socially?
How does the school prepare children for a fast‑changing world?

Open Doors

Why do open days matter? Sevenoaks School offers their insights

An Open Day offers far more than a tour of facilities. It is your chance to experience the character and culture of a school at work. At Sevenoaks School, Open Days are lively, purposeful and shaped by the students themselves.
Following a warm welcome and a live, unscripted Q&A with the Headmaster and School Captains, families set off on student‑led tours. Guides from across year groups speak openly about their experience, giving visitors an honest insight into school life. Tours are flexible rather than prescriptive, with families encouraged to choose departments, activities or pastoral areas they are most curious about.
Across the campus, learning is very much live. Academic departments host interactive sessions, from hands‑on science to making Roman sweets in Classics, while sports staff invite visitors to try activities including volleyball and climbing. Student‑run stalls showcase an impressive breadth of opportunities, from over 77 clubs and societies to CCF, service and partnership projects.
Pastoral and SEND teams are readily available for informal conversations about wellbeing and support, with admissions staff on hand throughout. The result is an authentic sense of a busy, working school: energetic, thoughtful and welcoming.

What to look for on an Open Day

While exam results and facilities matter, the most revealing clues are often subtle. Notice how students interact, how approachable staff feel and how confidently students talk about their school. Is the atmosphere purposeful but warm; challenging yet supportive? An Open Day is an introduction, not a final decision. It is often helpful to return for a second visit, ideally during a normal working day, when lessons and routines are fully underway. Trust your instincts. The right school is one where you can picture your child feeling happy, stretched and well supported.
Sevenoaks School Open Day will be on Saturday 13 June. Book online at sevenoaksschool.org

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