Progression Pathways Programme : Early Offers
9+ and 10+ Entry to the Prep School
Joining Notre Dame Prep School in Year 5 or Year 6 is a popular and exciting pathway for many families. This is what we call our ‘Progression Pathways’ Programme and this maps the curriculum from Years 5 to 8, ensuring a seamless transition from Prep to Senior School.
9+ and 10+ entry ensures a guaranteed offer of a place in our Senior School for Year 7.
Benefits of Early Offers
Seamless transition to Senior School:
Our Progression Pathways Programme has been specially designed to facilitate smooth transition from Prep into Senior School. Spending one or two years in the Prep before moving into the Senior School gives your daughter the chance to embrace new opportunities, grow in confidence and build strong friendships. In Years 5 and 6 at Notre Dame, we prefer the focus to be on academic and personal progress rather than preparation for one exam on one day (11+ assessments).
Preparation for Senior School Life rather than Exam Stress:
Academic progress is closely monitored throughout Years 5 and 6, enabling our girls to step into Year 7 fully prepared. These years are used to identify those students who require extra support and those who require stretch, so that accessing the Senior School curriculum is smooth and uninterrupted.
Time Well Spent:
This time spent preparing the girls for life in Senior School, ensures that the foundations are laid for the best start to the next step in their educational journey. They are able to enjoy a range of engaging transition events and activities within the Senior School to help them feel settled and confident, meeting their new teachers and exciting new learning spaces.
Entry into Years 5 and 6 guarantees a place in our Senior School without having to sit the 11+ exam.
Entry Requirements for Year 5 & 6
Families interested in joining Year 5 or Year 6 are warmly encouraged to book a tour. Our Headmistress, Mrs Amelie Morgan, will be delighted to discuss the benefits of early entry into our Prep School and the advantages of an all-girls’ education.
After registration, your daughter will be invited to attend an assessment morning followed by a full Taster Day.
9+ and 10+ Assessments
Applicants sit the 9+ or 10+ CAT4 Assessment, along with a comprehension paper and a piece of creative writing. These are age appropriate and we work hard to make this as enjoyable as possible.
Successful candidates will receive an offer for a place in Year 5 or Year 6, which includes a guaranteed place in the Senior School.
Students joining in Year 6 will not be required to sit the 11+ exam. Instead, they will take part in our dynamic Progression Pathways Programme, for a smooth and stress free 11+ transition. This programme also supports and prepares those students who would like to apply for our Academic, Sport, Art, Drama, and Music Scholarships.
Year 6
A Year of Growth and Preparation
Year 6 is a vibrant and purposeful year of learning, carefully designed to build confidence, independence and academic resilience. Students are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their learning, developing personal growth through greater responsibility, self-organisation and reflective thinking.
Engaging, high-quality teaching challenges students to extend their understanding, while targeted support ensures every child is able to thrive and make strong progress. As the year progresses, students learn to manage their time effectively, work both collaboratively and independently and approach new challenges with confidence.
Teaching is structured to reflect the expectations and pace of the Senior School curriculum, supporting a smooth transition to the next stage of their education. Alongside academic preparation, there is a strong focus on personal development, leadership and wellbeing. By the end of Year 6, our girls are confident, self-motivated learners, fully prepared to embrace the opportunities and demands of Senior School life.
Admissions
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly Admissions Team by e-mailing admissions@notredame.co.uk or call 01932 869993
If you are unable to attend one of our Open Events or prefer to book a private tour, please do so below:
