School open evenings to go virtual

Parents will be able to see what Tameside's secondary schools can offer through innovative virtual open evenings.

September doesn't just mean the return to school, but also the start of the Tameside secondary school open evenings season when parents can appraise their child's prospective school.

Coronavirus has meant that schools are unable to hold their usual open evenings this year, but headteachers have worked together with Tameside Council in a collaborative approach to ensure that parents and their children don't miss out.

The online versions will give a flavour of what the schools have to offer and what it's like to attend, including a tour of the school and all the details that parents will need.

None of the events will run on the same day and most will be recorded so anyone who can't make one can still access the information.

Schools are currently finalising details, which will be made available on their websites so parents are advised to check them for updates.

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning, said: "Sadly, Covid-19 has meant that it’s not possible to hold the usual open evenings this year. But an innovative and collaborative approach between schools and the council has created this excellent alternative, which will give parents all the information they need to make the right choice for their child." 

Richard O’Regan, Headteacher at Alder Community High School and Chair of the Secondary Heads Group, said: "Open evenings are a great way for schools to be able to show parents of prospective pupils what they have to offer and while it’s not possible to conduct these in person this year, virtual open evenings will still provide parents with all the details they need on the school’s facilities and ethos."

Parents are also reminded that the closing date for secondary school applications is 31 October. 

If you would like us to help you to publicise your school or college's virtual open evenings, please get in touch with our sales team by calling 0161 379 0240 or emailing advertising@questmedianetwork.co.uk.

Main image: Anthony Devlin