By the time that they finish in the Prep School, our pupils have been fully prepared for their next steps and are equipped with all the tools needed to move on and embrace the challenges of Year 9 with confidence.
In Years 7 and 8, pupils follow our enhanced version of the National Curriculum, ensuring an unencumbered, smooth pathway into Year 9. The large majority of our Year 8 pupils move into our Senior School and are not required to sit the 13+ Common Entrance examinations. The Headmaster and his colleagues have, however, years of experience of helping pupils go to other senior schools. We fully support those pupils and Common Entrance and Scholarship exams are prepared for, as required, to ensure a successful admissions process.
Pupils in the final year of our Prep School can apply for the full range of Scholarships available in Year 9 at Taunton School and other senior schools. There is an ethos of hard work and ambition and a high number of awards are gained, both academic and nonacademic.
For pupils moving up to Taunton Senior School, transition could not be smoother. By the end of Year 8, pupils will have become familiar with the Senior School staff and site. Pupils will have eaten, played sport, gone to chapel, studied and performed in Senior School facilities, and have become comfortable and familiar with these surroundings and their layout. Senior School staff deliver regular enrichment lectures to Years 7 and 8 and the Head of Middle School (Years 9 to 11) explains clearly the transfer process and organises taster days.
Our Senior School offers the following:
- It is an IB World School with a choice of A Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or BTEC.
- Extensive subject choice and option combinations.
- Performance Sport Programme with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Huge co-curricular programme including CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, music, dance and drama.
- Focus on wellbeing and excellent pastoral care.
