At Micklefield, we aim to provide an education that develops confident, curious and motivated learners, fully prepared for senior school and for life beyond it. We believe that academic progress and personal growth go hand in hand, which is why our values sit at the heart of everything we do. When children feel secure, valued and a genuine sense of belonging, they gain the self-esteem and resilience needed to achieve their full potential.
Our rich and broad curriculum, combined with personalised support, nurtures every child’s strengths and accelerates their learning as they move through the school. Along the way, we aim to develop resilience, determination and a lifelong love of learning, qualities that will accompany them into senior school and beyond.
Choosing the right senior school is a significant moment for every family. Our role is to support families in finding the ‘right fit’ school for their child – a place where they will not simply cope but truly thrive. Children should have the space to flourish, be stretched appropriately and still have the time and energy for a rich extra-curricular life.
We are proud to have strong relationships with a wide range of senior schools, both independent and state, and we will guide you through every stage of the process. For families considering schools within the Reigate Grammar School family, we can support early pathways and transition arrangements. For others, we offer expert guidance on applications and, where appropriate, additional preparation for selective entry. We know that informed and well-paced preparation builds confidence and helps children perform at their best.
A successful transition to Year 7 builds on the strong foundation your child has established here at Micklefield, academically, socially and emotionally. Our aim is simple: that they move on as happy, healthy and fulfilled young people, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the next stage of their education.
Ryan Ardé Headmaster
WHAT DRIVES OUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS?
Our children achieve excellent outcomes and move on to senior school as confident, curious and compassionate young people. We believe their success is rooted in:
Wellbeing first – when children feel secure, valued and part of a community, they learn and achieve more. Wellbeing sits at the heart of our culture and shapes every learning experience.
Personalised support – teachers know each child’s strengths, interests and next steps. This understanding ensures that learning is adapted, targeted and meaningful.
A broad and stimulating curriculum – our programme is designed to be rigorous and engaging, ensuring there is progression in learning throughout the school. We value creativity, languages, sport and the arts alongside core subjects. Children discover their interests, develop new skills and learn to view the world from different perspectives.
Exceptional teaching and care – our talented teachers and support staff bring expertise, passion and high expectations. They make learning inspiring, encourage curiosity and give children the confidence to embrace challenges.
A supportive school family – strong relationships and a warm, collaborative atmosphere help children work together, ask questions and learn from one another.
A growth mindset – we praise effort, perseverance and learning from mistakes. Children build resilience, enjoy challenge and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Values that shape character – our values of Kindness, Respect, Resilience and Responsibility guide children every day, helping them become thoughtful individuals and responsible citizens.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATHWAY
The journey to senior school begins the moment your child joins Micklefield. While our curriculum builds a deep love of learning, each child is unique and requires their own route. We support families to make informed decisions about which senior school will enable their child to thrive.
“The school fully meets its aim to equip pupils with a life-long love for learning.”
ISI Report 2023
HOW WE UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL
There is no single test that determines potential at Micklefield. Instead, we use continuous, balanced and age-appropriate assessment to build an accurate picture of every child. Assessment is used to help us support progress, not to create pressure.
We track four core areas:
• Attainment – what a child can do now
• Application – how they approach learning
• Resilience – willingness to try, adapt and improve
• Potential – indicators of future academic development
Teachers adapt learning based on this information, ensuring each child receives appropriate stretch and support.
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW BY STAGE
EARLY YEARS (NURSERY & RECEPTION)
There are no formal tests. Teachers use daily interactions and structured observations to ensure each child builds secure early foundations.
YEARS 1&2 (KEY STAGE 1)
We use a combination of teacher observations, independent tasks and different forms of assessment to build a full picture of your child’s learning and progress at Micklefield.
Baseline data is collected to help teachers identify the next steps for each individual, and summative assessments are carried out in the Summer term. These do not require preparation; rather, they provide a snapshot of your child’s attainment in relation to their peers. They also help us understand how we can best support your child in reaching their full potential.
Regular informal assessments in Maths, English and Writing provide a broader picture of your child’s attainment and help inform transition into Key Stage 2.
The emphasis in Year 1 and Year 2 remains on daily feedback. Teachers continually assess understanding through regular interactions to ensure the children have a secure grasp of key concepts.
