As one of the premier prep schools in London, academic excellence is a given at Orchard House. We offer our children an exceptional education, tailored to them. Our teachers encourage our children to be independent thinkers, both inside and out of the classroom.
While we are non-selective, we find the best in each child, helping them to develop their own unique talents. As a result, our children continue their education at the UK’s best day and boarding schools. In the last few years, our Year 6 leavers went on to schools including:
- Benenden
- Charterhouse
- City of London
- Emanuel
- Francis Holland
- Godolphin & Latymer
- Hampton School
- Ibstock Place
- Kew House
- Kings College, Wimbledon
- Lady Eleanor Holles
- Latymer Upper
- Notting Hill & Ealing
- St Paul’s Girls’
- St. Benedict’s
- The Harrodian
The 11+ and Senior School Preparation
Our Year 6 students are uniquely prepared for entrance to a senior school which is best suited to their abilities, character and interests.
We prepare children for senior school life of which the 11+ test is just one part of it. However, to ensure success we provide an expert programme of senior school preparation.
Exam and Interview Preparation
In Year 5 parents and students will attend Senior School Open Days, have an individual meeting with the Form teachers and Deputy Head to discuss choices and meet with the Headteacher about all options.
Our online verbal and non-verbal reasoning and “Dukes Interview Prep” Programme gives students the opportunity to practise exams and interview skills with an expert.
Senior School Place is Confirmed
Most of our students will receive offers from all of their senior schools of choice.
We work with every family to help them decide which school is best for the child – where they will be challenged and nurtured in the best way for them.
Post-Examination Programme
We know that our Year 6 benefit immensely from this opportunity to broaden their experiences before they embark on the next stage of their education. In recent years the children in Year 6 have been offered the following:
- Inter-school debating competitions
- A study of Shakespeare’s work in English
- Travel safety and cycle proficiency
- First Aid Training
- Sports Leadership Programme
- Young Enterprise Project
- Maths in Motion
- Courses in Spanish and Mandarin
- Theatre trips
- Re-enactment of a court case at the Royal Court of Justice
- A Leavers’ Service with families and staff
- Young Shakespeare Society
Start at Senior School
Our continued outstanding success at 11+ destinations, including academic, music, sports, drama and art scholarships is testament to our commitment to ensure each child moves on to a senior school of their choice confident, prepared and happy.
Pathway to Senior School – Dukes Education
Our pupils will move onto the school that best suits their attainment and aptitude at 11+. We prepare them for the school that is right for them, and our experienced teachers will help support your child at every step of the way. It may be that another Dukes school is suitable for your child. If so, we are happy to advise and recommend them, and one of the benefits of being part of the Dukes Education family is that we can offer priority entrance to your child.
What does priority entry mean?
Priority access means that a pupil at one Dukes school enjoys preferential entry to another, but it is not a guarantee of acceptance. Each school has its own admissions criteria, and an assessment process for entry, and every pupil needs to meet the minimum criteria. A child that meets the eligibility criteria to join another Dukes school moves straight to the front of the queue. This can take a good deal of uncertainty and stress out of the 11+.
Year 5 confirmation
If pupils prefer to continue on to a Dukes senior school, we may be able to confirm acceptance during Year 5, subject to meeting the entry criteria.
Radnor House School, Twickenham
Darryl Wideman
Headteacher Radnor House School, Twickenham www.radnor-twickenham.org
Radnor House Twickenham is an independent selective coeducational day school enjoying a stunning location on the banks of the River Thames in Twickenham, where pupils thrive in small classes with a strong focus on individual attention. Life at RHT is shaped by the school’s commitment to providing an active learning environment for limitless minds. Everyone firmly believes that all pupils are capable of great things if effectively taught, motivated and inspired by their school environment.
Hampton Court House School
Dr Adrian Rainbow
Headteacher Hampton Court House School www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk
Hampton Court House is an independent co-educational school and sixth form. The school is situated in its own private parkland, a 30-to-40-minute drive from central London. At HCH, we lay the foundations of a lifelong love of learning. Children are offered the best of both worlds – they are emotionally supported and encouraged to work hard. The result of being raised at HCH means they will not only do better, they will be better people. All children are prepared for 13+ and while some go on to leading day and boarding schools, most choose to stay with us for their GCSE and A Level years.
Eaton Square Senior School
Caroline Townsend
Headteacher Eaton Square Senior School www.eatonsquareschool.com
Eaton Square Senior School is a vibrant, popular community where pupils learn not only the skills but also the values that will prepare them for their life beyond senior school. The education at Eaton Square has a traditional British foundation, but a modern and international outlook. The school is located in two historical buildings in central London; Years 7 – 11 are on Piccadilly in a Grade 1 listed building that once housed Ian Fleming, among other notaries, and the Sixth Form which opens in September 2022 will be in a newly renovated Georgian townhouse in Belgravia. Students enjoy access to the Old Actonians sports club facilities.