Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Nigerian School

Academic Quality and Curriculum

Review the school’s academic quality and curriculum.

Focus on syllabus, assessments, and performance tracking.

Use the following sections to structure your inquiries.

Syllabus and Course Offerings

Furthermore, ask how wide the subject options are.

Ask whether the school follows national syllabuses or alternative frameworks.

Check if the school offers elective and enrichment subjects.

Inquire how often the school reviews and updates its syllabus.

• Does the school follow national syllabuses or alternative frameworks?
  
  
• Does the school offer elective and enrichment subjects?
  
  
• How often does the school review and update its syllabus?
  
  

Exam Preparation and Assessment

Ask how the school prepares students for external examinations.

Also ask about internal assessments and grading practices.

Request details about examination preparation routines and supports.

• What external exams or certifications does the school prepare students for?
  
  
• How does the school schedule revision and mock examinations?
  
  
• Does the school provide extra tuition or remedial supports?
  
  

Tracking Student Performance

Ask how the school measures and records student progress.

Moreover, ask how frequently teachers communicate progress to parents.

Probe methods for documenting progress and for parent communication.

• What systems does the school use for tracking progress?
  
  
• How often are report cards or performance summaries issued?
  
  
• Does the school set individual academic targets and review them?
  
  

Alignment with National and International Standards

Ask whether the curriculum aligns with national education standards.

Also ask whether the school maps learning to international benchmarks.

Clarify how alignment affects qualification recognition and student mobility.

• How does the school demonstrate compliance with national requirements?
  
  
• Does the school align content to recognized international frameworks?
  
  
• How does alignment affect qualification recognition and mobility?
  
  

Verifying Curriculum Claims

Request sample curriculum outlines and assessment blueprints for review.

Furthermore, ask to view recent anonymized assessment summaries if available.

Verify how the school applies its curriculum claims in practice.

Accreditation, Licensing and Governance

This section guides inquiries about school accreditation and governance.

Parents should verify registration, licenses, inspections, certifications, and governing board arrangements.

Use the provided questions to request documentation and clarity.

School Registration and Licenses

Ask whether the school holds official registration with national or local education authorities.

Request to see current license documents and renewal dates.

Confirm whether the registration covers all age groups and programs offered.

Inspection Records and Regulatory Compliance

Request recent inspection reports or summaries from relevant inspectors.

Ask how the school addressed any past inspection findings.

Verify ongoing compliance with health and safety regulations.

Certifications and Program Affiliations

Inquire about professional or program certifications the school maintains.

Ask about affiliations with educational organizations or exam bodies.

Request copies of any certificates and their validity dates.

Parent and Governing Board Involvement

Ask who serves on the school’s governing board or management committee.

Inquire how parents participate in governance and decision making.

Request meeting frequency and access to meeting minutes.

Key Questions to Request in Writing

• May I review the school’s current registration certificate and license?
  
  
• Can you provide recent inspection reports and remediation actions?
  
  
• Do you maintain program certifications or affiliations with exam bodies?
  
  
• Who represents parents on the governing board and how were they selected?
  
  
• How are governance meetings scheduled and how may parents attend?
  
  
• What procedures ensure transparency in licensing and governance matters?
  
  

Also, accreditation often supports curriculum alignment and quality assurance.

Already covered in previous sections avoid overlap.

Academic quality and curriculum review the school’s academic quality and curriculum focus on syllabus assessments and performance tracking.

Syllabus and course offerings are included.

Teachers and Staff

Teachers and staff influence student experience and daily routines.

Parents should review staff qualifications and safeguarding measures.

Use focused questions when you visit or meet with school leaders.

Overview

The content guides parents in assessing teacher qualifications and staff practices.

Ask focused questions during school visits and meetings to gather clarity.

Bring these questions when you tour classrooms and speak with staff.

Qualifications and Professional Background

Ask about teachers formal qualifications and teaching credentials.

Inquire about subject specializations and grade level experience.

Request details about classroom experience across relevant years.

