What questions should I ask on a grammar school open day?

Academic Curriculum and Standards

Grammar schools emphasise rigorous academic standards through structured curricula in core subjects, consistently outperforming state averages in GCSE and A-Level results. Ofsted data shows 92% of grammar school pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs at A*-C, compared to the 60% national average from DfE 2023 figures. This reflects their focus on high expectations in literacy, numeracy, and sciences.

Many grammar schools use exam boards like AQA and Edexcel for GCSEs and A-Levels. They often adopt phonics schemes such as Read Write Inc to build strong reading foundations early on. During your open day visit, explore how these elements support pupil progress.

Curricula go beyond the National Curriculum, with enriched content in STEM education and modern foreign languages. Ask about adaptations for gifted pupils and SEN support. This helps prospective parents gauge alignment with their child's needs.

Teaching methods prioritise mastery and differentiation. Inquire about class sizes and pupil-teacher ratios during the Q&A session. Touring facilities like science labs and libraries provides context for academic delivery.

Core subjects and teaching methods

Ask: 'What reading scheme do you use (Read Write Inc, Oxford Reading Tree)? How do you teach phonics in Years 1-2?' These questions reveal early literacy approaches vital for primary to secondary transition. Schools often detail phonics screening results and interventions.

Target specifics with these questions:

• 'Which phonics programme do you follow?'
• 'What percentage of curriculum time is allocated to maths or literacy?'
• 'Do you use mastery maths approach?'
• 'What STEM initiatives run (FIRST LEGO League, CREST Awards)?'
• 'How do you differentiate for gifted pupils?'
• 'What modern foreign languages offered from Year 7?'
• 'Do you follow National Curriculum or enhanced?'
• 'What assessment methods used (formative, summative)?'

Discuss homework policy and progress tracking too. Observe pupil ambassadors demonstrating lessons. This uncovers teaching quality and curriculum depth.

Exam results and progression rates

Request: 'Can you share your 2023 GCSE results breakdown and 16-19 progression rates to Oxbridge/Russell Group universities?' Top grammars often see **75% A*-A grades** at GCSE, far above the 25% national figure. Compare against league tables during your school visit.

Pose these targeted questions:

• 'What were your 2023 GCSE 9-7 pass rates?'
• 'How many pupils achieved top 10% nationally?'
• 'What percentage progressed to Russell Group universities?'
• 'Can we see value-added scores?'
• 'What are common degree subjects for leavers?'
• 'Do you publish destination data?'
• 'How do results compare to national grammar school averages?'

Examine value-added measures for true progress insights. Ask current parents about university destinations. This evaluates long-term academic performance.

Link results to pastoral care and careers advice. Inquire about work experience and alumni success. Such details inform your admissions decision.

Admissions and Selection Process

Understanding the admissions process is crucial as grammar schools use rigorous 11+ selection with specific criteria varying by Local Authority. All schools must follow the DfE admissions code requirements. England has 164 grammar schools offering around 32% selective places overall.

Common entrance tests include GL Assessment, CEM, or bond-style papers. These exams assess verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English. Ask about the exact format during the open day Q&A session.

Local variations affect catchment areas and priorities. Some prioritise siblings or looked-after children first. Clarify tie-breaks like distance from school gates.

Prospective parents should note offer days and acceptance deadlines. Transition from primary school often includes induction days. Review the prospectus and school website for full details beforehand.

11+ exam details and preparation

Ask: 'Which 11+ provider do you use (GL, CEM, or independent)? What are the exact test format and weightings?' This reveals if papers cover English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Schools may use multiple choice or written formats.

Key questions include: 'What is the ratio of English, maths, verbal, and non-verbal sections?' and 'Are practice papers available?' Also ask, 'Do you provide familiarisation materials for pupils?' These help with home preparation using similar bond-style resources.

• What is the catchment area radius for eligibility?
• Is there a sibling priority policy?
• How does distance or tie-break criteria work?
• What is the timing of exam day and results notification date?
• Is there any interview stage after tests?
• What are the full oversubscription criteria rankings?

