Senior School

Years 7 - 11

Click Here to view the Senior School Welcome book

The small classes of the Senior School foster individual development and ensure maximum attention for each student. The first three years are spent studying our enriched curriculum. Students are encouraged to become independent learners and to take increasing ownership of their studies.

A wide range of both academic, Performance and Creative Arts are offered at all levels. The close liaison between all staff provides a network of advice and support which guides students through the milestones of senior school life and beyond. Every senior school student has a Form Teacher and Personal Tutor. The Form Teachers and Personal Tutors monitor academic progress.  In addition teachers keep an eye on social and personal development. The Personal Tutor performs a mainly pastoral role in the Senior School.  Students will usually keep the same tutor throughout their time at Hurst Lodge and meet with them regularly.  The tutor supports the student; helps them to resolve difficulties with work and relationships, and celebrates their success.  The Personal Tutor is usually the first point of contact if the student, parents, or any other members of staff, have any concerns about anything at school, both academic and pastoral. 

Self-directed study and enrichment programmes including extended Literacy, Careers and Debating supplement the timetable. Continued support from our Learning Support Department is available. 

The school day starts at 8.30am but pupils may be dropped for breakfast at 7.45am or arrive at 8.30 for registration.  School ends at 4.00pm, but learning continues long after academic lessons end. There are optional extensive classes and clubs in the Performing Arts, Art, Textiles Gardening, ICT, Life Drawing, Choirs, Cookery, Mathematics and Sport (Athletics, Swimming, Football, Netball, Rounders, Biathlon and Quick Cricket) which continue well into the evening.

Students may go home at 4.00pm or stay for after school activities.  They may attend supper with the boarders at 6.00pm but must be collected by 7.15pm or 6.00pm on Fridays.  There is a small boarding house which operates as a large family. Girls may be either weekly or flexi-boarders. 

 Please click here to hear a sample of the Senior School performing a song.