Boosting Academic Performance

How changing schools at 7+ can strengthen your child’s achievements.

If you live locally, you may be familiar with the Broomwood and its unique model of education. Boys and girls are taught together at Pre-Prep, before moving to single sex schools, based at different sites, but within walking distance of each other.

This arrangement gives pupils time to develop at their own pace academically. Beyond the classroom, they come together as one school for a huge range of co-ed activities, from academic extension to sport and mixed residential trips. The method works: this year a cohort of 103 was awarded 42 scholarships to competitive senior schools; pupils were recognised for academic achievement, sport, music, art and drama.

For the first time this year Broomwood is accepting children into these prep schools a year earlier, at the age of seven (Year 3). Head of Broomwood Prep – Girls, Louisa McCafferty, explains why:

‘Moving at Year 3 makes a lot of sense. The Key Stage 2 curriculum starts at this age.  At the end of year 2, we find many are ready for an expanded offering.  Being part of a larger prep school gives them a breadth of opportunity.

‘The younger children love seeing what pupils are achieving further up the school. Our older Pupils mentor them offering a chance to hear about the whole Broomwood journey. Children in Year 3 are also able take part in a huge range of activities after the school day and find areas of strength they may not know they had.

At Broomwood we don’t hot house our pupils. Looking after them from Year 3 gives time to develop the skills, resilience and independence which makes transitioning to senior school (either at 11 or 13+) much easier. They have the time to learn how to think beyond the curriculum, gaining confidence from trying out new activities, and adopting a growth mindset overcomes fear of making mistakes.

To further prepare for the arrival of younger pupils, we have a Junior, Mid and Senior phase in the prep schools, tailored to the age groups. Each is headed by specialist staff and gives children the chance to shine at their own level. Broomwood has wonderful outdoor spaces and playgrounds and different ages have separately managed playtimes to ensure they have the chance to enjoy them to the full.

www.broomwood.com