The journey from Prep to Senior School at Argyle House is designed to be smooth, supportive and familiar.
By the time pupils reach Year 7, they already feel confident, prepared and fully at home within our wider school community.
Academic preparation
From Year 3 onwards, Prep pupils complete the same standardised assessments used in the Senior School, including CAT, PTM and PTE tests. This provides a consistent picture of progress and attainment over time and ensures that teachers across both phases have a clear understanding of each child’s strengths and next steps.
Pupils are also gradually introduced to Senior School routines. They share aspects of school life such as lunchtimes, queuing expectations, dining hall routines and movement around the building. They become familiar with senior classrooms and specialist teachers, allowing them to feel at ease long before transition takes place.
Academic celebrations follow the same structure across Prep and Senior, reinforcing continuity and shared expectations.
Supporting every step into Senior School
Curriculum and pastoral crossover
There is strong alignment between the Prep and Senior phases, particularly through specialist taught subjects. Teachers in areas such as French, Music, PE and Science work with pupils from their earliest years right through to GCSE, enabling a truly continuous and personalised curriculum.
Behaviour expectations also remain consistent across the school. House points, Headteacher praise and the rewards and sanctions system operate in the same way from P1 to S5. This consistency helps children understand what is expected of them and supports a confident transition into the senior phase.
Support for parents
We recognise that the move to Senior School can feel like a significant milestone for families as well as pupils. Throughout Year 6, parents are kept fully informed of their child’s progress and development, with open and regular communication from staff. Parents are encouraged to contact us whenever needed, and many already have a strong rapport with staff built over the years.
Before transition, parents are invited to a one to one meeting with the Headteacher to discuss their child’s pathway into Senior School. These conversations provide reassurance, clarity and a shared understanding of the next stage of learning.
Seamless transition
Prep pupils do not sit internal assessments for entry into the Senior School. All pupils move forward automatically, with progress information shared in detail with senior staff throughout Year 6. This ensures that teachers in the Senior School are well prepared to welcome each child with a strong understanding of their needs, achievements and potential.
Our approach ensures that by the time pupils reach Year 7, they feel ready, confident and excited for the opportunities that await them—academically, socially and personally.
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