What Every Parent Should Know About Choosing a Senior School

Today I'm handing over the 'Hear from the Head' section to one of our fantastic parents who recently spoke at our senior school information evening. If you're currently a parent navigating the transition to senior school and have a few minutes to spare, I cannot recommend enough giving this a read. It's my hope it'll help boost your confidence and equip you with the knowledge needed to help find the right senior school fit for you child.

All the best,

When Debbie Isaachsen first asked if I’d speak at the Senior School Transition Evening, my immediate reaction was a hard “no.” Public speaking is far from my comfort zone. But then my youngest, who is currently in Year 8, challenged me: “Mummy, you make us do things we don’t want to do all the time, so I think you should face your fears.” And so, here I am, doing just that.

My connection to The Downs goes back to 1984 when I joined as a student myself, following my two older brothers. Even my grandfather lived in Charlton House during the First World War, so there’s a deep, personal history tied to this wonderful place. After some challenging years in the state system, my husband and I ultimately chose The Downs for our three children. As any parent knows, choosing the right school is one of the toughest decisions we make. Each child is unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, and no one-size-fits-all answer exists.

What I’ve found at The Downs is a supportive, nurturing environment that allows children to thrive at their own pace. Years 7 and 8 here are especially transformative. Our middle daughter arrived at The Downs as a shy and under-confident girl who had struggled academically and emotionally in her previous school. But through the consistent support and guidance she received here, she blossomed. By the time she left, she had earned a sports scholarship to Blundell’s and delivered a speech at Celebration Day in front of 800 people with a poise I’d never imagined possible.

These years offer more than just academics; they provide a “Sixth Form experience” where students develop close relationships with staff, take on responsibilities, and become ambassadors for the school. They learn to navigate challenges independently, to advocate for themselves, and to discover who they are and what they stand for.

I’ve also been continually impressed by how well-prepared the students are for senior school. The rigorous preparation for Common Entrance (CE) exams equips them not only with knowledge but with the skills to study independently and manage their time effectively. When our children transitioned to senior school, they found themselves ahead of their peers academically, which allowed them the flexibility to settle in socially.

While I can’t offer any definitive advice on choosing a senior school—there are so many factors involved—I can say that listening to the guidance from the team at The Downs is invaluable. They know our children well and often see sides of them that we, as parents, don’t.

They understand each child’s needs and are there to support us in making the best choices.

For our family, Blundell’s has been a wonderful fit. Both children thriving there as weekly boarders. However, there are so many great options. Clifton, Badminton, Sidcot—all of them offer unique experiences. The important thing is to explore, attend open days, and find the environment where your child will feel both challenged and supported.

In conclusion, Years 7 and 8 at The Downs Prep School offer more than just a transition; they provide a foundation. It’s a place where children learn not just to succeed, but to be kind, responsible, and confident individuals ready to take on the world. These are crucial years that give them a bit more time to grow before life gets very real—and they leave ready to make the most of the journey ahead.