What to expect in Upper School
Pupils in Years 6, 7 & 8 have the chance to…
In Year 6, children can apply to be a scholar at St Peter's and, in Years 7 & 8, they commence their preparation for achieving Year 9 scholarships at their future senior schools. Parents work closely with Mrs Johnston to select a senior school.
Sports tours have taken place in various locations including Cardiff and Jersey and they are open to pupils in Years 7 and 8. Our specialist games and PE staff lead these tours.
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This is a three-year programme that explores the concept of leadership and encorages resilience. Spirit of Adventure develops outdoor and leadership skills culminating in an expedition on Dartmoor.
At the end of the Spring term, Upper School pupils have had the chance to go on trips to Barcelona, Iceland, Rome and Sorrento and the next trip on offer is to Madrid. (All year 8 pupils go to France in the Summer term as part of their school fees).
Year 8s are encouraged to develop their critical thinking and to have a problem-solving attitude towards their own learning. Their Baccalaureate certificates are presented at Speech Day.
We will invite approximately 20 senior schools to exhibit their Year 9 offering in St Peter's Preparatory School's Wessex Hall in April 2026. This is an opportunity for parents and children to meet representatives from many of our local senior schools and discuss how their school might be suitable.
The bar chart shows the scholarships our Year 8 pupils have achieved at the senior schools they joined in Year 9.
Senior schools are looking for children with a high IQ (verbal reasoning score of 120 and above) when it comes to academic scholars. They will be especially interested in those who have been identified by St Peter's as being of high potential ability and who have proved themselves to be very self-motivated. Would-be academic scholars will be naturally curious about current affairs, they will have wide general knowledge and an enthusiasm for solving problems of all kinds.
A comprehensive portfolio (which St Peter's will support with creating)
Strong interest evidenced by visits to galleries, workshops, etc.
Participation in productions both in and out of school, likely in a major/lead role
Strong interest evidenced by visits to productions and performances
two instruments expected
Grade 5 theory (or working towards) is useful
Participation in bands/orchestras inside and outside school
Strong interest evidenced by visits to concerts and performances
These are awarded to children with proven outstanding sports ability and potential. Requirements vary slightly from school to school, but a candidate for a sports award will:
have represented St Peter's as a member of the 1st team in at least 2 major sports
have county representation in one major sport, as a minimum. Regional or National representation makes a stronger case
show consistently high levels of motivation and sportsmanship in all sports
participate in minor sports to a high level
have prepared a CV of their achievements.
These are aimed at candidates who have significant strengths in more than one area. Candidates need to demonstrate above-average academic ability and leadership in as many as possible from Art, Music, Drama, Sport, Design Technology, etc.
The rules vary from school to school; we will help and advise you on the best course to take.
Your child may be asked to attend over a number of different days, to fit in with the assessments for the various disciplines.
A keen interest and strong ability in computing and problem-solving, extending outside of school
Evidence of independent programming
It is important to realise that a lot of extra revision is required for schools such as Exeter School and Wellington School that will need to be done at home after school and in the holidays.
Make sure your children know how to revise and let us know as soon as possible if they are sitting any senior school scholarships. Dr Evans can supply you with the following documents:
Different ways to revise
Encourage good revision habits:
Revision hints & tips
Have regular check ins with them as to how they are progressing through the subject checklists they have been given:
13+ revision checklists
Contact Mrs Squance (hmpa@stpetersprepschool.co.uk) to book an appointment with Mrs Johnston to discuss future schools if you have not already.
Contact Dr Evans (rowan.evans@stpetersprepschool.co.uk) with any general questions about the future schools process.
Exeter School
The Maynard School
Wellington School
Blundell's School
King's College (Taunton)
Queen's College (Taunton)
Stover School
Taunton School
Maths paper
English paper
Choice of Science / French / Humanities paper
NVR/VR/spatial reasoning computer asessment
Informal interview with the Head
Date of test: November of Y8
Maths assessment on taster day
English assessment on taster day
Date of test: January of Y8
Science paper
Informal online chat with the Head
NVR & VR paper
Queen's College
No entry requirements
If you apply for a scholarship, then you sit academic papers
Date of test: February of Y8
If you apply for a scholarship, then you sit academic papers in:
Maths
English
Humanities / Philosophy & Ethics
King's College
VR paper
Date of test: March of Y8
