School taster days.

What taster days are

A taster day is a visit where the prospective pupil spends part or all of a school day in school, joining real lessons and activities with the year group they would enter. It is for the child's benefit, not an assessment, and it is the single most reliable way to tell whether a child will be happy somewhere.

Frequently asked questions

What happens on a taster day?

Your child is usually paired with a current pupil and follows a shortened timetable — a few lessons, break and lunch with the year group, sometimes a sport or music session. Parents normally drop off and collect rather than attending. Most taster days run from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

Is a taster day an assessment?

Not normally. A taster day is designed for the child to experience the school, and schools are clear that it is not part of the selection process. Some schools do run an observed session or group activity as part of admissions — those are assessment days, listed separately on our assessment dates page.

What age are taster days for?

They run across every entry point. Nursery and pre-prep schools hold stay-and-play sessions where a parent stays with a young child; prep and senior schools run full taster days from about 7+ upward; sixth forms often run subject taster sessions for 16+ applicants.

What should my child bring to a taster day?

Schools normally ask for school uniform or smart casual clothes, PE kit if sport is on the timetable, a packed lunch if lunch is not provided, and a pencil case. The school will confirm when you book — and will ask about allergies, medical needs and emergency contacts.