First Impressions & Admissions

1.  Initial enquiry response

2.  Tone and warmth of admissions communications

3.  Speed of follow-up after enquiry

4.  Quality of the school website experience

5.  Ease of booking a visit or tour

6.  Welcome on arrival at the school gate/reception

7.  Tour guide knowledge and warmth (student or staff)

8.  Clarity around academic pathways

9.  Transparency around fees and what’s included

10.Personalisation of the admissions journey

11.Interactions at open days or fairs

12.Quality of onboarding information

13.Welcome pack before start

14.First-day welcome for parents

15.Follow-up after the first week

Classroom Experience
16. Teacher-student relationships
17. Classroom atmosphere and behaviour expectations
18. Stretch and challenge for high achievers
19. Support for students who need help
20. Quality and clarity of feedback on work
21. Teacher communication about progress
22. Visible learning routines and structure
23. Consistency across subjects
24. Feeling that teachers truly know their child
25. Evidence of academic progress

Pastoral & Wellbeing
26. Tutor/mentor relationship
27. Approachability of pastoral staff
28. Handling of concerns or conflicts
29. Safeguarding culture
30. Response time to wellbeing issues
31. Sense of emotional safety for the child
32. Inclusion and diversity practice
33. Peer relationships they observe or hear about
34. How the school manages anxieties or transition
35. Communication after pastoral incidents

Co-Curricular & Wider Life
36. Quality and variety of clubs and activities
37. Access to opportunities (not just for the confident ones)
38. Weekend or evening events for families
39. Music, drama, sport engagement and communication
40. Culture around participation vs performance
41. Celebration of achievements (big and small)
42. Trips and experiences offered
43. Wraparound care provision and reliability
44. Leadership opportunities for students

Communication & Culture
45. Tone and clarity of weekly newsletters
46. Parent portal usability
47. Speed of response from staff
48. Transparency around decisions
49. Consistency of messages across departments
50. How the school handles mistakes, complaints, or missteps.