Middle School Years 7 and 8

Ages 11-13, Remove and Lower 4

and

Senior School Years 9 to 11

Ages 13-16, Upper 4, Lower 5, Upper 5 

Students starting in the Middle School join us from Moreton First or from preparatory schools and state schools which finish at age 11. Middle School students, housed in The Stables, have a secure and structured environment where the balance between work and play is carefully monitored by tutors and the housemistress.  We ensure that a good work ethic is established so that girls are ready for the challenges of the GCSE process which begins in the Senior School.

In Year 9, the start of the Senior School, many new students join us and all girls move into Gem or Pilkington Houses for two years. In Year 9 the girls are helped to identify where their strengths lie and to make decisions about GCSE subjects.   The tutorial system, which is monitored by house staff and overseen by the Careers Advisor, Deputy Head and Principal, ensure that girls make those choices that will provide them with variety and opportunities to succeed.  A unique feature of this stage is the Moreton Adventure Challenge (MAC) in Year 9, a precursor to the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.  Year 9 students also have the opportunity to become involved in an eight week exchange programme with an independent school in Sydney, Australia as well as a variety of cultural exchanges with European schools. Pupils in Year 9 begin GCSE courses in science subjects to give them a head start in Year 10.  

Year 10 (Lower 5) sees the start of the GCSE subjects. The compulsory activities programme continues, but more substantial opportunities to take responsibility exist. For example, students have opportunities to work with younger children in First Steps nursery and to be mentors to girls in The Stables. The Duke of Edinburgh scheme is taken up by the majority of year 10 students at Bronze Award level. A substantial number of girls move on to Silver and Gold Award. Tutors “follow” students as they move from Gem and Pilkington into Lloyd –Williams for Year 11. 

Linked to the Sixth Form houses, Lloyd-Williams accommodates all Year 11 (Upper 5) students in single rooms, allowing private study and a degree of independence and fostering a more focused approach to academic achievement. Students maintain links with their former houses through the mentoring scheme and the continuation of the house colours sports competitions. The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, activities, sport, music, drama and opportunities to visit Shrewsbury and Chester at the weekends – as well as ‘social’ events with Shrewsbury School – ensure a balance is achieved between work and play. 

Much of this web site focuses on these critical years in the school, but for specific details on entry and scholarships at 11+, 12+ and 13+ please see Admissions; for curriculum details please go to Academic; and for house details please go to Houses.