Middle (Years 8 to 9)

Year 8: Growing Responsibility 

By Year 8, boys are familiar with the daily routines and expectations of Grammar School life. Their development as people and learners continues, with an onus on fostering responsibility, confidence and independent thinking through which the boys develop the necessary skills to successfully navigate any challenges they may encounter. In Year 8, boys are supported by their Head of Year and Head of Middle School. 

Through the year our boys study 16 subjects, providing them with the opportunity to experience the broadest possible range of subjects before they start to consider their options for GCSEs. 

Throughout their time at the school, our extended lunch break enables the majority of co-curricular clubs to take place during the school day. This means that pupils travelling by school bus do not miss out. 

Year 9: Academic Focus 

In Year 9, we lay solid academic foundations ahead of starting GCSEs in Year 10. Combined with support from an excellent tutor team, this helps boys grow into independent-minded and resilient young men, setting the stage for making informed subject choices during the options process. 

Pastoral care continues to provide strong support and continuity, particularly important as the boys mature and take responsibility for their academic decisions. 

The co-curricular offer further evolves, with all boys encouraged to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which sees them learn new skills, participate in physical activity, add value to the community through volunteering and work together to complete an expedition.