• What formal qualifications do teachers hold?
  
  
• How many years of classroom experience do teachers have?
  
  
• Do teachers possess subject or grade level specializations?
  
  
• Are non-teaching staff trained for their specific roles?
  
  

Background Checks and Safeguarding

Verify the school’s staff vetting and safeguarding policies.

Ask specifically about criminal record checks and reference verification.

Confirm how the school documents and updates vetting records.

• Does the school conduct background checks on all staff?
  
  
• What procedures exist for verifying references and past employment?
  
  
• How does the school document and update staff vetting records?
  
  

Ongoing Training and Professional Development

Ask about professional development opportunities for teachers and staff.

Learn how the school supports pedagogical growth and new methods.

Probe for frequency and mentorship structures that assist new teachers.

• How often does the school provide in-service training for teachers?
  
  
• What topics and skills does staff training typically cover?
  
  
• Does the school offer mentorship or classroom observation programs?
  
  

Staff Turnover and Stability

Discuss staff turnover and its effect on student continuity.

Ask about average staff tenure and typical retention strategies.

Understand common reasons that prompt teachers to leave the school.

• What is the school’s staff turnover rate?
  
  
• What common reasons prompt teachers to leave the school?
  
  
• What measures does the school take to retain experienced teachers?
  
  

Teacher to Pupil Ratios and Classroom Support

Understand typical classroom sizes and available support structures.

Inquire about teaching assistants and remedial support staff allocations.

Ask how the school monitors and supports individual student needs.

• What is the typical teacher to pupil ratio in classrooms?
  
  
• How does the school allocate additional staff for larger classes?
  
  
• How does the school monitor and support individual student needs?
  
  

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Safety and Child Protection

Ask how the school controls access to campus at all times.

Request the school’s written child protection and safeguarding policy document.

Ask for written emergency response plans and evacuation procedures.

Campus Security Measures

Ask about visitor sign-in and identification procedures.

Ask about perimeter security and outdoor lighting at night.

Ask how the school secures entry points during school hours.

Monitoring and Response

Ask whether the school uses surveillance systems and who monitors them.

Ask how staff coordinate with local responders when an incident occurs.

Ask who oversees campus security and incident reporting.

• Does the school require visitor identification and sign-in?
  
  
• How does the school secure entry points during school hours?
  
  
• Who oversees campus security and incident reporting?
  
  

Child Protection Policies

Request a copy of the school’s child protection and safeguarding policy.

Ask how the school enforces codes of conduct for adults on campus.

Ask about confidential reporting channels for concerns and abuse.

• Is there a clear process for reporting and investigating child protection concerns?
  
  
• How does the school protect student privacy and handle disclosures?
  
  
• What training does staff receive on safeguarding and recognizing abuse?
  
  

Emergency Procedures

Ask how often the school conducts emergency drills with students.

Ask how the school alerts families during a local emergency.

• Are lockdown and evacuation procedures practiced and documented?
  
  
• How does the school alert families during a local emergency?
  
  

On-site Medical Care

Inquire about medical personnel presence and qualifications on campus.

Ask how the school manages first aid and medication administration.

Ask about procedures for medical emergencies and ambulance transport.

• Is a trained first aider or nurse available during school hours?
  
  
• How does the school store and administer student medications safely?
  
  
• What protocols exist for handling allergies and chronic health conditions?
  
  

Parental Involvement and Transparency

Ask how the school shares safety updates and incident summaries with parents.

Ask how parents can raise safety or protection concerns confidentially.

Request methods for confidential parental reporting of safety concerns.

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Facilities and Learning Resources

This section outlines questions about school facilities.

It outlines questions about learning resources.

Additionally, it guides what to observe during a campus visit.

Classrooms and Learning Spaces

Ask whether classrooms comfortably fit the typical class size.

Also ask if classrooms receive natural light and ventilation.

Ask whether seating and furniture suit different learning activities.

Furthermore ask if there are dedicated spaces for group work.

Libraries and Reading Resources

Ask if the school maintains a library open to students regularly.

