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 Benedict’s
- St Paul’s Girls’
- 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.
Together we’re extraordinary
Orchard House School is part of the Dukes Education family of schools and educators, brought together by a common purpose: to give children the foundations for an extraordinary life.
We create clusters of nurseries and schools in village locations to ensure that families can enjoy the option of an all-through education journey with Dukes Education within their local area.
Continuity and Confidence
As students prepare to transition from prep school to senior school at Year 7, our guaranteed entry policy offers a seamless progression within the Dukes family of senior schools, subject only to the availability of a place and a child’s ability to thrive in the ethos and curriculum, and without the need to sit traditional school entrance exams such as the 11+.
Guaranteed Placement, Tailored Support
Dukes Education supports each child’s journey to senior school, working with families to find the right school; one that matches their unique strengths and aspirations.
Our commitment to providing a guaranteed place at a Dukes Education senior school allows students to focus on their personal and academic development instead of spending precious time preparing for school entrance exams and the added pressure that entails.
For families applying to selective senior schools, our prep schools provide thorough guidance, tailored 11+ exam preparation and exceptional pastoral support to ensure that every student is ready to perform at their best.
This approach ensures a confident and smooth transition to senior school for all children, nurturing lifelong learners within the supportive framework of Dukes Education.
Early acceptance
If a family decides their child will not sit the 11+ entrance test, we are usually able to confirm acceptance to a Dukes senior school in Year 5. Early acceptance offers families peace of mind, allowing children to enjoy their final years at prep school and focus on a positive transition to senior school.
Continue reading for more information on your closest Dukes senior schools.
Radnor House School, Twickenham
Mrs Amy Cavilla
Principal
www.radnor-twickenham.org
Ages 11-18
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
Mrs Kate Vintiner
Principal
www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk
Ages 2-18
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.