At St. Helen’s College we prepare pupils carefully for their transfer at 11+ to senior school.
The Head meets with parents regularly from Year 4 onwards to discuss senior school choices and to offer advice and guidance, and we provide an excellent programme of exam materials, practice and interview master classes. We are exceptionally proud of our high pass rate record.
A holistic and forward-thinking approach
We take a holistic and forward-thinking approach to preparing our pupils for the 11+ examinations and assessments. From the earliest years in our Prep School, we lay strong foundations in core academic skills, ensuring that every child is equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
Our approach to 11+ preparation
A strong reading culture
A central pillar of our approach is a sustained and deliberate focus on reading and reading comprehension across all year groups. We believe that a rich and varied reading culture not only fosters a lifelong love of literature but also significantly enhances vocabulary and critical thinking, key components of the English element of the 11+ examinations.
Challenging English and mathematics curricula
Our English and mathematics curricula are designed to challenge, enrich and promote depth of understanding. Lessons are carefully structured to develop the analytical, problem-solving, and reasoning skills that are directly transferable to 11+ assessments. Pupils are encouraged to think independently, articulate their ideas clearly and apply their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts.
Dedicated 11+ preparation from Year 3 onwards
From Year 3 onwards, we introduce dedicated 11+ preparation sessions. These include targeted practice in verbal and non-verbal reasoning, as well as exam technique and time management strategies. These sessions are tailored to support each child’s individual progress and to build confidence in tackling the specific demands of the 11+ examinations.
Preparing confident and resilient pupils
Ultimately, our aim is to nurture academic excellence while supporting the unique journey of every pupil. We are committed to ensuring that all children are well-prepared, resilient, and ready to take the next step in their educational journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
Exam results and destinations
Details about our most recent 11+ exam results and destination senior schools can be found here.
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