What Questions Should I Ask at Parents' Evening?

Parents’ evenings are a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers and gain insights into their progress at school. While it can sometimes feel daunting, preparing a few thoughtful questions in advance ensures you make the most of the limited time available. Here are some key areas to cover when deciding what to ask, inspired by the practices of this private school in Richmond.

Understanding Academic Progress
A central purpose of parents’ evening is to understand how your child is performing academically. While reports often provide grades, teachers can give you a fuller picture of what’s going well and where improvements could be made. You might ask:

· What are my child’s strengths in this subject?

· Are there particular areas where they are struggling?

· How does their progress compare to expected levels for their age?

These questions give you clarity on whether your child is on track and highlight any subjects that may need extra attention at home.

Exploring Learning Habits and Attitude
Academic performance is closely linked to learning habits. Teachers see children in a different setting and can often provide valuable feedback on their approach to tasks and problem-solving. Consider asking:

· How does my child apply themselves in lessons?

· Do they participate actively in class discussions?

· Are they organised with homework and deadlines?

This can help you identify whether challenges are linked to ability, effort, or confidence.

Social and Emotional Development
Parents’ evening isn’t only about academic results. Your child’s wellbeing, friendships, and confidence all play an important role in their overall school experience. You may want to ask:

· How does my child get on with their peers?

· Do they show resilience when faced with difficulties?

· Is there anything I should know about their behaviour or interactions?

Teachers can often share observations that you may not see at home, giving you a more rounded view of your child’s development.

Support and Resources
If areas for improvement are identified, parents’ evening is a good chance to discuss practical steps. Don’t hesitate to ask teachers about resources, support, or strategies that can help. For example:

· What can we do at home to support learning?

· Are there online tools, revision guides, or books you recommend?

· What extra support does the school provide if my child is struggling?

This demonstrates that you are proactive and willing to work in partnership with the school.

Looking Ahead
Finally, it’s worth asking about the bigger picture. Understanding what’s coming next allows you to help your child prepare for future stages of their education. You might ask:

· What are the next key milestones or assessments?

· What skills should my child focus on developing this year?

· How can we prepare them for the next stage in their schooling?

This helps you see beyond the present and ensure your child is building a strong foundation for the future.

Parents’ evenings can pass quickly, but going in with a plan makes them far more productive. By asking about academic progress, learning habits, social development, available support, and future goals, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how your child is doing and how you can help them thrive.

*Collaborative post