Offering a seamless journey through the school, St Benedict's School in Ealing has made the decision that pupils in their Junior School will no longer need to sit the 11+ entrance exam for transferring to its Senior School from September 2025.

Instead, the co-educational all-through school expects pupils in their Junior School to continue through to the Senior School and Sixth Form.

Starting from September 2025, existing Junior School pupils will not be required to sit the 11+ entrance exam.

This will allow them to maintain momentum in their learning and ensure a smooth, confident transition into the Senior School, leaving them relaxed and ready for the next exciting chapter ahead.

Following a survey which was conducted among all Junior School parents, the results of which were overwhelmingly in favour of removing the requirement to sit the 11+ assessment.

Junior School Headmaster, Rob Simmons said: "We are delighted to offer our Year 6 pupils a seamless transition into secondary education without the need for a formal 11+ examination.

"This approach reduces stress and pressure on our pupils, allowing them to benefit from a suitably enriched learning journey. By focusing on holistic development and our core Benedictine values, we can provide a nurturing environment that supports academic excellence and personal growth.

"Our commitment to fostering strong relationships and a sense of community ensures that each pupil can continue to thrive and achieve her/his full potential."

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One parent commented: "I think that this is an excellent idea. We would value the extra time this gives to target a more rounded and differentiated learning experience rather than focusing on one exam result that gives a lot of stress to children at a very young age."

Speaking about the positive change, Headmaster Joe Smith added:

"We pride ourselves on being able to offer a continuous and cohesive educational experience from earliest of days in Nursery and the Junior School through to the Senior School and Sixth Form.

"When children join us in the Junior School, we fully anticipate that they will continue their journey with us into the Senior School, where we remain committed to providing a challenging, enriching, and stimulating curriculum that prepares the girls and boys for the excellent academic and co-curricular opportunities ahead."

St Benedict's has a number of upcoming Open Events for Junior and Senior School:

• Stay & Play Early Years Taster Session – Friday 20 June 2025
• Senior School Open Morning – Thursday 11 September 2025
• Nursery & Junior School Open Morning – Thursday 18 September 2025
• Whole School Open Morning - Saturday 4 October 2025

For a full list and to book onto one of their events visit: https://www.stbenedicts.org.uk/visit-us

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