Choosing the right school for your child at any age can be an overwhelming and daunting experience, whether it be the start of the child’s journey joining reception class or, at the upper end of school, looking ahead to senior school. There are several factors to think about and to take into consideration and questions you may be asking yourself.
Who will my child be when they reach the age of moving on to senior school?
Will the school provide what we are looking for?
How will I know if it is the right fit for my child?
When the time comes to move on from prep to senior school, it is imperative that the views of both parents and schoolteachers are aligned in terms of prospective senior schools and most importantly, that the child feels fully supported during this part of their journey.
At Beachborough, a leading Independent Prep School, based in Northamptonshire and close to Brackley, Buckingham, and Towcester, we believe that your child’s attitude towards many important areas of their life will be shaped during their time with us, and we will help them to develop a mature and positive approach to their studies and responsibilities.
It is during these Prep Years that we start to discuss future schools with parents, working with each individual family closely, helping them to choose the right senior school for their child.
Scholarship opportunities differ from school to school, and we can provide support in preparing children for the work, commitment and examinations that go into securing them.
Former Year 8 pupil, Bethany, was awarded both a Dance Scholarship and an Academic Scholarship for September 2024 to St Edward’s School in Oxford.
Here, we catch up with Bethany and her family to gain an insight into the scholarship process and, how Beachborough Prep was able to provide support in the choice the family had made for the next stage of Bethany’s education.
Bethany’s parent(s) said, “through our meetings with the school, we were recommended that St Edward’s school would be a good fit for Bethany. We went to visit and were given a glimpse into its vibrant life, featuring engaging lessons and an excellent mix of performing arts opportunities. Bethany knew that this would be the senior school for her, and we could absolutely see her thriving there too.”
Bethany was keen to proceed with the application and after she had received details of the scholarship requirements, which included submitting both an academic and dance portfolio, and, sitting examinations, she set to work.
Mr Gross, our Head of Manor House (upper school) said, “Bethany worked incredibly hard for her scholarships, demonstrating the commitment and traits required for an academic scholarship. She dedicated herself to the additional work both at school and at home, attended clinics in her chosen subjects, tackled mock exam papers and persevered, even when faced with the toughest challenges.”
To support Bethany in creating her academic portfolio, she was offered additional morning lessons with her subject teachers at Beachborough and, during her spare time, Bethany worked on her dance technique, attending additional lessons with Brackley-based, Starlight Dance Academy, who provide the co-curricular dance lessons, here at Beachborough Prep.
Bethany said “It was really helpful to have such a nurturing community around me and to help me with the scholarship process. I felt really well supported by all of my teachers, but special thanks must go to Mrs Howard (English), Mrs Smith (Science), Mrs Berrington (Maths), Mrs Blithe (Computing & Robotics), Mr Sanders (History), Mr Gross, Mrs Exarheas (Higher Level Learners) and my dance teacher, Miss Charlotte, I really appreciate everything they did for me to help me get here.”
“I am really enjoying being at St Edward’s, the campus and resources available are brilliant and the boarding house feels very much like Kites boarding house at Beachborough Prep, a real home-from-home, cosy environment.”
We are very proud of Bethany and all the effort she put into her scholarship to achieve her dream and want to thank her and her family for their contribution to this story.
If you would like to discuss joining Beachborough Prep and the future school’s journey, with our Head Mrs Mitchell or, would like to visit Beachborough for a personalised tour, please email our Admissions Team on admissions@beachborough.com.