Also ask about the variety of reading materials available at the library.

Ask whether the library supports different reading levels and interests.

Furthermore ask if students can borrow books for home reading.

Science Laboratories and Practical Rooms

Ask whether the school provides science laboratories for hands on experiments.

Also ask about the frequency of practical sessions in laboratory spaces.

Ask whether the laboratory equipment meets basic safety and instructional needs.

Furthermore ask if staff supervise practical work during lessons.

ICT Access and Digital Resources

Ask if the school provides student access to computers and technology.

Also ask whether there are internet enabled learning resources on site.

Ask if students receive guided instruction when using digital tools.

Furthermore ask about policies for safe and appropriate technology use.

Sports Facilities and Physical Education

Ask what sports facilities the school offers for student use.

Also ask whether there are structured physical education sessions for students.

Ask if equipment and play areas receive regular maintenance.

Furthermore ask how extracurricular sports activities are organized and supervised.

Sanitation and Hygiene

Ask about the availability of clean toilets and handwashing stations.

Also ask whether sanitation facilities are regularly cleaned and maintained.

Ask if the school provides separate facilities for different age groups when needed.

Furthermore ask how the school manages waste and overall campus cleanliness.

Onsite Observation Checklist

Use this checklist during a campus visit.

Observe each listed item while you tour the school.

Record any concerns for later discussion with school leaders.

• Notice classroom condition and general upkeep during your visit.
  
  
• Observe the library layout and the accessibility of its materials.
  
  
• Inspect laboratory spaces for organization and visible safety measures.
  
  
• Check computer rooms for functioning devices and internet access.
  
  
• Walk sports areas to assess space surface and available equipment.
  
  
• Survey toilets and handwashing stations for cleanliness and supplies.
  
  

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Costs and Financial Terms

This section guides questions about school fees and financial terms.

It covers tuition, extra charges, payment schedules, refunds, and aid.

Parents should request written agreements and retain all receipts and correspondence.

Tuition Breakdown

Request a clear itemized tuition breakdown from the school.

Also ask what specific services the tuition covers.

Confirm whether tuition rates change between academic years.

Questions to Request an Itemized Schedule

Ask for an itemized list of all tuition charges.

Request details on which items are included in base tuition.

Confirm if published rates apply for the whole academic year.

• Can you provide an itemized list of all tuition charges?
  
  
• Which items are included in the base tuition fee?
  
  
• Do published tuition rates apply for the whole academic year?
  
  
• Are there scheduled tuition increases and how are they communicated?
  
  

Hidden and Extra Fees

Clarify whether the school applies additional charges beyond listed tuition.

Also ask how often unexpected fees occur during the year.

Request descriptions of optional services that may be billed separately.

Questions About Additional Charges

Ask if there are recurring charges not shown on the tuition schedule.

Request how the school notifies parents about new or special fees.

Confirm which services are optional and billed separately.

• Are there any recurring charges not shown on the tuition schedule?
  
  
• How does the school notify parents about new or special fees?
  
  
• Are any services optional and billed separately?
  
  

Payment Schedules and Methods

Ask about accepted payment methods and documentation for payments.

Furthermore request information on installment plans and deadlines.

Confirm whether the school issues receipts for each payment.

Questions on Payments

What payment schedules and installment options do you offer?

Do you charge penalties for late payment and how much?

Can payments be made online, in person, or by bank transfer?

Will the school issue official receipts for every payment?

• What payment schedules and installment options do you offer?
  
  
• Do you charge penalties for late payment and how much?
  
  
• Can payments be made online, in person, or by bank transfer?
  
  
• Will the school issue official receipts for every payment?
  
  

Refund and Withdrawal Policies

Request the school’s written refund and withdrawal policy before enrolling.

Also ask how refunds are calculated after withdrawal or transfer.

Confirm timelines and methods used for refund processing.

Questions on Refunds

Under what circumstances will the school issue a refund?

What timelines apply for processing refunds?

