Page 13 - Parents' Handbook - Sept 2021

ADVICE ON SENIOR SCHOOLS
Abberley prepares pupils for a wide range of senior schools. (In the last five years, leavers have gone on to more than 30 different schools.)
It is wise to consider possible options early in a child’s schooling and to consider a range of schools before coming to a final decision. Recently many of the top schools have been filling their places much earlier than in the past and it is necessary to register children three or four years ahead, although the final decision can be left until later. Selecting the correct senior school is difficult and all senior schools have their own process to work with. It can feel daunting but we are here to help steer you through. We have a separate information booklet on this subject that we send out in the Autumn and we host senior school information evenings during the year.
Do not hesitate to ask Mr Besley for help and he will be delighted to meet and discuss things and to offer you further advice.
Schools to which we send significant numbers of pupils are:
CO-EDUCATIONAL:
Bedales, Cheltenham College, Clifton, Dean Close, Gordonstoun, Hereford Cathedral School, Malvern College, Marlborough, Millfield, Oundle, RGS (Worcester), King’s Worcester, Rugby,
St Edward’s Oxford, Sedburgh, Stowe, Uppingham and Shrewsbury.
BOYS ONLY:
Eton, Harrow, Monmouth, Old Swinford Hospital, Radley, Sherborne and Winchester.
GIRLS ONLY:
Benenden, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Moreton Hall, Haberdasher’s (Monmouth), Malvern St James,
St. Mary’s Ascot, Tudor Hall, Westonbirt and Wycombe Abbey.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Over the past few years our Year 8 pupils have achieved an outstanding number of scholarships and awards to a wide range of excellent senior schools. Our pupils go on to win awards in many fields including Academic, Sport, Music, Art, Drama, DT and All-Rounder.
We are here to advise and support parents if you are interested in your child attempting a scholarship of any sort. Just ask and we will lead you every step of the way.
LIBRARIES
The beautiful Lindisfarne Library houses our Fiction and Reference books. There are separate libraries for the Pre-prep and Years 3 & 4. Pupils can go at any time to select or return a book, or to read quietly in these comfortable rooms. The reference section has an area for private silent study.
LAPTOPS
Normally pupils do not have their own laptops (we have sets at school for use in class), but some children with specific learning difficulties will be advised to use them by the Learning Support Department. Laptops are permissible in exams in such cases, though more usually in Years 6, 7 and 8.
WRITING INSTRUMENTS
Many pupils arriving in Year 3 will begin writing in pencil, and only later graduate to using a pen. Once writing in pen has been approved, pupils should use a fountain pen, unless advised to the contrary because of handwriting difficulties. Lamy pens are particularly user-friendly and shops will often name them for you. It is important to have everything named!
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