Senior Years

Notting Hill Prep > About Us > Senior Years

NAVIGATING 11+ and 13+

There are two official exit points from NHP: end of Year 6 (11+) and end of Year 8 (13+).

13+ is the more traditional prep school exit route. Joining a senior school in Year 9 can be a great option for:

  • those considering boarding
  • those considering a selective London boys’ school e.g. Westminster, St. Paul’s, Dulwich College, City of London
  • those considering the limited number of London day schools with an official 13+ entry point e.g. Wetherby, Mill Hill, Thomas’
  • those willing to take a chance on an occasional place in a London day school. NHP has had historic success placing pupils on this basis at schools such as Latymer Upper, Godolphin & Latymer, South Hampstead and Harrodian

The admissions process for the majority of schools listed above requires pupils to sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test in the autumn term of Year 6. Most pupils entering Year 7 at NHP will have already secured their place at a senior school of their choice. On a select basis, schools offer NHP pupils an alternative assessment in Year 7 or 8 for late joiners.

Generally, the entry process for 13+ can feel more holistic. Greater time and emphasis are placed on the interview and assessing the child as a whole, versus leaping the academic hurdle of 11+. The Common Entrance syllabus expects all-round attainment in a wide range of subjects but is no longer a condition of entry to many schools.

“I’m a firm believer in the beauty of a prep school education up to Year 8 – you can develop socially in those potentially tricky early teenage years and be pushed academically by teachers who know you well, care about you, and will support you with a successful transition to your next school. Years 7 and 8 allow children to be children just that little bit longer.”

Ms Nicola Swales, Deputy Head (Academic) at NHP

“The power of being role-models to younger pupils without the influences of older teenagers must not be underestimated. NHP pupils come to Wellington with an unbelievable energy, bringing top values to all aspects of school life and are often the kind and empathetic ‘glue’ in the centre of their house groups.”

Ed Venables, previous Director of Admissions at Wellington College

“There are undoubted benefits to staying on in your prep school for Years 7 and 8. Pupils enjoy being at the top of their school and the opportunities that are open to them at this stage. Important senior positions allow them to assume responsibility, whilst they are encouraged to become increasingly independent and cultivate their resilience. This in turn builds confidence as they start to think about their senior schools.”

Andrew Shedden, Registrar at Winchester College

What makes NHP the right choice for your child…

ENVIRONMENT

The Portobello Green Building (PGB), which houses our Years 6 to 8, has a markedly studious air and its own individual identity.
It was designed specifically as a senior school environment to mark the pupils’ transition from primary school and mirrors many of the structures that the children will encounter at their next schools.
The academic and pastoral needs of each pupil are closely monitored by a dedicated team: the Head of Upper School, the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and the Deputy Head (Academic), assisted by individual Form Teachers. Each of them has an in-depth knowledge of your child and their learning profile.

ACADEMIC

There is a conscious shift of responsibility onto the children for their own independent learning and behaviour.
Small classes and sets (approximately 10-18 pupils) are taught exclusively by highly-experienced subject specialists.
The previously traditional Common Entrance syllabus has been overhauled by the ISEB (Independent Schools Exam Board) and now represents a more progressive curriculum framework. NHP offers the IPQ (Independent Project Qualification) as the final assessment in the humanities.
Pupils are very well prepared under this system for the academic demands of their senior school including independent, research-based learning, and revision and exam techniques.

PERSONAL GROWTH

For some, the intimacy of the senior years at NHP provides an opportunity to develop a sense of self. Strong self-esteem, both personal and academic, helps greatly in ensuring a successful transition to the additional challenges of senior school.

Our pupils are growing up in the heart of a thriving city. The years between 11 and 13 are crucial for developing ‘street smarts’, independence, and resilience. NHP is a safe environment for making mistakes, pushing some boundaries and learning to navigate London.

Although pupil numbers are relatively small, friendships are well established, familiar and supportive. Remaining in co-education helps to encourage a mixed friendship group, especially relevant if the preferred destination is a single-sex school.

There are many opportunities for our senior pupils to take on leadership roles, actively mentor the younger children and represent the all-important NHP pupil voice.

NHP has established its own senior pupil leadership programme, created in the image of the Duke of Edinburgh awards, with various levels of attainment in leadership, service, physical challenge and creativity.

We have an established third-party mentoring programme which allows pupils a regular and safe space to set goals and address specific worries or concerns.

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