by Charlotte Cottrell, Admissions Registrar

As your child approaches the end of their primary or prep school education you may find yourself at an important crossroads. Does your current school finish at the end of Year 6, while your preferred senior school options begin at Year 9? Or perhaps you’re considering a transition from state education to an independent senior school and want to ensure your child is well-prepared.

For families who have opted for a senior school with an 11+ intake, Year 6 can be an emotional time. Children eagerly await news from their chosen schools and for most the results bring joy. But for a few, it can be heartbreaking when they miss out on their first (or even second) choice. It’s a time filled with mixed emotions, but no matter what scenario you face there is always choice and even the best-laid plans can be adapted. One such option might be moving your child to a prep school for Year 7 and 8 to help bridge the gap.

Choosing the right senior school for your child is a decision that will shape their future and we understand that this can feel like a huge responsibility. The transition to senior school means navigating admissions deadlines, preparing for interviews and tests and managing social pressures. At Highfield and Brookham, we recognise the weight of this decision and the anxiety it can create and are here to support families every step of the way. 

It can be overwhelming, especially if you feel your child isn’t quite ready for the challenges ahead. If that’s the case, rest assured that there is a solution. You really don’t have to worry. The looming deadlines or 11+ test results aren’t the end of the road. Moving your child for Year 7 and Year 8 to a nurturing, holistic academic environment will prepare them for their next steps to senior school.

These years can be a challenging time for children. As they approach their teenage years, children undergo significant physical and emotional changes. Being at the top of a school during these years in a nurturing environment without the influence of older peers can be highly beneficial. This is why a school that bridges the gap between primary school and senior school is such an appealing option. It provides parents with the space to breathe and gives them time to make an informed decision about senior schools and helps children develop both academically and socially. It also allows children to hold on to their cherished childhood for just a little bit longer.

Children are constantly evolving and it’s difficult to predict where they will be academically and emotionally at the end of Year 6. Are they ready to transition straight into an 11+ senior school environment, or would they benefit from two more years to thrive in a prep school, leaving as confident, well-rounded individuals?

Year 7 is a popular time for families to join Highfield and Brookham and we typically welcome ten new children into Year 7 each year. For families who have chosen a senior boarding school, preparing your child for boarding at a prep school is invaluable. Boarding at Highfield and Brookham offers a gentle introduction to the routine of boarding school life and helps children adapt to being away from home. Children joining in Year 7 and Year 8 also take on leadership roles, such as peer listeners, school councillors and heads of school. These responsibilities help build confidence and instil valuable leadership skills, which will help them through senior school and beyond.

As a prep school preparing children for a successful future, we understand the challenges involved in choosing the right senior school. When you select the right prep school for these two crucial years, you’re not just looking at academic qualifications, you’re equipping your child to face the challenges ahead with confidence and enthusiasm. Highfield and Brookham has a strong track record of pupils gaining entry to some of the UK’s most prestigious senior schools. This success stems from our rigorous academic curriculum, our focus on pastoral care and our breadth of co-curricular activities, which ensure that pupils thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

We believe in developing the whole child. Highfield and Brookham offers a wide range of co-curricular activities that promote creativity, critical thinking, communication, leadership and teamwork. Whether your child has an interest in sports, music, drama or art, they’ll have access to a diverse range of activities. Our goal is to equip children for senior school and a future we can’t yet imagine.

At Highfield and Brookham, we also focus on your child’s wellbeing. This support helps them navigate social and emotional challenges as they grow into young adults. Our caring and supportive environment ensures children feel confident and happy as they transition to the next stage in their education.

Every child is unique, with their own personality, strengths and interests. During these two important years at Highfield and Brookham, our Head, Suzannah Cryer, gets to know your child and what makes them tick. This personal understanding of your child, and her strong relationship with senior schools, allows her to advise families on the best senior-school choices and share insights with the senior schools about how your child will be a perfect fit for them. As a result, doors that may have closed after Year 6 may well re-open, offering new opportunities for your child’s future. Our students tend to move on to around 30 different senior schools, with popular destinations including Marlborough College, Charterhouse, Cranleigh School, Wellington College, Radley, Eton College and Winchester College.

Finding the right senior school can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you always have a choice in how to approach the transition. Through careful preparation, emotional support and choosing the right school environment you can help your child approach the next phase of their education with confidence. At Highfield and Brookham, your child will receive a magical prep-school education, setting them up for senior school with a solid academic foundation, new-found confidence and friendships that can and do last a lifetime. So, mind the gap and hop on the Year 7 express train for a smooth, exciting journey to senior school!