Destination Schools

A distinctive feature of Saint Ronan’s is the breadth of destination schools. Indeed, children have transferred to us to over sixty different schools since 2014.

Saint Ronan’s uses its independence well and has no conflicts of interest. It’s all about you, your child and your family.

We have also maintained unusually large cohorts in both Years 7 and 8, with over 100 children in these two senior year groups.

The majority of children leave at 13+.

---

Access and advice

Meeting with the Headmaster

The Headmaster takes a direct interest in managing the transition of Ronians to their senior school.
• He has extensive experience of navigating flight paths to senior school and is passionate that the next step is the right ‘fit’.
• He teaches all children in Year 5.
• He keeps up to date with senior schools both visiting them and communicating with them regularly to maintain a positive and ongoing relationship and an up-to-date appreciation of ethos and approach.
• He understands the application process, criteria and each school’s timetable.
• He understands and can advise on the scholarship process.
• He arranges ‘Meet the Head’ opportunities for parents to meet senior school Heads
• He writes all senior school reports/ references as needed.

In Year 5, all parents meet the Headmaster individually to begin the process of planning the ‘Next Step’.
During this, he will
• Provide feedback on your child’s progress, their potential and underlying strengths.
• Discuss your child’s interest
• Suggest the range of potential senior schools to consider. Matching the child to the most appropriate school environment and your own preferences.

Whilst initial discussions take place in Year 5, the Headmaster has an ongoing dialogue with parents. Similarly, for those joining the school after Year 5, a meeting soon after starting to discuss exit options is important.

Before the meeting with the Headmaster, it is important to give consideration to the following:

1. What is your preference for location to home?
2. Day, Full or Flexi boarding?
3. Co ed or single sex?
4. State or private?
5. Specific schools you are interested in and why?
6. Financing?

The wider teaching team is essential

1. They ensure ISEB pre-test preparation in Year 5.
2. They arrange ISEB pre-tests at Saint Ronan’s
3. They prepare candidates for Common Entrance Examinations
4. They identify and prepare candidates for scholarship entry.
5. They arrange interview practice with the senior team prior to the ‘real thing’.

Under KCC’s Admissions Code, no school is allowed to prepare candidates for the Kent 11+

Timetable of key events:

---

Some of the many benefits of Prep School in Years 7&8

• Allows the children to be children for longer
• Allows more time for the decision re senior school choice, allowing for change in circumstance and the development of the child.
• Children mature markedly in Years 7/8, this is especially true of late developers.
• Academic tracking shows the positive benefits of the rigour of Common Entrance
• Common Entrance is an excellent preparation for GCSE in terms of study skills including essay writing, development of analytical skills and exam preparation and delivery.
• Puts more distance between your child and the teenage environment of a senior school, perilous before they are ready!
• Allows them to excel in top level sport, music etc.
• Differentiation through setting and small class sizes.
• Allows leadership potential to develop with the prefectural system and participation in top level musical and sporting activities.
• A good time for your child to try boarding to see if this is opens up avenues you may have not yet considered.