Do any conditions void entitlement to a refund?

• Under what circumstances will the school issue a refund?
  
  
• What timelines apply for processing refunds?
  
  
• Do any conditions void entitlement to a refund?
  
  

Scholarships and Bursaries

Inquire about scholarships, bursaries, and other fee assistance programs.

Also ask about eligibility criteria, application steps, and required documentation.

Request details on award renewal conditions and obligations.

Questions to Explore Financial Aid Options

What types of financial aid does the school offer?

How do parents or students apply for these awards?

Are awards renewable and what conditions govern renewal?

• What types of financial aid does the school offer?
  
  
• How do parents or students apply for these awards?
  
  
• Are awards renewable and what conditions govern renewal?
  
  

Documentation and Agreements

Insist on written fee schedules, payment agreements, and signed contracts.

Furthermore retain copies of all payment receipts and correspondence for records.

Ask for written payment terms and dispute procedures before enrolling.

Questions About Paperwork

Can you provide a sample fee schedule and payment agreement?

Will the school supply official receipts and invoices for payments?

Ensure you keep copies of all receipts and correspondence.

• Can you provide a sample fee schedule and payment agreement?
  
  
• Will the school supply official receipts and invoices for payments?
  
  

Find Out More: The Role of Parents in Supporting Academic Success in Nigeria

School Culture and Pastoral Care

Use these questions to assess discipline, values, language, inclusivity and communication.

This section complements safety and child protection topics.

Use these prompts to examine culture and pastoral care practices.

Discipline and Behaviour Policy

Ask how the school defines acceptable behaviour among pupils.

Additionally, ask what sanctions the school applies for rule breaches.

Also, ask whether positive behaviour strategies guide daily practice.

• Does the school publish a written discipline policy for parents?
  
  
• How does the school handle repeated misconduct?
  
  
• Are corporal punishment policies clearly stated?
  
  
• Does the school record and report serious incidents?
  
  

School Values and Ethos

Request a clear statement of the school’s core values.

Furthermore, ask how staff model these values in practice.

Also ask whether religious or cultural practices form part of school life.

• What values receive priority in daily routines?
  
  
• How does the school balance academic and pastoral priorities?
  
  
• Are religious or cultural practices part of school life?
  
  

Language of Instruction and Support

Confirm the primary language of instruction for each age group.

Additionally, ask about support for pupils who speak another home language.

Also ask whether instruction uses a single language or mixed languages.

• Is instruction solely in one language or mixed languages used?
  
  
• Does the school offer language transition or catch up support?
  
  
• How does the school communicate language expectations to parents?
  
  

Inclusivity and Pastoral Support

Explore how the school welcomes pupils from diverse backgrounds.

Moreover, ask about services for emotional and social wellbeing.

Also ask whether staff are trained in pastoral care and mental health awareness.

• What support exists for pupils with additional learning needs?
  
  
• How does the school prevent and address bullying incidents?
  
  
• Are staff trained in pastoral care and mental health awareness?
  
  
• Does the school ensure physical accessibility for all pupils?
  
  

Parent-School Communication Channels

Clarify how the school communicates with parents about wellbeing and behaviour.

Also ask about frequency and formats of routine updates.

Establish how parents can raise concerns or request meetings.

• What regular channels does the school use to contact parents?
  
  
• Are urgent incidents communicated promptly and through clear methods?
  
  
• How can parents raise concerns or request meetings?
  
  
• Does the school seek parent feedback on culture and pastoral practices?
  
  

Evaluating Evidence and Follow Up

Request written policies, recent examples and anonymised summaries of relevant cases.

Furthermore, ask how the school measures pastoral effectiveness over time.

Next, arrange a visit to observe culture and staff interactions.

• Can the school share policy documents and communication samples?
  
  
• How does the school review and update pastoral policies?
  
  

Logistics and Admissions

Logistics and admissions cover transport, schedules, meals, and entry procedures.

Parents should use these prompts during visits and enquiries.

The content uses focused questions for practical campus assessment.

