Parents’ evenings are a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers and gain insight into how they’re really doing at school. But with limited time and a lot to cover, it can be hard to know what to ask. Beyond grades and behaviour, the most useful questions help you understand your child’s progress, strengths, and the areas where they may need a little extra support. Here are five key questions that will help you make the most of your next parents’ evening.
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1. How is my child doing beyond their grades?
It’s easy to focus on marks and test scores, but a child’s overall wellbeing and engagement are just as important.
Ask questions like:
“How does my child approach learning?”
“Do they seem confident and happy in class?”
This helps you understand how your child is feeling at school, not just how they’re performing on paper. Teachers at the best independent school in Derby can often share valuable observations about confidence, friendships, and participation that you might not hear at home.
2. What are my child’s strengths?
Hearing where your child shines builds their self-esteem and gives you a sense of what motivates them.
You could ask:
“Which subjects or activities does my child seem most engaged in?”
“What do you think they’re naturally good at?”
Knowing your child’s strengths helps you encourage their interests and celebrate their achievements in a meaningful way.
3. What areas need more support and how can we help at home?
This question turns the conversation into a partnership. Teachers can highlight specific skills or topics your child might be struggling with, and you can work together on solutions.
Ask:
“Are there any particular topics or habits my child could improve?”
“What can we do at home to reinforce what they’re learning?”
This shows you’re invested in your child’s progress without putting pressure on them.
4. How does my child get on with others?
Social and emotional development is just as important as academic progress.
You might ask:
“How does my child interact with classmates?”
“Do they work well in groups or need help building confidence?”
Understanding your child’s social skills helps you support their friendships and emotional wellbeing.
5. What goals should we focus on before the next meeting?
End the conversation on a positive, forward-looking note.
Ask the teacher:
“What’s one or two realistic goals my child could work toward this term?”
These might be academic targets (like improving writing skills) or personal ones (like participating more in class). Setting small, achievable goals keeps your child motivated and gives you a clear sense of direction.
Parents’ evenings are about teamwork—you, your child, and their teachers working together to help them succeed.
By asking thoughtful, open-ended questions, you’ll come away with a fuller picture of your child’s learning journey. What’s going well, where they can grow, and how you can best support them along the way.
And remember: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.
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