When it comes to choosing what is best for your son as he approaches his early adolescence, it is understandable that parents can be overwhelmed. From eleven to thirteen, changes in thinking, social awareness, and emotional development are all factors that contribute to their learning. The best option for your son, therefore, is a school that supports his individual strengths. Years 7 and 8 at The Hall will do exactly that.
Here are five factors when considering The Hall for your son:
1. Since our foundation in 1889, The Hall has had a proven track record of academic excellence
At The Hall, our small class sizes are designed to meet your son’s needs. Our curriculum encourages communication, collaboration, analysis and research. As a major feeder to the top academic day and boarding senior schools, we have a proven track record of success. Outstanding teaching and informed guidance ensure our pupils receive offers at the right school for them, whether that be featuring academic scholarship, music, sport, creative arts or technology.
2. We have a distinctive academic programme which encourages a love of learning and independent thought, constructed with the individual in mind
The beauty of later years in the prep model is that we understand your son. Whether he grew up with us or entered in later years, we make a diligent effort to get to know your son through one-on-one form tutor support. Our selective entry process enables us to assess academic potential, identify strengths, and foster interests.
Academic performance aside, maturity and independence flourish when opportunities are created for leadership. In Year 8, we have over thirty roles of responsibility whereby boys get to experience organising, delegating, and encouraging others. We see the way boys grow in confidence and engage more cooperatively when they are given the opportunity to lead. Their confidence, community engagement, and self-assurance have flourished through this model.
3. From the ages of 11 to 13, boys learn differently: we plan for this
As a prep school, we are experts in this age range. We have a curriculum that fosters the most from their experience in school. We uplift intellectual and emotional maturity, promote positive attitudes to learning, and foster a sense of service. Academically, we start preparing boys for their future challenges, including GCSE exams, with greater emphasis on inference and analytical thinking. At the same time, we are developing their personal attributes to be courteous, confident, thoughtful, and independent young people. Regular positive feedback from the vast range of senior schools keen to recruit Hall boys illustrates our success.
4. Boys are ready to learn due to our unparalleled co-curricular programmes
We make sure that there’s something for every pupil here at The Hall. Our enrichment programme gives boys five dedicated days throughout the academic year to go on excursions that enhance their classroom learning. Boys can also have experience of residential trips. Most recently, boys went to Lisbon for a football experience; the music department took older boys to France to perform with local school children; sixteen boys walked the final 120 km of the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela; the bi-annual classics trip took boys to Greece; and every year, a ski trip is available.
An Activity Week in the Summer Term sees each year group follow a programme of varied trips and day excursions. In Year 6, boys have a two-night stay in Marlow doing team-building activities, and in Year 8, boys have a residential trip to Devon.
These experiences have been well-documented to elevate Hall boys’ curiosity and inspiration.
5. There are far more senior schools to choose from
Later years at The Hall allow for more choice of senior schools for your son to continue their educational journey. Although the selection process for senior schools mostly takes place in Year 6, we have excellent relationships with senior schools and often find more options for pupils looking for offers in Years 7 and even 8. Some schools have a dedicated entry process in Year 8 aimed at late applicants.
If you are interested in joining a legacy of success at The Hall School, we invite you to register for admissions at hallschool.co.uk/occasional-places/