The Benefits of Years 7 & 8 at Prestfelde

1. Emotional and Social Growth
At age 11, children are often just beginning to navigate the complexities of adolescence. Moving to a secondary school environment at this stage, where they might be surrounded by much older pupils and introduced to pressures like GCSEs, can be overwhelming. By remaining at a prep school for an additional two years, children benefit from a nurturing environment that gives them time to develop.

In Years 7 and 8 at Prestfelde, we focus on fostering leadership, responsibility, and independence. Every pupil takes on key roles in school life, whether as a mentor to younger pupils, a House leader, or a member of a choir, orchestra, or sports team. These leadership opportunities are critical to building self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. For instance, Year 8 children are regularly involved in peer mentorship, reading with younger children in Nursery and Reception and organising play-based activities for them during breaks. These experiences allow them to serve as positive role models, boosting their social skills and emotional intelligence.

2. Academic Readiness
From an academic perspective, Years 7 and 8 at Prestfelde provide tailored, individualised learning. With smaller class sizes and subject-specialist teachers, children receive more personalised attention, allowing them to grow in areas of strength and work on areas of improvement. The focus here is on fostering a love of learning, one that students carry forward into their senior school years.

In these final two years, our pupils also develop independent learning skills. They learn how to approach new challenges, manage their time effectively, and study independently—skills that will serve them well in senior school and throughout their lives. By the age of 13, Prestfelde pupils are confident learners who are prepared to tackle whatever academic challenges come their way.

3. Leadership and Responsibility
One of the defining features of Years 7 and 8 is the leadership opportunities students are given. At Prestfelde, Year 8 pupils naturally take on leadership roles across the school, whether through House leadership, student councils, or mentoring younger pupils. These roles are critical for developing not only responsibility but also self-confidence and empathy.

By the time pupils leave Prestfelde at age 13, they have learned what it means to be accountable, to contribute to a community, and to lead by example. They are prepared for the rigors of senior school, not just academically but emotionally and socially as well.

4. The Importance of History and Tradition
The 3-13 educational model isn’t new. Prep schools have historically served as a stepping stone, preparing children for entry to senior schools at 13. Despite shifts in educational policies, such as the introduction of the National Curriculum and the decline of middle schools, we believe that this tradition still holds value today. At Prestfelde, we are proud to continue this model because we believe it serves our pupils best, providing a more comprehensive preparation for their next stage of education and for life.

In a world where the educational landscape is rapidly changing, Prestfelde Preparatory School remains committed to the 3-13 model—because we know it works. The benefits of Years 7 and 8 go far beyond academic preparation. They offer children a critical window of time to grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually. These years provide an opportunity for students to build confidence, explore their passions, and develop leadership skills in a supportive, engaging environment.

By the time they leave Prestfelde at 13, our pupils are not only ready for senior school—they are ready for the world.