Questions to ask admissions staff
Admissions staff are your first point of contact and the people best placed to explain how the school works in practice, from entry requirements to how new students settle in.
• How do you support new students during their first term?
• What is the average class size at my child's year level?
• What accreditations does the school hold, and when were they last reviewed?
• How does the school approach mid-year admissions?
Questions to ask teaching staff
Teachers reveal more about a school's culture than any prospectus. Listen for answers that are specific and grounded in real knowledge of individual students, rather than broad statements about the school's ethos.
• How do you get to know individual students and understand their learning needs?
• How do you communicate with parents when a student is not making the progress you would expect?
• How do you identify and stretch a student who is ready for more challenge?
Questions to ask the head teacher
The head teacher sets the tone and direction of the school. Their answers to these questions tell you whether the school's priorities match yours.
• What is your vision for the students who leave this school?
• What are you still working to improve?
A head who answers the second question honestly is likely to be leading their school with self-awareness and a culture of continuous development.
Questions to ask about boarding
If boarding is part of your decision, ask to visit the boarding house on the open day and direct these questions to the boarding house staff as well as the admissions team.
• What does a typical weekday evening look like for a boarder?
• How do you support students who are new to boarding and living away from home for the first time?
• What weekend activities are available and how many students typically participate?
A boarding house that empties at weekends tells you something important about whether students truly want to be there. d'Overbroeck's new Summerhill Sixth Form boarding house is opening in 2026. Ask to see it during your visit.
Things to observe for yourself
Some of the most useful information on an open day comes not from questions but from what you notice when no one is speaking directly to you.
• Do students seem engaged and at ease, or polished and performing for visitors?
• How do students and teachers interact when passing in corridors or common areas?
• Does the school feel like a genuine community, or a well-managed institution?
• Does the boarding house feel like a home, or like a hotel?
Trust your instincts alongside the answers you receive. A good open day leaves you with a clear sense of whether a school feels right, not just whether it looks impressive.
Quick reference checklist
| AREA | QUESTION TO ASK |
| Admissions | How do you support new students in their first few weeks? |
| Admissions | What is the average class size at my child's year level? |
| Admissions | What accreditations does the school hold? |
| Admissions | How does the school handle mid-year admissions? |
| Teaching staff | How do you get to know individual students and their learning needs? |
| Teaching staff | How do you communicate with parents when a student is struggling? |
| Teaching staff | How do you stretch students who are ready for more? |
| Boarding | What does a typical evening look like for a boarder? |
| Boarding | How do you support students who are new to boarding? |
| Boarding | What weekend activities are available and how many students participate? |
| Your own observation | Do students seem engaged and at ease in the school? |
| Your own observation | Does the school feel like a community? |
Book your place at the d'Overbroeck's Open Day on 3 October 2026.
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