Senior Schools Guide March 2024
Continuing to help boys find the best senior school
For the past 150 years Lockers Park has prided itself on helping parents to find the right senior school for their son. This can seem a daunting and challenging process, which is why the Lockers Park team work closely with you to help identify and prepare your son.
We are enormously proud of our successful record in senior school examinations and interviews; our boys move on to a strong and varied selection of senior schools, as we carefully find the right school for each pupil.
This is borne out by the number of senior schools which Lockers boys go onto. Last year our 26 leavers went to 16 different schools. Consistently our process is completely centred around your child and what is best for him.
Our deep knowledge of each boy, together with our understanding of the landscape and our longstanding relationships with senior schools mean that we are able to facilitate dialogue each step of the way
This booklet provides an introductory guide to the options, and is supported by our Year 6-8 Senior School Preparation Programme. The benefits of this approach include:
Extensive exam and interview practice
Visits to and from leading senior schools
Tailored scholarship coaching
Preparation for senior school entry tests (if required)
Access to our annual Senior Schools Presentation Evening, giving Lockers Park pupils and parents the opportunity to meet a selection of leading senior schools
Tailored advice from myself, our Director of Studies and senior staff.
Choosing the right senior school is an important part of the educational journey and we look forward to working with you to make the right choice for your son
Gavin TaylorHeadmaster
When should you research and prepare?
As a rough guide:
Reception upwards: Attend our Senior Schools Presentation Evenings. We invite schools on a rolling two to three year programme to enable you to meet a wide range during your son ’ s time at Lockers Park.
Year 4: start shortlisting schools and visit potential options.
Year 5: establish a ‘back-up’, ‘realistic’ and ‘aspirational’ school. Please note some academic boarding schools will require registration in Year 5 (Eton, Harrow).
Year 6 & 7: sit pre-tests and early tests.
Year 8: in an ideal world you should only be holding one school; this is the school we will prepare your son for.
Destination senior schools based on standardised scores
SAS below 100
Bedford Greenacre
Bruern Abbey
Sherrardswood School
St Christopher’s School
Thorpe House
SAS 100 - 110
Oakham
Pangbourne College
Repton
Stowe
St Margarets, Bushey
SAS 120 - 130
Eton College
Haileybury
Harrow School
Merchant Taylors
Sevenoaks
St Albans
St Edwards
SAS around 100
Bloxham
Cheltenham College
Clifton College
Felsted School
Shiplake College
St Columba’s College
SAS 110 - 120
Abingdon School
Aldenham
Bedford School
Berkhamsted
Oundle School
Rugby School
Uppingham
SAS 130 - 141
Haberdashers Boys
Westminster College
Winchester College
Independent
Schools Examinations Board’s (ISEB) pre-tests and entrance exams
There is a two-stage selection process for most schools:
Year 6 ISEB pre-test consisting of maths, English, non-verbal and verbal reasoning This is taken online taken at Lockers Park, often in November 1.
2. In addition, all boys at Lockers Park will take either a Scholarship exam or Common Entrance exam at the end of Year 8.
Year 7 & 8 assessments e.g. Harrow and Bedford tests. Typically English, maths, reasoning and an interview.
The ISEB pre-test
Most senior schools use the ISEB’s pre-test as an initial gauge on whether a candidate is suitable for their school. This is an online test that consists of English, maths, non–verbal and verbal reasoning assessments.
Most schools ask us to administer the test in November in Year 6, although there is some flexibility with timings, and some schools may ask us to do it in Year 7 (e.g. Bedford School)
The test is taken at Lockers Park and a pupil can only take the test once in an academic year. Once the pupil has taken the test, the senior schools that he has registered for can all access the result. A pupil will only be able to do the pre-test if they have registered for a school. It is the senior school’s responsibility to register your son for the pre-test. At Lockers Park, we will do some preparation for the pretest via Critical Thinking lessons in Year 5 and through workshops at Saturday School.
Senior school entrance tests
For many schools the ISEB pre-test represents the first round. If your son has met the standard then in many cases the senior school will run their own entrance test in Year 7 or early in Year 8. This will consist of English, maths and reasoning, and on occasions include science and French. Preparation for these tests will happen in lessons, although for those that might benefit from some extra support, we will run workshops at Saturday School.
