Fiducia TogetherParents' evening
A short scheduled conversation about your child. Preparation makes the difference.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
Parents' evening is a scheduled series of short appointments with subject teachers or a class teacher, usually five to ten minutes each.
Where it applies
All schools, usually once or twice a year.
How it works
The time is very short, which means an unprepared conversation covers effort and behaviour and nothing else.
It is not the right forum for a substantial SEND discussion — that needs a separate meeting with the SENCO.
What you can ask for
Write down two questions per teacher beforehand. "What would move them up a grade?" and "What should we do at home?" are worth more than a general update.
Ask for specifics: which topic, which skill, what the next step is.
If something serious comes up, ask for a separate meeting rather than trying to resolve it in five minutes.
Where to get help
The class teacher or head of year for follow-up meetings. SENDIASS for free local advice, and IPSEA or Contact nationally.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.