Preparing for the 11+: What Parents Need to Know

At Sherborne House, we know that preparing for the 11+ isn’t just about passing an exam — it’s about preparing children to thrive in the next stage of their educational journey. As Hampshire’s only standalone 11+ prep school, we provide a dedicated and expert approach that supports both academic success and personal development.

Whether you’re just starting to explore selective secondary schools or looking for the right support to help your child excel, here’s what parents need to know.

---

A Specialist Approach to 11+ Prep

Sherborne House is built around a clear and focused 11+ pathway. While we have deep expertise in preparing children for grammar school and selective independent school entry at Year 7, we pride ourselves on supporting every pupil in achieving their full potential — whatever their secondary school destination may be.

Our tailored programme includes:

• A curriculum mapped to 11+ requirements — with explicit alignment to grammar and independent school entrance expectations.

• Dedicated reasoning sessions — focused weekly lessons in verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, including strategies for timed practice and question analysis.

• Structured exam preparation — incorporating mock exams under timed conditions, paper reviews, and strategies for managing exam day.

• Regular pupil progress tracking — using assessments and individual feedback to target support and boost confidence.

• Specialist teaching staff — experienced in delivering 11+ content and skilled in identifying and responding to each child’s learning needs.

We create a purposeful and structured learning environment that gives children the tools — and the belief — to succeed.

---

Teaching That Builds Confidence and Capability

At Sherborne House, success in the 11+ — and beyond — comes from more than subject knowledge alone. Our teaching is designed to develop the core academic foundations and the broader learning habits and skills that enable children to thrive in any setting.

Through our OUR STORY skills, which are embedded across all areas of the curriculum, pupils become:

• Self-motivated learners with secure foundations in English and Maths, built through challenging, mastery-led lessons.

• Thoughtful thinkers, with critical thinking and reasoning skills developed across subjects through problem-solving, exploration, and reflection.

• Outstanding communicators, with strong written and verbal fluency nurtured through structured discussions, extended writing, presentations, and interview preparation.

• Resilient individuals, supported in developing independent study habits through homework tasks, revision planning, and self-assessment tools.

• Young collaborators and leaders, gaining experience in teamwork through group challenges, class projects, and peer-led activities.

• Reflective learners, encouraged to evaluate their progress, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for growth.

Our teachers deliver personalised support through small-group interventions, 1:1 support where needed, and targeted revision strategies — all while nurturing each child’s self-belief, emotional intelligence, and motivation to succeed.

---

Balancing Challenge with Wellbeing

We understand that preparing for the 11+ and the next stage of education can be both exciting and demanding — and that children do best when their wellbeing is nurtured alongside their academic progress. At Sherborne House, we take a truly holistic approach to ensure every child feels supported, confident, and secure throughout their journey.

At Sherborne House:

• Pastoral care is embedded into everyday school life, with form tutors, class teachers, teaching assistants, our dedicated Pastoral Lead, and our SENCo all working together to support each child’s emotional development and mental health.

• Small class sizes allow us to know each child as an individual. This means we can identify challenges early and respond with timely, personalised support — whether academic, emotional, or social.

• Mindfulness, PSHE, and creative expression are built into the weekly timetable, helping children develop emotional resilience, self-awareness, and healthy coping strategies.

• Our newly created Wellbeing Garden offers a peaceful, natural space where pupils can relax, reflect, and reset — supporting calm, focus, and emotional regulation during the school day.

• Our enhanced Forest School space provides regular opportunities for outdoor learning, risk-taking, and teamwork in a natural environment. These sessions not only promote physical health but also foster independence, problem-solving, and self-esteem.

• Flexible provision ensures that all children are supported and stretched as needed — from in-class differentiation and booster groups to enrichment activities that build curiosity and confidence.

• Strong home–school communication keeps parents closely involved in their child’s journey, with regular updates, open dialogue, and a shared focus on each child’s all-round development.

We believe that a happy, emotionally secure child is a confident learner — and that strong wellbeing is the foundation of exam readiness, long-term success, and lifelong curiosity.

---

Sherborne House Success Stories: Where Our Pupils Go Next

Our pupils regularly gain entry to leading grammar and independent schools, including:

• King Edward VI School (KES)

• St Swithun’s School

• Embley

• The Gregg School

• Grammar Schools in Salisbury and Bournemouth

In recent years, Sherborne House pupils have been awarded a wide range of scholarships — a clear reflection of the breadth, quality, and personalisation of the preparation we offer. Our commitment goes beyond academic excellence: we nurture the full spectrum of our pupils’ talents and provide clear guidance for those aiming to pursue scholarship opportunities.

As part of our developing scholarship programme, we identify potential scholars early and provide targeted support tailored to their strengths and aspirations. This includes:

• Personalised mentoring and coaching in academic, creative, and sporting disciplines

• Portfolio preparation for Art, Music, and Drama scholarships

• Interview and audition support, including mock interviews and performance practice

• Close liaison with secondary schools to ensure each application is aligned to expectations and deadlines

• Dedicated parent meetings to discuss scholarship routes and support the decision-making process

We are proud of our pupils’ recent scholarship success, which demonstrates not only their ability, but also the school’s commitment to helping each child fulfil their potential:

These outcomes reflect the strength of our evolving scholarship pathways — and our broader belief that every pupil should be challenged, inspired, and supported to achieve their very best.

---

Is Your Child Ready for the next stage of education?

Every child is different — and with the right environment, preparation, and encouragement, every child can thrive.

If you’re wondering whether the 11+ is the right path, or you’re seeking a school that provides genuine guidance and tailored support for your chosen secondary destination, we’re here to help.

Here’s what one of our Year 6 parents shared about their experience:

“We are very grateful for all the support our son has received from the teaching team at Sherborne House over the years, both from an academic and pastoral perspective. He has been very happy, well looked after and appropriately challenged, and we feel he has really flourished during his time there.” — Parent of Year 6 pupil

“In terms of preparation for secondary school, he was well prepared — not only in covering the academic areas but also in building his confidence. He has also developed important leadership skills.”

---

Visit Sherborne House and Discover the Sherborne House Advantage

Come to one of our upcoming 11+ events: https://www.sherbornehouse.co.uk/admissions-process/open-events/

• 11+ Virtual Event – Preparing your child for any secondary destination
• Senior Schools Evening

Alternatively, come and see how our focused, nurturing approach helps children succeed — not just in exams, but in life.

Our Registrar, Estelle Szasz, would be delighted to arrange a personal visit and to answer any questions about our 11+ preparation.

📧 admissions@sherbornehouse.co.uk
📞 02380 252440
🌐 Book your visit at sherbornehouse.co.uk