Location and Transport Considerations

Location and transport considerations help families plan daily commutes.

Ask about typical journey times at different times of day.

Also request contingency plans for traffic delays or strikes.

Proximity and Commute Time

Consider the school’s distance from your home or workplace.

Also ask about typical commute durations during morning and evening periods.

Moreover enquire about contingency plans for traffic delays or transport strikes.

Transport Options and Supervision

Ask whether the school provides organised transport services.

Also inquire about private transport arrangements and approved operators.

Furthermore request details on supervision during boarding and alighting.

Pick-Up, Drop-Off and Accessibility

Confirm designated pick-up and drop-off points and their safety features.

Additionally ask about parking availability for parents and guardians.

Finally check whether the route remains accessible during adverse weather.

School Hours and Daily Scheduling

School hours and daily scheduling define routines for pupils and families.

Request precise start, end, and term times for planning.

Also confirm procedures for unexpected early dismissals.

Start, End and Term Times

Request the daily start and end times for each age group.

Also ask about term dates and any scheduled mid-term closures.

Furthermore enquire how the school handles unexpected early dismissals.

Before and After School Provision

Ask whether the school offers supervised before school care.

Additionally confirm availability of after school clubs or care services.

Moreover request details on extra-curricular scheduling and pickup times.

Meals and Nutrition Provision

Meals and nutrition provision affects pupil health and routines.

Ask whether meals are prepared and served on site.

Also request sample menus and information on nutritional guidelines.

Meal Types and Menus

Ask whether the school provides meals on site.

Also request examples of sample menus and meal frequency.

Furthermore check whether meals follow any stated nutritional guidelines.

Dietary Needs and Special Requirements

Confirm how the school accommodates allergies and special diets.

Also ask about documentation required for dietary restrictions.

Moreover enquire how the kitchen manages food hygiene and labeling.

Meal Payment and Packed Lunch Policies

Ask whether meals are included in fees or paid separately.

Also confirm rules regarding packed lunches and permitted foods.

Additionally check whether staff supervise mealtimes for younger children.

Admission Criteria and Application Process

Admission criteria and the application process guide entry decisions.

Request clear eligibility rules and acceptable documentation formats.

Also ask about age and residency conditions that may apply.

Eligibility and Required Documentation

Ask about general eligibility criteria for admission.

Also request a list of required documents and acceptable formats.

Furthermore confirm any age or residency conditions that apply.

Assessments, Interviews and Placement

Enquire whether the school uses assessments or interviews for placement.

Also ask what skills or knowledge these assessments typically cover.

Moreover clarify how results influence class placement or entry decisions.

Timelines, Deadlines and Waiting Lists

Request the admissions calendar and key application deadlines.

Also confirm the process for joining waiting lists when classes fill.

Furthermore ask about notification timelines after submitting an application.

Support for Transitions and New Entrants

Support for transitions helps new entrants settle into school routines.

Ask about orientation, peer support, and staged induction activities.

Also confirm how parents receive updates during transition periods.

Orientation and Induction Activities

Ask whether the school runs orientation sessions for new pupils.

Also request details on dates and formats of induction activities.

Moreover ask whether parents may attend introductory meetings.

Peer Support and Mentoring

Enquire whether the school assigns buddies or mentors to new entrants.

Also ask how peer support integrates with daily classroom routines.

Furthermore request information on follow-up checks during initial weeks.

Transition Support Between Key Stages

Ask how the school supports moves between early years and higher grades.

Also enquire about meetings or assessments that guide transition planning.

Additionally confirm how parents receive updates during each transition period.

Practical Questions to Ask During Visits

Use practical questions to guide visits and admissions enquiries.

Bring documentation and prepare to note contact information.

Also arrange opportunities to observe meals or trial transport routes.

• Where should I arrive for admissions or enquiries on the first visit?
  
  
• Who is the contact person for transport and admissions queries?
  
  
• What documentation should I bring when touring the school?
  
  
• How can I observe meal times or trial a school transport route?
  
  

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