In addition to this, some schools (St Albans and Aldenham) are offering a 12+ exam at the end of Year 7. If a candidate is successful then they can hold a place and join in Year 9
The Common Entrance exam
All of our Year 8 pupils, with the exception of scholarship candidates, are expected to take the Common Entrance exam at the end of Year 8 in June. This exam is organised by the ISEB. Candidates are tested in the three core subjects with the addition of French, Latin, history and geography. It helps senior schools with setting and provides a good focus for the boys to work towards in their final year. Again, content will be covered in lessons with some extra support available at Saturday School.
Scholarship exams
Boys who have shown either academic ability or talent in music, sport, drama, art or technology may be put forward by Lockers Park for a scholarship attempt. Not all schools offer scholarships across the board and the assessments vary in their nature, depending on the senior school. For most senior schools these assessments will happen in the spring term of Year 8. Academic scholars will not normally be expected to do Common Entrance.
Interview tips
As a general rule, senior school interviews can be divided up into questions that are, essentially:
A. fact-finding:
What is your favourite subject?
Do you have any hobbies?
Music/drama/sport achievements
What books have you enjoyed?
Why do you want to come to this school?
B. those questions which require some out-of-the-box thinking:
If you could go back in time which era would you go to?
If you could change one law, what would it be?
What news stories interest you?
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Your son might also be asked to discuss a picture or piece of writing.
What he must remember is that the interviewer is only trying to get to know himthey don't really want to catch him out. As such, there are a few things to remember: First impressions count think about appearance, smile, be polite, make eye contact.
1. Consider good body language hold a good posture, don't fiddle.
2. It’s a conversation. Don't regurgitate learnt information; it should be a two-way process.
4
3. Some questions can be prepared for (e g the fact-finding questions)
5. For the more challenging questions, remember that all they are looking for is a smile and a response. There is no correct answer, so think and talk it through. "That’s a difficult question, let me think," can relax you and get you into gear.
Don't undersell yourself—try to remember all the elements of your life at Lockers Park. What positions of responsibility have you had? What are your passions? What prizes have you won?
6. If you don't understand a question don't be afraid to ask for clarification.
8.
7. Most importantly, smile, relax and try to enjoy it.
Good luck, boys!
Mr Dawes
Aldenham School
Elstree, Hertfordshire
When to Register
Deadline is 1st December in the year preceding the year of entry. Earlier registrations welcomed.
Scholarships available Academic Sport Art Drama Music
Number on roll: 685
Day fees: Termly: £7,988
Boarding fees: Full: £11,782
Admissions Details
Registrar: Susan Mascall
Email: semascall@aldenham.com
Contact Number: 01923 851618
Gender: Co-Ed
Aldenham School
Choosing the right school for your child can be a stressful time. Naturally, you want to make sure you are doing the best. You want to prepare your child for adult life. You want to provide them with many and varied opportunities.
You want your child to have excellent teachers who are experts both in subject knowledge but also in teaching so that your child can reach their academic potential. You want them to mix with children who will enhance their experience and support them, rather than pull them down. You want a school which has excellent facilities.
You want a school which will nurture and support your child as they grow and help to steer them on the right path as they develop. Aldenham is considered one of the outstanding Independent Boarding and Day Schools near London. The key characteristics
Pangbourne
College
Pangbourne Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 8LA
When to Register
The assessment for entry into Year 9 takes place whilst a child is in Year 6. We recommend that your child is fully registered whilst in Year 5 and if attending a prep school, you advise them that your child will be sitting the entry assessment for Pangbourne College.
Late applications may be considered if places are still available. If you are seeking a place in Year 9 for September 2024 or 2025, please contact the Admissions team by email: admissions@pangbourne.com or by telephone: 0118 976 7415
Pre-Test and/or CE ISEB Pre-Test and assessment day at Pangbourne College
Scholarships available Academic Sport Art Drama Music
Number on roll: 469
Admissions Details
Registrar: Carole Bailey
Email: admissions@pangbourne.comContact Number: 0118 9767515
Gender: Co-Ed
Pangbourne College
The key characteristics
With over 25 years of co-educational experience, Pangbourne is an ‘Excellent’ rated independent boarding and day school for boys and girls ages 11 to 18 years, nestled in over 230 acres of Berkshire’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Founded in 1917, Pangbourne was once a naval college, a foundation from which some ceremonial traditions still remain today. Pangbourne is now a thriving school with over 450 pupils, who enjoy a challenging academic curriculum, broad range of co-curricular opportunities for sport, art, music, drama and adventurous training, and exceptional pastoral care. We empower each individual to fulfil their potential and develop the confidence, values and skills to make a positive difference to the world.