During the school visit, speak to current parents or pupil ambassadors. They offer insights on real preparation experiences like mock tests at primary school.

Waiting lists and appeals

Clarify: 'How are waiting lists prioritised and what is your appeals success rate over the last 3 years?' Waiting lists follow strict oversubscription criteria from the DfE School Information Appeal Code. Ranking often mirrors main offers based on scores or distance.

Ask: 'How many places are typically offered via the waiting list each year?' and 'When does the list close?' Understanding appeal panel constitution helps prepare strong cases. Panels include independent members reviewing admissions decisions.

• What are the common successful appeal grounds, such as procedural errors?
• How often do appeals succeed based on pupil's higher score elsewhere?
• Are there timelines for submitting appeals after offer day?

Experts recommend gathering evidence like tutor reports or medical needs. Attend the headteacher speech for hints on process fairness. This ensures you maximise chances post-11+ results.

Pastoral Care and Pupil Wellbeing

Grammar schools maintain high pastoral standards but parents should verify specific wellbeing provisions during visits. From 2024, DfE guidance makes it statutory for schools to appoint a mental health lead. This ensures focused support for pupil mental health amid rising pressures.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance notes that 28% of pupils report bullying experiences. Parents can ask about dedicated wellbeing teams and how they track pupil happiness. Open days offer a chance to gauge the school's commitment to emotional support.

Probe for details on counselling services and access to external professionals. Check how the school supports transitions from primary to secondary education. These questions reveal the strength of their pupil wellbeing framework.

Experts recommend observing pupil interactions during the facilities tour. Speak to current parents or pupil ambassadors about real-life pastoral care. This helps assess if the school truly prioritises holistic development alongside academics.

Anti-bullying policies

Probe: Can parents see your full anti-bullying policy? How many formal bullying incidents last year? Grammar schools follow Anti-Bullying Alliance best practice standards. These ensure clear procedures to protect pupils during the open day discussions.

Ask about the policy publication location on the school website or prospectus. Inquire on bullying incident numbers over the past three years. This reveals transparency in handling issues.

• What are your specific cyberbullying procedures, including monitoring social media reports?
• Do you use restorative practices like mediated conversations between pupils?
• What is the parental reporting mechanism, such as a dedicated email or app?

Further questions uncover depth. Ask about the sanctions escalation ladder from warnings to exclusions. Check for pupil-led anti-bullying initiatives, like peer mentoring schemes, and staff training frequency, such as annual sessions.

During the Q&A session, note responses from the headteacher or safeguarding lead. Observe if they reference house systems or prefect roles in prevention. This confirms robust bullying policies aligned with pastoral care.

Extracurricular Activities

Grammar schools offer extensive extracurriculars. Top grammars average 45 clubs according to the ISC census. These activities provide enrichment beyond academics, helping pupils develop skills like teamwork and leadership.

Verify specifics match your child’s interests during the open day. Ask about clubs in areas such as music, sports, or debating. This ensures the school supports well-rounded growth alongside strong academics.

Grammar schools emphasise holistic education. Extracurriculars often link to the curriculum, like STEM clubs enhancing science lessons. Observe pupil engagement during the school visit to gauge quality.

Prospective parents should note how activities foster character development. Inquire about leadership opportunities, such as prefect systems or house competitions. These build confidence for secondary school life.

Sports, clubs, and trips

Ask: What sports teams compete at county/national level? List all CC/Sportsmark awards received? This reveals the strength of sports facilities and competitive opportunities. Grammar schools often excel in team sports like rugby or netball.

Targeted questions help uncover details on music programs and arts. Ask about music exam grade attainment and orchestra or jazz band numbers. Check for arts festival details to see creative outlets.

County or national sports achievements? Music exam grade attainment? Orchestra or jazz band numbers? Residential trip frequency? Duke of Edinburgh participation? Debating or Model UN teams? STEM clubs like rocketry or coding? Arts festival details? Clubs available 4 days a week? Subsidy policy for activities?

