Planning an open day takes organisation and involvement from everyone across the school – and it can also be great fun!
It’s an opportunity to show prospective families what makes your school special , give them a feel for the school community and most importantly let them see what everyday school life is like.
Before the Open Day:
What makes your school stand out?
Is it your outdoor space, specialist teachers, the way you teach, or the extra curricular opportunities you offer?
What better way to showcase your school than from the children themselves. Current pupils make excellent tour guides and give families a genuine insight into school life. Parents will love hearing their genuine accounts of how they view the school. Spend some time the day before walking through the tour with the children and suggesting areas they might like to highlight. If available, If available, parent ambassadors can also share their own positive experiences.
Make sure your classrooms are looking their best
Wall displays are a great way to show what children have been learning. Make sure displays, classrooms and desks are all tidy and up to date with examples of latest work. Check white boards are wiped clean (or anything left on there is something you’d be happy for parents to read!).
Photos of trips, special events and certificates celebrating pupil achievements (eg: art, sport, drama, music) are also great ways to bring your school to life.
Ensure everyone knows their role
Give each staff, parent ambassadors and children clear roles and responsibilities for the day.
Send a reminder to prospective families
Email families with final details, including of timings, school address, parking (if available). A friendly reminder that you’re looking forward to seeing them is a nice finishing touch.
On the Day:
Ensure the whole process runs smoothly
Tripple check that IT equipment working, sound is coming through, the screen is connected to the laptop. The school presentation is often the first impression will have of your school so it’s imperative it’s tested and working smoothly.
Make visitors feel welcome
Make sure there is clear signage (or staff if available) to direct visitors to the right entrance and registration point. First impressions count so make sure everyone is friendly and knowledgeable about the school.
Give families something to remember their visit
It doesn’t have to be expensive. It could be a story book with a handwritten note from the Head, a teddy bear with the school logo, school prospectus or even a branded pen.
After the Open Day:
Follow up with Families
A personalised postcard (with the school photo or logo on the front) is a lovely way to thank them for coming and ask if they have any further questions. If possible, have these handwritten from the Head.
An email or a call is a nice personal touch and an opportunity to find out what they thought of their visit.
Keep families engaged
With permission, add prospective families to your newsletter or invite them to other smaller events (such as a stay and play session for young children or a fun coding and pizza session for older children)
Ask for Feedback
Positive and constructive feedback can help you improve future open events, whether its writing down comments on the day or via a short digital survey afterwards.
Need a helping hand with your next Open Day?
Planning and promoting a school open day takes time and coordination. If your school could do with some extra marketing support, I can help with everything from promoting the event and reaching prospective families to sourcing materials and making sure all the details are in place.
Find out more about how I can support your school.
Celebrate everyone’s contribution
Recognise the efforts of everyone involved. This can be house points (or sometimes a sweet treat!) for the children and sharing positive feedback with staff. Make everyone feel proud to be part of your school community.
Above all, enjoy what you’ve achieved. A successful open day is a great opportunity to showcase your school in its best light and convince families to want to be part of it too!