Pangbourne College is one of only two Independent Secondary Schools with a Sixth Form in England to have received the NACE Challenge Award. The award is given in recognition of Pangbourne’s commitment to high-quality provision for more able learners, within the context of challenge for all.
Abbey Gateway, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 4HB
When to Register
11+ Assessment: By 30 November of Year 6 for Year 7 entry the following year;
12+ Assessment: By 30 March of Year 7 to sit the 12+ Assessment in June of Year 7 for Year 9 entry the following year;
13+ Assessment: By 30 November of Year 8 for Year 9 entry the following year.
Scholarships available Academic Sport Art Music
Admissions Details
Registrar: Mrs Tracey Selwyn
Email: registrar@st-albans.herts.sch.co.uk
Contact Number: 01727 515182
Number on roll: 903
Day fees: Termly: £7,732
Gender: Boys only until Year 11 Co-Ed sixth form
Yearly: £23,196
St Albans
The key characteristics
With just over 900 pupils, St Albans School is not a particularly large senior school, enabling each pupil to be well-known and valued as an individual.
Inspirational teaching ensures strong intellectual development whilst outstanding provision and achievements in the wider curriculum enrich each pupil’s experience.
St Albans School is no one-dimensional academic hothouse, but rather a multidimensional institution where academic excellence, intellectual development and strong pastoral care lie at the core of an exceptional holistic education, enabling us to identify and nurture each pupil’s potential. Our fundamental and unremitting focus on our pupils’ wellbeing gives them the self-confidence and self-belief to do, and to give of, their best.
In our historic school at the heart of this vibrant city, our pupils develop important values, qualities and skills, as well as learning an awareness and understanding of the wider world as they determine the contribution they intend to make to it in their adult lives.
Bedford, Bedfordshire
When to Register
Registrations should usually be received no later than 1 December in the year prior to intended entry. However, early registration is advisable, especially for families who also wish to apply for a scholarship and/or bursary, as additional forms need to be completed and returned by the same 1 December deadline.
Pre-Test
and/or CE
Boys who register early for 13+ entry are invited to sit the Independent Schools’ Examination Board (ISEB) Common Pre-Test at Lockers Park. The pretest can be taken when the boys are either in Year 6 or 7 (and currently anytime between November and March of those academic years).
Scholarships available
Academic
Sport Art
Drama Music
Number on roll: 762
Day fees: Termly: £8,157
Admissions Details
Registrar: Richard Midgley
Email: admissions@bedfordschool.org.ukContact Number: 01234 362216
Gender: Boys
Yearly: £24,471
Boarding fees: Flexi: £10,693 (2 nights p/week) £11,540 (3 nights p/week)
Weekly: £13,338 Full: £13,794 Annual: £40,014 (Weekly) £41,382 (Full)
Bedford
The key characteristics
At Bedford School we recognise that every single boy is different, and, indeed, we are proud to observe that there is no one ‘Bedford boy’. Instead, with both inspiration and support, we nurture each boy’s individual interests and encourage him to develop them as far as he can take them.
We seek to raise good people first and foremost; and then to allow them to flourish as academics, as sportsmen, as artists and above all as themselves, in a supportive and ambitious atmosphere.
Our academic results, our sporting achievements and our successful alumni speak for themselves; our aim is for balanced, outward-looking, forwardthinking, kind and sociable young men who are comfortable in their own skins. When it is time to take the next step, each boy leaves us as a good man, secure in his values, happy and ready to take his place in the world.
Thorpe House Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire
When to Register
Autumn Term prior to entry
Pre-Test and/or CE Pre-test
Scholarships available Academic Sport Art Drama Music
Number on roll: 271
Admissions Details
Registrar: Mrs Joanne Tyler
Email: office@thorpehouse.co.uk
Contact Number: 01753 882 474
Gender: Boys until Year 11
Co-Ed sixth form
Thorpe House
The key characteristics
We are a student focused, ‘family’ day school for boys aged 4-18 near Gerrards Cross that’s just announced plans to bring in a co-ed Sixth Form from September 2024.
Set in seven acres, we strive for inclusivity, and high standards in our academic programme and pastoral care. We recently ranked 22nd nationally in the Times Good Schools Guide for our academic results.
