Head's Blog: Importance of Prep school

March 16th 2018

Head's Blog

Dear Parents,

I was standing in my usual spot at the Colonnade and I ended up having a good chat with one of the parents about the importance of a Prep School education for our pupils and how, as a parent, it is such a special time. As you know, I have a child doing GCSEs and one now at University – all I can say is that time passes quickly. It was only the other day that I remember them running about their prep school with not a care in the world – being children and having a childhood as long as possible.

One question that is sometimes asked by parents is whether their children should move to their senior school at 11 or 13? What are the benefits? Mr Clark, our Director of Studies, investigated this question and we ended up collating a number of points that I believe are valid when parents are making this decision for their child. I will say at this point that it is always a personal decision and that there is no right or wrong answer; however, it should always be about what is best for the child. I would also like to say that if one is looking at a girls’ senior school for your daughter then a move at 11 is probably the best time as the majority of girls will enter at that point rather than 13 (not always though – i.e. lots go to Roedean/Benenden at 13) – it is always about friendship groups. There are some children where the pressure of Common Entrance (in Year 8) is a concern and therefore it may be appropriate for them to go to their senior school earlier; I believe that it is about managing that perceived pressure with supportive staff and a kind and warm environment.

After ten years’ experience (so far!) of being a prep school head and eight years as a housemaster at Pangbourne College (11-18, co-ed, day and boarding), I thought that I would share a few thoughts which may help you be more informed…or at the very least, up for a discussion.

Creates a safe environment, in the country, where children can still be children away from social media pressures and expectations of older children/young adults;
Allows the pupil to be at the ‘top of the school’:
Developing an understanding of Rights and Responsibilities at an early age, making them more sympathetic, caring and kind individuals in their teenage years;
Developing their study skills, with the ability to fail in a safe environment, to learn about reflection, revision techniques and time management;
The value of Common Entrance and Scholarships – the rigour of preparing for these exams is great practice and gives children more confidence when they face GCSE three years later;
Provides an education that gets pupils up to lower GCSE level by the time they leave in Year 8;
At Handcross Park, there is a wealth of experiences beyond the classroom - that create a superb learning environment;
Sporting experience, again due to the opportunities they are offered in Years 7 and 8: the pupils are not at the back of the queue in terms of access to facilities, as they might be at senior school;
Prep school staff that have chosen to teach Year 7 and 8 pupils (not GCSE and A Level) understand their needs and that age-group;
We have three-form entry in Year 7 and 8 with an academic scholarship set;
More leadership opportunities at the ‘top of the school’ – feel that one is a role model for the rest of the school;
It has been known that pupils that have spent too long at their senior school put pressure on their parents to leave at the end of GCSEs and go to a Sixth Form College – that may be the right for some but not others?
From a parental perspective, you are very much involved in your child’s education…that changes at senior school…not least your children don’t want you ‘embarrassing’ them!
For those interested in boarding, there is a smaller and more nurturing environment and excellent pastoral care – very good preparation for senior school weekly/full boarding at 13.