Your family’s experience in Year 7 and 8 will feel quite different to the rest of the school. Your child’s happiness and wellbeing remain our priority, for that is the bedrock on which academic success is built. However, smaller numbers mean a reforming of friendship groups, increased trust from having to pull your weight in a smaller setting, and stronger community relationships as a result.
Year 7 brings more responsibility and high expectations, including that your child will take more ownership for their learning. It also brings lots more attention. Your child will have many eyes on them, as they experience a broad and tailored curriculum, making for a very safe and focused learning environment where struggles are quickly addressed. As a result, you will see your child grow in confidence and emotional maturity before your eyes.
Parents often worry about getting a senior school place at 13+, falling prey to the misconception that it is harder. In fact, there is less competition at 13+ than 11+, and more time to extend your child’s knowledge and build their confidence. Those with a 13+ offer at 11 often use the additional time to sit for scholarships.