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40 questions to ask on a British international school visit

A printable checklist of questions for school tours and admissions meetings: teaching, results, pastoral care, language, SEN, fees and community.

Last reviewed on by our editorial team

School tours are often polished presentations. These questions help you get past the brochure. Print this page and take it with you, or copy the questions that matter most to your family.

Teaching and curriculum

  1. Which curriculum do you follow in each phase, and how is it adapted for this country?
  2. What share of teachers are UK-trained or hold QTS or equivalent?
  3. What is the average length of stay of teaching staff?
  4. How large are classes, and how many adults are in Early Years classes?
  5. Which exam boards do you use for IGCSE and A-Level (or the IB)?
  6. How do you stretch the most able students?
  7. How much homework is set at each age?
  8. How do you use assessment data (such as CAT4) to plan teaching?

Results and destinations

  1. What were IGCSE and A-Level/IB results for the last three years?
  2. How many students sat the exams each year?
  3. Is the school selective at entry?
  4. Where did leavers go last year? How many applied to UK universities?
  5. What university guidance do students receive, and from when?

Pastoral care and wellbeing

  1. Who is my child’s first point of contact?
  2. How do you support new arrivals, especially mid-year?
  3. How do you handle bullying, and how are parents told?
  4. What counselling or wellbeing support is available?
  5. How do you support students when friends leave the school?
  6. What is your approach to mobile phones and social media?

Language

  1. How is the host-country language taught, and is it compulsory?
  2. What EAL support is available, and does it cost extra?
  3. Is there a mother-tongue programme for our language?
  4. What language do students use at break time?

Learning support

  1. Do you have a SENCO and specialist staff?
  2. What support is included in the fees?
  3. Have you supported a child with a profile like ours?
  4. How do you arrange exam access arrangements?

Inspection and governance

  1. When were you last inspected or accredited, and by whom?
  2. Can I read the full report?
  3. Who owns the school, and who sits on the board?
  4. Is the school for-profit or non-profit?

Fees and practicalities

  1. What is the full cost for my child’s year group, including one-off fees?
  2. How much have fees risen over the last five years?
  3. What are the notice and refund terms?
  4. Which areas do school buses serve, and how long are journeys?
  5. What are the school hours and the after-school programme?
  6. What is the term calendar?

Community

  1. How involved are parents, and is there a parent association?
  2. What is the nationality mix of students and staff?
  3. What would current parents say is the school’s biggest weakness?

Use the answers alongside our how to choose a British international school checklist.

Frequently asked questions

Should I visit during a normal school day?

Yes, if possible. Open days show a school at its best; a normal day shows you real lessons, real corridors and real interactions between students and staff.

Can I ask to speak to current parents?

Yes. Good schools will put you in touch with parents through their parent association or admissions team. Try to speak to families with a situation similar to yours.