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Changing Schools During the Academic Year

Children join Benedict House Preparatory School at a range of different stages throughout their educational journey, not only at traditional entry points such as Preschool, Reception or Year 3.

Families may choose to move schools for a variety of reasons, including relocating, seeking smaller class sizes, looking for greater academic challenge or finding a school environment that better suits their child’s individual needs.

At Benedict House, we understand that changing schools can feel like a significant step for both children and parents. Our pastoral approach ensures that every child is welcomed with care, sensitivity and individual attention so that they feel safe, supported and confident from the very beginning.

Each child joining the school is supported through a personalised and age appropriate induction process, carefully planned by staff to help them settle comfortably into school life. This may include opportunities to spend time in their new classroom, meet key adults and become familiar with routines and expectations before starting fully.

Children are also assigned a peer buddy to help them build friendships, feel included and navigate daily school life with confidence. We find that this supportive approach helps new pupils quickly feel part of the Benedict House community.

Our admissions process is designed to be straightforward and personal, with families guided through each stage by our admissions team and senior leaders to ensure parents feel informed and supported throughout the transition.

Whether joining in Early Years, Pre-Prep or later in Prep School, children are supported every step of the way as they settle into life at Benedict House.

FAQs

Can children join Benedict House during the school year?

Yes. Children join at different stages throughout the academic year wherever places are available.

How are new pupils helped to settle in?

Children are supported through a personalised induction process which may include a taster day, opportunities to meet staff and classmates and support from a peer buddy. All pupils from Reception upwards are assigned a buddy to help them feel included and confident.

Are children assigned a buddy?

Yes. All pupils from Reception upwards are assigned a peer buddy to help them settle into school life and build friendships.

Is changing schools difficult for children?

Changing schools can feel like a big step, however our nurturing pastoral approach helps children settle quickly and positively.

How quickly do children settle into school life?

Every child is different, however staff remain in close communication with families throughout the transition process and work hard to help both children and parents feel part of the wider school community.

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Laura Baker

Headteacher at Benedict House Prep School I PGDip Applied Leadership & Management I Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship I CMgr FCMI I ISI Team Inspector

BSc (Hons) Education & Geography, Primary PGCE
Laura Baker has been Headteacher of Benedict House Preparatory School since January 2025 and brings more than 15 years of experience within independent education to the role.

Prior to joining Benedict House, Laura spent over five years as a Deputy Head and Director of Studies, having previously held a range of academic and pastoral leadership positions including Head of English and Head of Year. Her extensive experience across teaching, learning, pastoral care and school leadership has shaped her belief that children achieve their very best when they feel happy, known, supported and appropriately challenged.

Laura is passionate about whole-child education and believes strongly that academic excellence should sit alongside the development of character, confidence and resilience. At Benedict House, she is committed to maintaining high expectations while ensuring that every pupil is recognised as an individual and encouraged to discover their own strengths and talents. The school's motto, 'Towards the Future as a Family', is central to her approach to leadership and reflects her belief in the importance of strong relationships between pupils, staff and families.

Under Laura's leadership, the school's R.R.I.T.E. values – Resilience, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Empathy – provide a shared framework for school life and support pupils in developing the qualities they will need both within school and beyond it.

Alongside her headship, Laura is an ISI Team Inspector and serves as Secretary of the Independent Schools Association London South Area. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Leadership and Management, completed the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship and is a Chartered Manager Fellow (CMgr FCMI).

Laura is also an accredited coach and has a particular interest in developing others through coaching and professional development. She believes that investing in staff and creating a positive, reflective professional culture ultimately leads to the very best experiences and outcomes for pupils.

At the heart of Laura's leadership is a simple ambition: for Benedict House to be a school where children are excited to learn, confident to be themselves and well prepared for whatever their future may hold.

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