Open days

Most schools have open days. A bit like a living prospectus, open days give you the opportunity to see the facilities for science, sports, art, music, eating, sleeping, etc and to look at classrooms (at their best) and noticeboards. Probably more important, you should be able to talk to staff and pupils and so get a real feel for the school. Try to go to at least three, to be able to make some real comparisons.