Preparation for Senior Schools

At Heatherton, we understand that choosing the right Senior School is one of the most important decisions you will make for your daughter’s future. That’s why we prepare our pupils for a wide range of Senior Schools, including Grammar and Independent Schools

Hear from Heatherton Alumni

Moving onto Secondary School

Heatherton pupils will stand out from others in their holistic preparation for moving up to Senior School. We begin conversations about next steps in Year 4 and continue to work in partnership with parents to navigate the pathway to finding the right choice. Our pupils are fully supported throughout the transfer process for entry into any Senior School they may wish to apply for, as well as when preparing for scholarships. We are able to accurately predict each girl’s suitability for a wide range of senior schools, including local independent and grammar schools, reflected in our average 11+ pass rate of 70% over the past five years.

 

“Heatherton punches well above its weight. As a foundation and springboard for ‘big school’, I could not think of a better place for our daughter.”

Current Parent

“In an environment that nurtured both my independence and confidence, I was empowered to step into leadership roles and succeed.”

Amber – Former Heatherton pupil, now studying Medicine at Queen’s University

“Pupils are well prepared for senior school. The school enables pupils to develop financial awareness and promotes their sense of responsibility to others by enabling them to carry out leadership roles, such as school and eco-councillors. They show consideration for the needs of others and engage actively in the community, both locally and further afield.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate, November 2024

“Heatherton provided my daughter with a solid foundation of confidence, a love of learning new things, and great social skills, which prepared her beautifully to move on to Secondary School.”

Former Heatherton Parent

Senior School Destinations

Heatherton girls go on to a variety of Senior Schools, and we are proud to say that they get into their first choice of schools, whether that be a Grammar or Girls’ Day Independent School.

Many of our girls move forward with Berkhamsted and join our senior girls school.

The stats below show the Year 6 leavers’ destinations schools from 2019 onwards.

 

DestinationNumber of pupilsScholarships & Exhibitions Awarded
Dr Challoner’s High School 39
Berkhamsted Girls School38Drama (Exhibition) 3; Drama and Music (Exhibition) 1 ; Music (Exhibition) 2; Academic and Music Scholarship 1
Amersham School8
Chesham Grammar School8
Pipers Corner4Academic 1; Sport 1
The Royal Masonic School for Girls4All Rounder (Exhibition) 1; Art Scholarship 1; Academic and Art Scholarship 1
Ashlyns School3
Beaconsfield High School3
Chiltern Hills Academy 3
St Mary’s School3
St Clement Danes School2
Aylesbury High1
Headington1
Holmer Green Senior School1
Queen Anne’s School1Art 1; Sport 1
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School1
Wycombe Abbey1

Our Remarkable Alumni

Hear from our alumni as they share their journeys and the foundations that began at Heatherton.

Studying Medicine at Queens University
Studying Classics at University of Oxford