Regular parents’ evenings and end-of-year reports keep parents informed every step of the way.
“ From Year 1 onwards, standardised tests, along with professional judgements about performance in class, help us to build an accurate picture of each child. We consider application, resilience and academic potential.” Year 1 Teacher
YEARS 3–6 (KEY STAGE 2)
In Years 3 to 6, children are introduced to a range of tests from a recognised external educational supplier. These assessments are designed to determine whether your child is performing to his or her potential. They also provide valuable information on how your child is progressing compared both nationally and against their peers, what knowledge has been retained, and where there may be gaps or misunderstandings. This enables us to offer targeted support to ensure that every child can continue to thrive.
These tests are not intensively prepared for, but the children do become very familiar with their format over the years. It is the results of these tests, along with the teachers’ assessments of your child, that enable us to form judgements of academic potential based on your child’s progress, resilience and attitude.
Formal tests are carried out several times a year in comprehension, English and maths. The children enjoy the challenge, relishing the opportunity to demonstrate what they know. Teachers celebrate reflective learners who take risks and show resilience – skills essential for future success.
SUMMARY
EYFS Observations and dialogue, no formal tests
Years 1–2
Years 3–6
Ongoing teacher assessment and Summer term standardised tests
Ongoing teacher assessments, formal assessments and yearly standardised tests in core subjects
Across all years Focus on progress, effort, resilience and attitude
THE ROUTE TO A SENIOR SCHOOL WITHIN THE RGS FAMILY
All Year 5 pupils at Micklefield will receive an early offer to either Reigate Grammar School (RGS) or RGS Surrey Hills (RGSSH) without the need to sit an entrance exam or go through the 11+ process.
Reigate Grammar School is highly academically selective, with a proven track record of exceptional results. RGS will suit children who would benefit from a fast-paced learning environment alongside a plethora of extra-curricular opportunities.
RGS Surrey Hills is an academically aspirational day school (with a small amount of boarding) located in the beautiful North Downs. RGS Surrey Hills will suit children who may benefit from a smaller setting and those who are interested in a more inclusive educational offering. Pupils at RGS Surrey Hills can study both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB).
We know our pupils well, and the early admissions process to Reigate Grammar School or RGS Surrey Hills is based on a proven track record of academic ability and excellence in behaviour and attitude over the course of a pupil’s time at Micklefield. The indicators we use specifically include those for the core subjects, which are reported to parents in the termly feedback via reports and at Parents’ Evenings. Most emphasis is placed on the indicators from the Summer term, once the whole curriculum has been covered.
THE ROUTE TO OTHER SENIOR SCHOOLS
If Reigate Grammar School or RGS Surrey Hills are not your choice for your child’s senior school, we will work closely with you and support you in finding the best senior school for your child.
We have excellent and close relationships with many senior schools in the local area. These links, combined with a tried-and-tested programme of 11+ preparation and support, ensure that every child is well equipped to approach the process with confidence. Our approach is designed to support all pupils in gaining places at schools that are the right fit for them.
In recent years, our results have been excellent, with children moving on from Micklefield to a wide range of local independent and state schools. Many have achieved scholarships in academics, music, sport and art, reflecting both their talents and the strong preparation they receive here.
We have a dedicated SEND Coordinator and staff with strong knowledge and understanding of SEND. Just as importantly, our close relationships with senior schools ensure that all necessary provisions are in place so that children are well supported throughout the transition process. Any SEND requirements are also discussed with future senior schools, and our excellent SEND staff support families all the way through the process.
TIMELINE: YEAR 5
In the Spring term of Year 5, the Headmaster and Deputy Head hold individual meetings with parents to discuss which senior schools you may be considering and if your child would thrive at RGS, RGSSH or another school.
RGS Pathway
In the Autumn term, senior staff from Micklefield, RGS and RGSSH meet to discuss each individual child, considering academic data, confidence, work aptitude and wider personal development. A decision is then made regarding an RGS or RGSSH early offer. In the Spring term, RGS and RGSSH hold special Open Mornings for Micklefield Year 5 families who have been given an indication that one of these schools may be the ‘right fit’ school.
