By 
Parents’ evening is a valuable opportunity to understand how your child is progressing at school. With limited time, it helps to arrive prepared with thoughtful questions that give you real insight into their academic performance, wellbeing, and overall development. Here are ten important questions to ask at parents’ evening to make the most of the meeting.
1. How Is My Child Getting On Academically?
Start with a general overview. Ask the teacher how your child is achieving across key subjects, whether they’re working at, above, or below expected levels, and if there have been any noticeable changes since the start of the year.
2. What Are Their Strengths?
This Kingston sixth form recommends understanding what your child excels in helps you encourage these areas at home. This could relate to a specific subject, a learning skill, or even their attitude towards schoolwork
3. Where Do They Need Extra Support?
Parents’ evening is the ideal time to identify any challenges. Whether it’s difficulty with a particular topic, organisation, or confidence, this question will help you and the teacher agree on next steps.
4. How Do They Participate in Class?
Engagement is just as important as academic output. Ask whether your child contributes to discussions, works well in groups, or needs a bit more encouragement to speak up.
5. How Are They Getting On Socially?
School is not only about academic learning; it’s also a place for children to develop friendships and social skills. Ask how your child interacts with their peers and whether the teacher has noticed any concerns or positives.
6. What Can We Do at Home to Support Learning?
Teachers can offer personalised tips for home support. This might include reading suggestions, revision strategies, or ways to reinforce specific skills.
7. Are There Any Upcoming Assessments or Key Milestones?
Knowing what lies ahead allows you to help your child prepare. Ask about tests, projects, or topics they’ll be covering in the coming term.
8. How Is Their Behaviour and Attitude in School?
A child’s attitude plays a big role in their progress. Enquire about their enthusiasm, focus, resilience, and general behaviour during lessons.
9. Are They Making Expected Progress?
Teachers can provide insight into whether your child is meeting age-related expectations and explain what progress looks like for their year group.
10. What Should Our Priorities Be Moving Forward?
End the meeting by clarifying the key areas to focus on over the next few months. This ensures you leave with a clear, manageable plan that supports your child’s continued growth.
Parents’ evening is a collaborative moment that allows you and your child’s teacher to work together towards the same goal: helping your child thrive. By asking these thoughtful questions, you’ll gain a clearer picture of their academic and social development and feel more confident in supporting them throughout the school year.
