11+ and 13+

The 'Better Prepared' Advantage

At St. Martin's School, our ultimate goal is to ensure every boy is "better prepared" for the next step in his learning journey and in his individual life. This philosophy is most clearly demonstrated in our dedicated approach to preparing boys for both the 11+ and 13+ examinations and their subsequent seamless transition to a senior school.

Unlike a "through school" that is tied to a single destination, St. Martin's is a proudly independent, standalone preparatory school. This unique position is a strategic advantage, as it allows us to focus entirely on preparing our boys for a wide variety of top senior schools, giving you and your son the freedom to choose the best fit for his unique personality and academic goals.

A Purposeful and Proven Pathway

Our curriculum is strategically designed to build the skills and confidence required for success at both 11+ and 13+ Senior School entry points. The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and the ISEB Common Entrance curriculum, ensuring a rigorous and comprehensive academic foundation.

For those considering the 11+ exams, our tailored preparation ensures they are fully equipped to excel and secure places at selective senior schools at the end of Year 6. We also offer a dedicated Senior Prep program for those continuing to 13+, which is the culmination of their St. Martin's journey. This two-year program is a period of specialised preparation that focuses not only on academic excellence but also on developing the resilience and emotional maturity needed for the transition ahead.

A Track Record of Success

The outcomes of our preparation are clear and impressive, proving our model is successful regardless of the entry point a family chooses. Our leavers' destinations are a testament to our success in guiding boys to their best-fit senior schools, with a small number of students leaving at 11+ to attend local grammar and independent day schools. Of the majority who stay, a significant number of our boys have gone on to prestigious institutions, including: Harrow, Haberdashers' Boys' School, City of London, and Westminster School.

In addition to securing places at these top schools, 40% of our pupils over the last five years have won scholarships and awards. This success is a direct result of our focused approach and our commitment to each boy's personal and academic growth.

Our Holistic Approach

Our "better prepared" approach extends beyond the classroom. We believe that good mental health and a caring community are essential to a child's success. The strong, family-like atmosphere at St. Martin's ensures that our boys develop the self-confidence and fortitude to tackle new challenges. As one parent noted, the school has an "edge pastorally," which is evident in the happy and confident children you see every day. We equip our boys with the skills for life, empowering them to become successful and happy in whatever they choose to do.