Preparing For Senior School

Published by The Oratory Prep School on Tuesday 3rd of October 2023

As we begin a new academic year, pupils in Year 8 will be heading into the final year of their preparatory school journey and will be looking ahead to joining their future senior schools.

Here at The Oratory Prep School, each of our children is well primed for senior school and all aspects of life through our Future Schools Preparation Programme. Our programme, starting in the Trinity (summer) term of Year 4, combines academic preparation with the enriched education through personal, social and emotional development, ensuring our pupils gain a place at the senior school of their choice, including the most prestigious selective schools in the country.

Not only do we support our pupils through each stage of the senior schools process, we also offer regular meetings with our parents and guardians, as well as an annual Future Schools Fair, to ensure they can support their child(ren) with applications to senior schools and Common Entrance assessments.

So, to help parents and guardians who are starting the process of applying for senior schools, please find below our top tips and advice:

• Register for the ISEB exam, if not already done so.


• Apply to more than one school.


• Don’t put unnecessary pressure on your child(ren).


• Support homework.


• Support reading at home and games!


• Communicate with your school.


• Accept the journey may not end until late in Year 8.


• Have faith that your son/daughter will get into the right school for them.