What Is a Sixth Form Open Day? A Parent's Guide to Post-16 Visits

When do sixth-form open days take place?

Most sixth forms hold open events in the autumn term — typically September to November of Year 11 — to coincide with the period when pupils are deciding where to apply and which A-level or equivalent subjects to pursue. Some institutions run a second open day in spring for pupils who missed the first or who are still undecided.

Many institutions also offer individual guided tours by appointment outside of formal open days, which can be arranged directly through the admissions office.

What typically happens at an open day?

A sixth-form open day usually runs for two to four hours and includes:

• A headteacher or principal's talk on ethos, results, university progression, and what makes this sixth form distinctive
• Subject stands or classrooms staffed by teachers who can explain what each A-level involves and answer questions about syllabus, coursework, and university destinations
• A student panel where current sixth-form students talk about their experience — often the most candid part of the event
• A guided tour of the site, including study rooms, common rooms, sports facilities, and learning resource centres
• An application or admissions talk covering entry requirements, the application process, and deadline dates

What should parents and pupils look for?

An open day is both an information-gathering and a sense-checking visit. Things to notice:

Academic questions to explore:

• What are the minimum grade requirements for the subjects your child wants to study?
• Does the sixth form offer all the subjects needed for post-18 plans?
• What is the average class size for A-level groups, and how are groups set?
• Where do leavers typically go — what proportion to Russell Group universities, what proportion to apprenticeships or work?

Pastoral and environmental questions to notice:

• Is the atmosphere warm or formal? Does it feel right for your child's personality?
• Are current students visible around the site during the open day, and do they seem engaged?
• Is there adequate study space — a proper sixth-form common room, a library with computing facilities?
• What personal tutoring, pastoral support, or UCAS guidance is available?

Should pupils visit their current school's sixth form even if they plan to leave?

Yes. Visiting your own school's sixth form costs very little time and provides a useful baseline for comparison. Even if a pupil is certain they want a different environment for sixth form, seeing their current sixth form with fresh eyes — as an option rather than an inevitable continuation — sometimes changes their view. And if they decide not to apply there, having genuinely considered it means the decision is informed.

How many sixth forms should you visit?

Most families visit between two and four sixth forms before submitting applications. Visiting more than five is rarely necessary unless the pupil's subject combination is very specialist and only available at certain institutions. Prioritise:

• Any sixth form the pupil is seriously considering
• At least one institution of a different type (for example, a school sixth form and a sixth-form college) to understand the difference in environment

Frequently asked questions

Can pupils attend open days alone, or should parents come?

Both approaches work, but attending together is usually more productive. Parents often think of questions pupils do not, particularly around logistics (travel, cost), pastoral support, and UCAS guidance. Pupils notice different things — whether current students seem happy, whether the atmosphere feels welcoming, whether the spaces feel comfortable. Comparing notes afterwards is valuable.

What if a sixth form's open day clashes with school?

This is common. Most secondary schools treat sixth-form open-day visits as authorised absence for Year 11 pupils. Notify your child's current school in advance and keep a record of where you visited. Schools understand that choosing a post-16 destination is a significant decision and typically support these visits.

Is attending an open day required to apply?

No. Applications to sixth forms are a separate process, usually completed online via the school or college website. Attending an open day does not create any commitment to apply, and not attending does not prevent an application. However, some institutions ask at interview whether a candidate has visited — attending strengthens the impression that the application is genuine.

What should pupils do after visiting?

Write brief notes — on paper or on a phone — within an hour of leaving while impressions are fresh. Even simple observations ("the maths teacher explained the Year 12 syllabus really clearly"; "the common room felt crowded and noisy") are useful when comparing institutions weeks later. If a specific teacher made a strong impression, that is worth noting too.

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