Parents’ evening is one of the most valuable opportunities to connect with your child’s teachers and gain a better understanding of how they are progressing at school. It’s not just about grades—it’s a chance to see how your child is developing socially, emotionally, and academically. With limited time during each appointment, having a few key questions prepared can help you make the most of the meeting.
Here are five useful questions to ask at your next parents’ evening, inspired by the advice of this prep school in Surrey.
1. How is my child doing beyond their grades?
While test results and grades offer an overview of academic performance, they don’t tell the full story. Ask the teacher about your child’s attitude to learning, effort in class, and participation in discussions or group activities. Do they show curiosity and enthusiasm? Are they resilient when faced with challenges? These insights help you understand how your child approaches learning and whether they’re developing valuable skills like problem-solving and teamwork.
This question can also reveal how your child interacts with others, whether they’re confident contributing in lessons, and if there are any areas where they might need encouragement or support.
2. What are my child’s strengths and areas for improvement?
Every child has unique abilities and areas they can develop further. Asking about both strengths and challenges helps create a balanced picture of their progress. You’ll discover where they shine—whether it’s creativity, leadership, maths, or communication—and where they may benefit from extra support or practice.
Teachers can also provide practical suggestions for how to build on these strengths at home. For instance, if your child is excelling in English, the teacher might recommend books that will stretch their reading skills or inspire them to write creatively.
3. How does my child get along with others in class?
School life is about far more than academics. Social and emotional wellbeing plays a crucial role in a child’s happiness and success at school. Ask how your child interacts with peers—are they making friends easily, working well in teams, and showing kindness and respect towards others?
If the teacher mentions any issues, such as shyness, friendship challenges or confidence dips, you can discuss ways to support your child at home. Schools often have strategies in place to nurture social skills, and knowing what these are can help you reinforce them.
4. How can I best support my child’s learning at home?
Teachers appreciate when parents want to play an active role in their child’s education. Ask what specific actions you can take at home to support classroom learning. This could include reading together, practising times tables, encouraging curiosity through real-life examples, or simply talking about what they’ve learnt each day.
Getting guidance directly from the teacher ensures your efforts at home complement what’s happening in school, helping to build consistency and confidence.
5. Is there anything coming up that I should be aware of?
Finally, it’s helpful to ask about any upcoming projects, assessments, or school events that might require your involvement. Knowing what’s on the horizon allows you to plan ahead and offer support when it matters most.
This might include deadlines, extracurricular opportunities, or upcoming topics your child might find particularly exciting—or challenging. Staying informed helps you stay connected to your child’s learning journey throughout the year.
In summary
Parents’ evening is a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school. By asking thoughtful questions, you can gain a clearer picture of your child’s progress, celebrate their achievements, and identify ways to help them flourish both academically and personally.