Why do you encourage Year 9 applications in Years 5 and 6?

At independent senior schools it is very common to look at Year 9 candidates when they are in Year 5 or 6. Instead of running a completely separate process, we include candidates for Year 9 entry in the same admissions journey as those joining the same year group in Year 7.

For example, pupils aiming to join in Year 7 2037 and Year 9 2029 will share the same Activity Afternoon. This means pupils start getting to know the friends who will eventually be in their year group right from the beginning of the process.

Early review also allows pupils to enjoy the final years of Prep knowing they have a clear pathway to their chosen senior school. Many Prep schools encourage families to make senior school choices at this stage and can give helpful advice and support.

We stay in touch with candidates and their families throughout the following years, and they are very welcome to join us for school events during this time. The 13+ scholarship process then takes place in the Spring Term of Year 8.

You can find more detailed information about joining Year 9 at Leweston on our website.