Five Things to Look for on a School Tour

1. A Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere

First impressions count.

Pay attention to how you and your child are greeted. Do the school’s students and staff seem happy and engaged?

A positive and friendly environment speaks volumes about the school’s culture and community.

Turn up 10 minutes before your tour and sit in reception. See if someone from the school greets you and wants to chat. Are school leaders interested in you and your family? Do they use your child’s name? Do they try and get to know you?

Also watch how students interact with teachers and with each other. This time to observe can be hugely illuminating.

2. Exceptional Facilities and Resources

From cutting-edge classrooms and science labs to performing arts spaces and sports facilities, world-class resources can transform your child’s learning experience.

Classrooms are just the tip of the iceberg though — exceptional facilities are more than just a MacBook suite. Don’t forget to ask about technology integration and extracurricular opportunities for students.

Want to explore our world-class facilities from anywhere? Take a virtual tour of Hamelin-Laie International School Barcelona and see what makes our learning environment truly exceptional.

Located in the north-eastern part of Barcelona, our impressive campus overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, providing an inspiring setting for academic excellence and personal growth.

3. Personalised Learning Approach

Every child is unique and learns differently.

While you’re on your tour, find out how your potential school tailors its education to meet children’s individual needs and interests.

Ask about class sizes, teacher support, and how students are challenged and inspired. Smaller classes will allow a teacher to spread their time more evenly.

What's the school's Special Educational Needs provision? What about English as an additional language? Do teachers understand and teach metacognition?

4. Outstanding Academic Results and Pathways

Look into the school’s academic track record and university placements. High-performing international schools will proudly share their students' successes and how they prepare them for the future.

It’s important that your prospective school is high achieving when it comes to the curriculum you have in mind for your child. You can read our guide on a range of internationally-recognised curricula here, ranging from the Early Years to Primary, Secondary, and Post-16.

5. A Global Outlook and Diverse Community

An international school should celebrate diversity and offer opportunities for students to become global citizens. Ask about the school’s approach to internationalism, cultural exchange, and language programmes.

A school tour is your chance to see if a school’s values and vision align with your own. By focusing on these five key areas, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a school where your child will thrive.

Visit Hamelin-Laie International School Barcelona and book a visit today. Discover how our unique approach inspires students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.