Parent-Teacher Evenings: Questions Worth Asking

As the first parent-teacher evenings of the school year approach, many parents wonder what to ask and how to make the most of those short meetings. It can feel like a lot to fit into five or ten minutes, but with a few focused questions, you can leave with a clear picture of how your child is doing and how to support them at home.

Why Parent-Teacher Evenings Matter

These meetings are one of the best opportunities to build a partnership between home and school. They’re not just about grades or behaviour - they’re about understanding how your child learns, what they enjoy, and where they might need a little more help. When parents and teachers work together, students feel supported, confident and motivated.

Before the Meeting

It helps to do a little preparation beforehand. Think about what you already know about your child’s progress and what you’d like to find out. Ask your child how they feel about each subject - what they enjoy, what they find difficult, and whether there’s anything they’d like you to mention. This helps you go in with their perspective in mind.

Questions to Ask Teachers

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some questions that can help guide the conversation:

- How is my child progressing compared to the expected level for their age or year group?

- What are their main strengths in this subject?

- Are there any areas they find more challenging, and how can we help at home?

- How do they contribute in class - are they confident to ask questions or take part in discussions?

- What upcoming topics or assessments should we be aware of?

- How can I best support their learning between now and the next parents’ evening?

It can also be useful to ask whether there are specific resources, revision guides or websites your child could use to reinforce what they’re learning.

During the Meeting

Keep notes if you can - it’s easy to forget the details once you’ve spoken to several teachers. If a teacher mentions a concern, try to see it as useful feedback rather than criticism. The aim is to find solutions together. Similarly, if you hear positive feedback, share it with your child. Celebrating progress helps boost motivation and self-belief.

After the Meeting

Take a few minutes to talk with your child about what you learned. Highlight the positives first, then discuss any areas for improvement in a supportive way. Agree on one or two realistic goals - perhaps improving organisation, spending extra time on a tricky topic, or practising exam-style questions more regularly.

If a subject seems particularly challenging, consider whether additional support might help. At Top Marks Tuition, we often work with families after parent-teacher evenings to focus on the specific topics or skills teachers have identified. A few weeks of targeted tuition can make a real difference to understanding and confidence.

Helping Your Child Feel Supported

Parent-teacher evenings aren’t just about results - they’re about communication and connection. When children see that parents and teachers are working together, it sends a powerful message that their learning matters and that support is there when they need it.

By asking thoughtful questions, acting on advice and celebrating small wins, you can help your child feel encouraged and ready to make progress this term.