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Upper School is where students in Year 7 and Year 8 embark on an enriching journey of academic excellence and personal growth. At our school, girls and boys thrive in an environment designed to nurture their talents and prepare them for the challenges ahead.
Our focus extends beyond traditional academics, emphasising holistic development to ensure every student emerges as a well-rounded individual. Through leadership opportunities, mentoring roles, and active participation in school-wide events, students hone their skills and build confidence.
Excitement awaits as Year 7 and Year 8 students embark on unforgettable residential trips. From exploring the cultural wonders of France to embracing the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, these experiences foster independence and create lasting memories.
In Upper School, every student is empowered to excel academically and grow into future leaders of tomorrow.
In the Upper School, we cultivate leaders and champions of tomorrow.
Our ethos revolves around nurturing leadership qualities in our pupils, empowering them with a responsibility to serve as exemplary role models. Through various positions of responsibility, students demonstrate maturity and self-reliance, enriching their educational journey with invaluable experiences.
Upper School students actively engage in mentoring younger peers during House Days and assist as teaching assistants in Pre-Prep and school sporting events, fostering a supportive and inclusive community. Our sectional assemblies provide a platform to commend and reward students who embody our school values, reinforcing positive behaviour through commendations and pupil badges.
As students progress through Upper School, we prioritise preparing them for the next phase of their educational journey. We strive to equip them with the skills, confidence, and fond memories to embrace new challenges with enthusiasm. We aspire to instil a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to excellence.
Our focus is on guiding students towards critical thinking and fostering collaborative work.
In Upper School we prioritise specialised teaching led by subject teachers in dedicated classrooms, ensuring an optimal learning environment with small class sizes.
As part of their educational journey, students follow the ISEB Common Entrance Syllabus, culminating in external examinations during the summer of Year 8. We endeavour to cater to every educational need, emphasising the importance of finding the perfect senior school fit for each student.
For those demonstrating high academic potential, we offer an accelerated curriculum leading to scholarship exams. This tailored approach consistently enables our students to secure placements in prestigious day and boarding independent schools. Additionally, we provide robust support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring that they receive tailored assistance and accommodations to thrive academically and personally.
Throughout the Upper School pastoral care is paramount in creating a safe and inspiring environment for every student. Our House system is a cornerstone of our community, fostering friendly competition and team spirit. From Sports Day to House Debates, students engage in a variety of events, proudly representing their Houses. Our unique vertical grouping encourages collaboration across age groups, complementing our horizontal year structure.
Each week, students earn Stars for their House Flag, contributing to the ultimate goal of winning the House Cup. This system not only recognises individual achievements but also promotes teamwork and unity. At York House, we prioritise the holistic development of our students, instilling in them a sense of belonging and pride. Through our nurturing environment and vibrant House culture, we empower students to become the best versions of themselves, both inside and outside the classroom.
During Upper School, our commitment to holistic education extends beyond the classroom.
Through our diverse co-curricular program, students have the opportunity to explore passions and develop skills in activities such as archery, kayaking, photography, golf, LAMDA, Warhammer and chess. These clubs not only enhance academic performance but also foster confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
We understand the demands of modern family life, which is why our wrap-around care program offers flexible options to support families beyond standard school hours. From breakfast clubs starting at 07:30 to After School Club (ASC) until 18:00, and bookable ‘Tea’ for later pickups, we ensure continuous care in a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Our dedicated staff are committed to making every moment enriching and enjoyable, providing peace of mind for parents and a fulfilling experience for each child. At York House, we believe in empowering students to explore their interests and talents, both in and out of the classroom, fostering personal growth and well-rounded development.
During the Upper School, the children continue to have allocated curriculum time for Outdoor Learning, during which they take part in a variety of activities on the grounds and off-site. Pupils are encouraged to participate in the Junior Duke Award. The Outdoors is also one of the best places to learn about the School’s 3 principles of self-reliance, positive thinking and leaving people and places better than you found them.
The school’s grounds, where the majority of activities take place, has unrivalled facilities. These include a purpose-built Mountain Bike track, a Small Holding area with a range of animals, an archery range and a traversing wall with overhangs. The pupils also take their adventures off site to local facilities for activities such as kayaking.
