Questions to ask on a school visit

• Qualifications of staff especially in key subject areas, e.g. mathematics, science and languages
• Class sizes: do over-large junior classes subsidise small sixth form groups?
• Curriculum - at each age level. Range of subjects at GCSE and A level
• Streaming and or setting - the latter is generally preferable
• Examination results, % passes A-C in GCSE, A-E at A level
• Internal examinations - how frequent? Records of achievement?
• Extra curriculum activities. Range of clubs and sports. % of pupils who represent the school in sport
• Homework - do all pupils have it? How much per evening? All marked?
• Forms of assessments/reports. Grading system?
• Counselling & systems of pastoral care. House organisation
• Discipline: forms of punishment. What is the heads personal philosophy?
• Rewards and systems of commendation?
• Links with parents: through Parent Teacher Associations? Informal? Freedom to come into school?
• Lunch arrangements. Freedom of pupils to be in school at all times?
• Transport arrangements. Pick-up points for buses?