The Independent Schools Show is an excellent opportunity to meet the admissions teams who represent leading schools from across the UK and beyond.
Whether you’re just beginning your school search or refining a shortlist, the conversations you have at the Show can shape your next steps in meaningful ways.
But what should you ask to move beyond the prospectus and into the real experience of school life?
Here are five purposeful questions to ask school representatives – each designed to help you get beyond the marketing and closer to the culture, values and ethos of the schools that might best suit your child.
1. “What makes your school stand out – for families like ours?”
This gives representatives the chance to speak about what defines their school – not just in academic terms, but in its values, culture and day-to-day life. It’s a useful prompt for hearing about the characteristics that matter: community feel, co-curricular strengths or how they support pupils at transition points.
2. “How do you support pupil wellbeing – beyond the classroom?”
A good school will have a clear, proactive approach to pastoral care, whether that’s through mentoring, house systems, counselling, or informal support networks. The way a representative talks about this can reveal a lot about the school’s priorities.
3. “What does your admissions process look like and what kind of support do you offer to families along the way?”
It’s worth understanding the practical steps: registration deadlines, assessments, interviews, taster days and feedback. A clear, open answer can signal a school that is responsive and communicative, a strong partner throughout the process.
4. “How does the school help pupils pursue their individual interests or strengths?”
This goes beyond curriculum: it’s about how well the school nurtures what your child loves, be that music, maths, sport, art, drama or robotics. The best schools create space for students to explore and grow, both within and beyond the timetable.
5. “What kind of parent-school relationship do you foster?”
This often gets overlooked, but it’s key. Are parents invited into school life? How do schools communicate? Are there opportunities for feedback, involvement or support? You’re not just choosing a school – you’re entering a community.
The most valuable conversations at the Show happen when you ask thoughtful, open-ended questions. These five prompts aren’t about catching anyone out – they’re about helping you gather the detail that matters most to your family.
At Scholato, we help families think clearly and confidently about school choices – whether you’re just beginning to look or facing a complex decision point. A conversation at the Independent Schools Show is a great place to start and we’re always here to help you go further.
The next Independent Schools Show takes place on Thursday 9th October at RHS Lindley Hall, London – a fantastic opportunity to meet leading schools face-to-face.
