The changes to educational provision brought about by the Clarendon Commission in the 1860s led to the expansion of public schools from the original nine, including Eton, Westminster and Charterhouse, to newer foundations such as Dulwich and Tonbridge.
This growth in pupil numbers at the senior level was facilitated by the creation of preparatory schools, which educated boys from the age of 8 – 13. The sitting of Common Entrance towards the end of what is now called Year 8 was the mechanism for deciding where boys would progress. The process, more-or-less, remained unchanged until quite recently when a number of 13+ schools moved their main admissions point to 11+.
What are the benefits of boys staying at a prep school for Years 7 and 8?
Prep schools, almost by definition, are small, nurturing environments where the pupils, their parents and the staff form a strong community.
It is in this ‘family-like’ atmosphere that pupils gain knowledge and pick up skills in sports, music and drama. This is particularly appropriate for boys who mature – in all ways – at a slower rate to girls; indeed, boys grow up in markedly different ways to each other.
A prep school allows them the space for such growth without all the pressures associated with big senior school environments. The boys at St Anthony’s, for example, are not remotely self-conscious about participating in the performing arts, sitting in an alcove reading their favourite novel, or public speaking at a whole-school assembly.
The academic progress we often seen in boys during the Common Entrance years (7 and 8) can be exponential. I think this is because they respond well to an interesting curriculum, which is being delivered in small class sizes. Sitting CE papers is also an excellent preparation for GCSE exams in Year 11.
The top two years of a prep school provides opportunity for leadership and mentoring. There is something to be said for being a ‘big-ish (sic) fish in a small pond’, even more so when this is linked to responsibility and service.
So, let’s hear it for prep schools that go all the way up to Year 8!
Richard Berlie is the headmaster at St Anthony's School for Boys.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here