What documents do I need for school admission in Pakistan?

For most Pakistani schools you will need your child's B-Form (NADRA), recent passport-size photos, previous school reports or transfer certificate, vaccination records, and parent CNIC copies. Cambridge schools may also require a birth certificate and previous academic transcripts.

What should I ask during a school admission interview?

Ask for three years of board or CAIE result data, the average class size, teacher qualification rates, teacher tenure, how they support struggling students, and their policy on private tuition by school teachers. Also ask for a full written fee breakdown.

How do I evaluate teaching quality during a school visit?

Ask about average teacher tenure (longer is better), the percentage of teachers with B.Ed or M.Ed qualifications, and whether teachers offer private tuition to their own students. During the visit, observe whether students appear engaged or anxious, and whether teachers interact warmly with students in corridors.

Parent Guide

20 Questions to Ask When Visiting a School

Walk into any school visit fully prepared. These 20 questions cut through the marketing to reveal what a school is really like for students and parents.

BestSchool Editorial18 March 20255 min read

Parent and child walking through a school corridor

A school visit is your best opportunity to look past the brochure. Administration teams are good at showcasing strengths. Your job is to ask the questions that reveal the full picture. Here are 20 questions to bring with you.

About Academic Quality

What are your board exam pass rates for the last three years? Ask for specific figures, not vague claims about "excellent results."
What percentage of students achieve A/A* grades in Cambridge or the board's top tier?
How do you handle students who are falling behind academically? Strong schools have structured support, not just extra homework.
What is the average class size? In Pakistan, classes of 35+ students are common; classes under 25 allow more individual attention.
How much homework is assigned daily? Excessive homework (more than 2 hours for primary, 3 for secondary) is a red flag for poor classroom efficiency.

About Teachers

What are the qualification requirements for your teachers?
What is your average teacher tenure? High turnover signals management or culture problems.
Do teachers receive ongoing professional development?
How are teachers supervised and assessed?
What is your student-to-teacher ratio?

About Fees and Finances

Can you provide a full fee breakdown, including all annual charges? Get this in writing before you commit.
How often do fees increase, and by how much? A school that raised fees 40% last year may do so again.
What is your refund policy if we need to withdraw?
Are there scholarships or fee concession programmes available?

About Safety and Environment

What security measures are in place (CCTV, entry logs, visitor screening)?
How do you handle bullying? Ask for their anti-bullying policy specifically.
What is your policy on mobile phones and technology in school?
How do you communicate with parents (daily diary, app, WhatsApp, or formal letters)?

About Co-Curricular and Facilities

What sports, arts, and activity clubs are available? A school that only focuses on academics can stunt social development.
What is your approach to character development, values, and student wellbeing?

Pay Attention to What You Observe

Beyond the answers, notice:

Are students calm and engaged, or anxious and over-disciplined?
Do teachers greet visitors warmly?
Are corridors and bathrooms clean?
Do students make eye contact and seem confident?

The culture of a school is visible in five minutes if you know where to look.

After your visit, compare your shortlisted schools side-by-side on BestSchool.pk to make a well-informed final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

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