These questions highlight after-school clubs and trips that enrich the curriculum. Discuss how residential trips or international exchanges support language learning. Note subsidies for fairness in access.

Facilities and Resources

During facilities tour, specifically check science labs have practical equipment, ICT suites current (Windows 11, 1:3 ratio), library stock >15k volumes. These elements support strong STEM education and literacy in a grammar school. Ask staff about maintenance schedules during your open day visit.

Inspect key areas to gauge resources quality for academic performance and extracurricular activities. Look for modern equipment that aids teaching methods and pupil progress tracking. Note how facilities align with the school ethos and curriculum demands.

Use this checklist to evaluate 12 essential facilities on your school visit. Pose targeted questions to prospective parents and pupil ambassadors. This helps assess value during the admissions process.

Facilities reflect commitment to SEN support, sports facilities, and arts programs. Check for accessibility and hygiene to ensure inclusion. Gather insights from the headteacher speech or Q&A session.

Staff and Class Sizes

Target average class size of 26-28 for Years 7-9, 20-22 for GCSE years, and 10-12 for A-Level, with all teaching by qualified subject specialists over 80% of the time. These benchmarks align with top Independent Schools Council schools at a 22:1 pupil-teacher ratio. Ask targeted questions on staff and class sizes during your grammar school open day to gauge teaching quality.

Smaller classes support focused teaching methods and better pupil-teacher ratio, especially in secondary school. Larger groups in early years can work if supported by aides. Use the school visit to probe how they manage this balance.

Staff expertise drives academic performance and curriculum delivery. Retention and training show commitment to consistent education. Compare responses to ISC standards for top grammar schools.

Key Questions to Ask

Prepare these 9 specific questions for the Q&A session with headteachers or current parents. Note any benchmarks they share against ISC top school standards like 22:1 PTR. This helps assess teacher qualifications and support structures.

• What are the year group class sizes? Benchmark: Aim under 28 for Years 7-9.
• What is the exact pupil-teacher ratio? Reference top schools at 22:1.
• What percentage of teachers are qualified by subject? Expect over 80% specialists.
• What is the staff retention rate over 5 years? High retention signals stability.
• How is new staff induction structured? Look for comprehensive onboarding.
• What are subject department heads' qualifications? Seek advanced expertise.
• How are HLTA deployed? Higher Level Teaching Assistants should support classes.
• What is your teacher workload policy? Policies preventing burnout aid quality.
• What is the CPD budget per teacher? Ongoing training boosts skills.

During the facilities tour, observe classrooms to verify class sizes. Chat with pupil ambassadors about daily teacher interactions. This gives a full picture of pastoral care and teaching environment.

Homework and Parental Involvement

Request the full homework policy showing Year 7: 1hr/night, Year 11: 2.5hrs/night with parent portal access. This helps you understand expectations from the start of secondary school. Ask how it supports transition from primary school.

Grammar schools often set clear homework guidelines by year group and subject. For example, a policy might require 45mins English, 30mins Maths nightly for Year 7. Confirm if it's documented and shared via the school website or prospectus.

Parental involvement strengthens academic performance through regular updates. Inquire about tools like apps or portals during the open day Q&A session. This reveals communication channels for progress tracking.

Experts recommend asking about support structures like homework clubs. These questions show prospective parents value active roles in education. Use the school visit to gauge the headteacher's response on parental workshops.

• Is a homework policy document available for parents to review?
• What are the subject minimums by year group for homework?
• Do you use a parent portal system (MIS) for homework submission and feedback?
• Is a homework club available after school for pupils?
• What is the calendar for parental workshops on supporting homework?
• How frequent are PTA meetings to discuss education matters?
• Is there an academic mentoring scheme involving parents?
• What is the progress report frequency throughout the year?
• Are there subject consultation evenings with teachers?
• Do you use app push notifications for homework reminders?