Instagram Facebook-f

Preparing Your Child for Secondary School

The transition from primary to secondary school is an important milestone in a child’s educational journey. Alongside excitement and new opportunities can come feelings of uncertainty for both children and parents.

At Benedict House Preparatory School, we believe preparing children for secondary school and the 11+ process is about far more than academic achievement alone. Confidence, independence, organisation, resilience and wellbeing all play an important role in helping children feel ready for the next stage of their education.

Every child’s pathway is different, whether moving on to grammar schools through the Bexley or Kent 11+, independent senior schools or local secondary schools. Our aim is to ensure every pupil feels supported, prepared and confident.

Throughout their time at Benedict House, children are encouraged to:

  • develop confidence and independence
  • build strong literacy and numeracy skills
  • strengthen organisation and study habits
  • develop leadership and communication skills
  • build resilience and emotional wellbeing

For some pupils, 11+ preparation may also include familiarisation with assessment styles, mock examinations and interview preparation where appropriate.

We believe that successful preparation for secondary transfer and the 11+ works best when schools and families work together. Through guidance, communication and individual support, we help children approach this important stage with confidence and positivity.

At Benedict House Preparatory School, we are proud to support children as they grow into confident, capable and well rounded young people, ready for the opportunities ahead.

FAQs

When should children begin thinking about secondary school transfer?

Children gradually build the confidence, independence and study skills needed for secondary school throughout their time in Prep School.

How does Benedict House support children through the 11+?

Children are supported through strong classroom teaching, individualised support and regular communication with families. This may include familiarisation with assessment styles, mock examinations, study skills support, after school tuition opportunities, summer tuition and regular meetings with parents to discuss progress and next steps where appropriate.

Does Benedict House support different secondary pathways?

Yes. We support families applying to grammar schools, independent senior schools and local secondary schools.

How are parents supported during the process?

Families receive regular personalised communication, guidance and opportunities to discuss individual pathways and options.

What skills help children transition successfully to secondary school?

Organisation, resilience, independence, communication skills and emotional confidence are all important alongside academic ability.

View All Posts

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.

More Guides