Parents will then receive a letter inviting them to express their interest in RGS or RGSSH and asking whether they wish to apply for a place. If so, an interview is arranged for their child in April. At this time, children can also apply for sport, drama and music scholarships.
In May, an offer letter is sent. An acceptance is required by the half-term break of the Summer term. Once you have accepted your place at RGS or RGSSH, your child will continue their Micklefield journey with a rigorous senior school programme of academic challenge and exceptional extracurricular provision.
“Pupils are consistently enthusiastic about all aspects of school life.” ISI Report 2023
“Micklefield prepares students not just for exams, but for life.”
Muddy Stilettos
11+ Pathway
In the Autumn and Spring terms, Year 5 parents are encouraged to visit the schools they are interested in so they can make an informed decision. At Micklefield, we pride ourselves on knowing your child and are very happy to help by offering our advice with the selection process.
Having a detailed understanding of your child’s academic level is an important element of the decision-making process, but equally, other considerations should be given to the size and location of the school, the ethos of the school or any subject specialism that the school promotes.
In Years 5 and 6, staff at Micklefield will provide access to online resources for English, maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. This will also be set as part of the weekly homework and practised during some lessons. Homework will be targeted towards preparation for senior school entry. Over the summer holidays, homework packs will be sent home for children to continue with their learning.
THE 11+ ROUTE: APPLYING TO OTHER SENIOR SCHOOLS
The preparation process for children moving on to senior schools outside of the RGS family is led by the Deputy Head. The Deputy Head oversees everything from preparing children for their written exams, right through to honing their interview techniques.
A key part of the Deputy Head’s role is the building of relationships with children, parents and senior schools to ensure each child receives an offer to a school most suited to them.
The Deputy Head is in a unique position of being able to form a detailed picture of each child: not only their academic profile but personality traits, particularly confidence and independence, which are essential when ensuring they are ready to take that next step.
The Deputy Head, working closely with and in support of the Headmaster, has established strong relationships with the senior school staff and possesses extensive knowledge of each school’s entry requirements, enabling the Headmaster and Deputy Head together to build trust with the senior schools and guide families effectively through the decision - making process.
Conversations and individual meetings with parents are held if necessary, particularly in relation to scholarship potential.
In the Autumn term of Year 6, we once again touch base with parents of pupils not progressing to RGS or RGS Surrey Hills, offering guidance and requesting confirmation of all independent or state schools to which they are applying. At the same time, we continue to work closely with families to help them identify the most suitable senior school for their child, offering clear guidance and consistent support throughout the application process.
“The school’s commitment to individual attention ensures that each child feels valued and supported.”
Muddy Stilettos
A RICH & BALANCED YEAR 6 EXPERIENCE
Even for children preparing for external assessments, life in Year 6 remains broad, stimulating and confidence-building. Our programme ensures children step into senior school academically prepared, emotionally grounded and socially confident, without narrowing the curriculum or losing the joy of learning.
ACADEMIC STRETCH & PREPARATION
Pupils refine their exam technique through sample papers from a range of senior schools, supported by an advanced literacy and maths programme that extends well beyond the standard curriculum. Study-skills workshops help them develop independence, organisation and resilience for the challenges ahead.
A BROAD & INSPIRING CURRICULUM
Throughout Year 6, children continue to enjoy the full richness of school life with everything from science, humanities and the arts to sport and outdoor learning. This broad, stimulating curriculum ensures they remain engaged, curious and confidently prepared for the wider expectations of senior school.
TRANSITION SKILLS FOR SENIOR SCHOOL
Our transition programme introduces concepts and approaches beyond national curriculum expectations, giving pupils a confident head start. Digital literacy and research skills are woven into lessons to reflect modern senior school requirements.
CONFIDENCE, COMMUNICATION & LEADERSHIP
Interview preparation with our Drama Lead helps pupils develop poise, articulate communication and self-presentation. Leadership roles, public speaking and debating give children opportunities to shine and demonstrate maturity.
WELLBEING & PERSONAL GROWTH
Year 6 also prioritises wellbeing. Mindfulness, teamwork and confidence-building activities ensure pupils grow emotionally as well as academically, enabling a smooth transition into Year 7.
SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES
Parents receive personalised guidance at every stage of the senior school journey, offering clarity, reassurance and expert support.