Nurturing and friendly are key words to describe Thorpe, and this is something that extends from our youngest students through to our oldest.
Thorpe House is ‘small by design’ with the largest class standing at 16 students – the teachers pride themselves in knowing every child individually, and creating a supportive, friendly environment where students are known and
Repton School
Derbyshire
When to Register
Between Year 6 and September of Year 8, latest.
Pre-Test and/or CE No pre-testing, but can offer ‘assured places’ earlier where appropriate.
Scholarships available Academic Sport Art Drama Music
Number on roll: 630
Admissions Details
Registrar: Mrs Jane Bird
Email: jbird@repton.org.ukContact Number: 01283 559222
Gender: Co-Ed
Day fees: Termly: £10,800 Yearly: £32,400
Boarding fees: Full: £14,560 Annual: £43,680
Repton School
The key characteristics
Repton encourages a conscious equilibrium in all things, encouraging pupils to adopt a healthy balance between their studies, sport, activities of all kinds and rest, so that they can emerge as rounded, multi-faceted individuals.
It is also among an elite group of sporting schools with world-class programmes in football, hockey, cricket, tennis and swimming, and a place where sport is never at the expense of high academic achievement.
Sevenoaks School
When to Register
11+ The deadline for applications to Year 7 is 15 September, a year ahead of entry. We are currently taking applications for September 2025.
Admission is by competitive examination in maths and English, a group discussion activity and a reference from the candidate’s current school.
13+ Applicants for 2026 need to register by 1 October 2024, for assessment at Easter of Year 7.
Applicants for 2027 onwards will have the choice of Early Decision (testing in January of Year 6) or Later Decision (testing at Easter of Year 7).
Early Decision applications are open only to pupils who will stay in their current school for Years 7 and 8. The deadline for registration is 15 September in Year 6.
Later Decision applicants will need to register by 1 November of Year 7. A substantial number of places will be held open for Later Decision candidates.
Admission is by competitive examination in maths and English, a group discussion activity and a reference from the candidate’s current school.
Pre-Test and/or CE
13+ candidates will need to take the ISEB pre-test in their current school or another testing centre in October or early November.
Candidates will be invited to the assessment day in Sevenoaks when they will take Sevenoaks tests in English and Maths, and participate in a 40-minute group discussion. Boarding applicants will also participate in teamwork activities.
Scholarships available
Admissions Details
Registrar: Catherine Taylor
Email: admissions@sevenoaksschool.orgContact Number: 01732 455133
Number on roll: 1215 Gender: Co-Ed Day fees: Termly: £9,709 Yearly: £29,127
Boarding fees: Full: £15,595 Annual: £46,785
Sevenoaks School
The key characteristics
Sevenoaks (founded in 1432) is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11-18. Half an hour from London and Gatwick, our superb 100-acre campus is in the Kent countryside.
Sevenoaks is one of the world’s leading IB schools, having taught the International Baccalaureate for over 40 years.
Sevenoaks is among the top schools in the UK. It has received the distinction of being The Sunday Times Independent Co-educational School of the Year in 2023, and the UK Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded Sevenoaks the rare accolade of ‘Exceptional’ for its pupils’ achievement.
In 2023, our average IB Diploma score was 39.0 points, about eight points above the world average.
We proudly publish the university destinations of our leavers every year. Given our global perspective, we support about 20% of our students to universities in another country with increasing numbers going to North America, specifically Ivy league and top universities in the United States.
The majority go to Oxbridge, London universities or other top universities in the UK, like Bristol or Durham.
Sevenoaks students have access to world class-facilities for co-curricular pursuits, including sport, music, drama and art, 77 clubs and societies, a wide range of study trips and exchanges, and a well-established community service programme.
With seven distinctive and comfortable boarding houses, and a new girls’ boarding house opening in 2024, our boarding community is fun, friendly and busy.
The school’s international outlook promotes the principles of open-mindedness and inclusivity.
Ambitious but principled, confident and compassionate, our pupils are prepared for leadership in an ever more complex world.
‘Tough for any university not to be an anti-climax after Sevenoaks.’ Good Schools Guide.
