Secondary Transfer

At St Olave’s Prep School we prepare children for moving on to a wide range of secondary schools.

As an independent school we are not restricted by the National Curriculum. Our curriculum is personally structured and, in the later years, geared every step of the way for those who wish to take senior school examinations at 11+.  

Our curriculum is underpinned by the individual syllabi of a variety of grammar, excellent state and independent schools at 11+. The curriculum remains broad and balanced with a continued emphasis on creativity, questioning and independent thinking.  

St Olave’s children transfer to a wide range of grammar, state and independent schools at the end of Year 6 and it is our aim to ensure that each child transfers to the most suitable secondary school for their ability and needs. Parents ultimately decide which school this should be and enter their children accordingly. Therefore, we seek to guide and advise them throughout the decision making period.

The curriculum taught throughout the school, but particularly in Years 5 and 6 is excellent preparation for the selective exams.  In the Spring term in Year 5, more targeted preparation begins, including regular practice of past examination questions. The selective exams for Bexley 11+, Kent 11+ and Medway 11+ take place in September of Year 6, therefore some of the Year 6 syllabus is covered during the summer term of Year 5. The Year 5 teachers move up to Year 6 with the children to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Exams may include Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Non Verbal Reasoning (NVR) papers so, in the summer term of Year 3, Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning are introduced to the children through games and word play.