Harrow on the Hill
When to Register
Preferably by the end of Year 5; by 1 May of Year 6
Pre-Test and/or CE ISEB Common Pre-Test and Common Entrance
Scholarships available Academic Sport Art Drama Music
Admissions Details
Registrar: Dr Eric Sie
Email: admissions@harrowschool.org.uk
Contact Number: +44 (0)20 8872 8007
Number on roll: 830
Gender: Boys
Boarding fees: Full: £16,850 Annual: £50,550
Harrow
The key characteristics
Harrow is one of just a few full-boarding, all-boys schools in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1572 under a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I, it soon became one of the greatest schools in the country, attracting pupils from all over the world. This distinguished history enriches the daily life of its entire community. From the boys’ distinctive dress and the carving of their names on to boards in the Houses, to the school’s unusual form of football, archaic slang and the communal singing of Harrow Songs, these customs develop a strong corporate spirit and a sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself.
At Harrow, there is a belief that success should be measured not by grades, but by one's influence on the world. The willingness and ability to learn, to lead and to serve are what enable a life to be both well-lived and worthwhile.
Boys enjoy Harrow’s 324-acre estate which comprises six conservation areas, a registered park, a nine-hole golf course and even a working farm. Coupled with its buildings of special architectural and historic interest, the school has the quality of a village. Positioned on the Metropolitan Line, 20 minutes from Baker Street on a fast train, Harrow enjoys the best of both worlds – a spacious boarding community within easy reach of the vibrancy of the capital.
Blandford Forum, Dorset
Pre-Test and/or CE No
Scholarships available
Academic Sport
Art
Drama
Music
Admissions Details
Registrar: Jenny Wood
Email: Admissions@miltonabbey.co.uk
Contact Number: 01258 880484
Number on roll: 220
Gender: Co-Ed
Day fees: Termly: £8,690 Yearly: £26,070
Boarding fees: Full: £16,545 Annual: £49,635
Milton Abbey
The key characteristics
At Milton Abbey School, we recognise that every child learns differently. Our purposefully small school size, coupled with an extensive range of subjects, puts us in a unique position to recognise and respond to these differences, giving every child the chance to thrive.
We tailor each pupil’s education to make the most of their individual skills and talents in a way that nurtures and cultivates their natural abilities so that they can achieve the best possible results, both inside and outside the classroom.
Our school promotes individuality and the pursuit of personal strengths and preferences. Care, guidance and carefully targeted learning support is available wherever required, resulting in greater confidence and enhanced self-esteem.
Our small size allows for a great involvement in school life, huge opportunity for pupils to represent the school in sports or other pursuits, and to master their chosen subjects and activities. Lasting and fulfilling friendships are forged, and everyone has the chance to get to know one another. Class sizes are very small - even by independent schools' standards - so no one is overlooked or left behind.
We inspire pride in pupils’ individual achievements, whether in sport, academia, the creative arts or our range of outdoor and practical subjects. Pupils can study traditional GCSEs and A-Levels, alongside the widest range of vocational BTEC subjects in the independent school sector. Milton Abbey School offers parallel learning pathways to common destinations, whether a student is aspiring to attend university, secure an apprenticeship or achieve another outcome.
Over the last two years, all our Sixth Form leavers seeking a university place have secured one at their chosen institutions. Their destinations are as exciting and individual as they are. Whether they have left us to study Economics or Esports, Animal Management or Art, International Hospitality or Interior Architecture, or even to enter industry or take a year travelling and volunteering, we know that our leavers bring a diverse and talented approach to all that they do.
Columba’s College
St Albans
When to Register
For 2025 entry: September 2024 applications open
Pre-Test and/or CE Online 60 minute reasoning test via CEM and a face to face interview
Scholarships available Academic Music
Admissions Details
Registrar: Mrs Rachael Wilson
Email: admissions@stcolumbascollege.orgContact Number: 01727 892040
Number on roll: 600
Gender: Co-Ed Day fees: Termly: £6,446 Yearly: £19,338
St Columba’s College
The key characteristics
St Columba’s College, a school that prides itself on an education of both the head and the heart. We are committed to excellence in all areas of our College life, from the academic rigour in the classroom through to providing our young people with a wide range of specialist programmes that will enhance and enrich their lives.
A Columban education is instilled in our students – that success lies in the practice of Courage, Courtesy and Compassion and we see this reflected in every member of the College community. Our pastoral care is excellent and our relationships with each other reflect the core values of the College and its belief that true education is holistic.
In a rapidly changing world, we believe that St Columba’s College equips young people with academic standards and values that they need for success and, in recognising the uniqueness of our students, we prepare them to be the leaders of the future.
