Head’s Reflections: Navigating the Journey from Prep to Senior School at Kent College Pembury
Yet alongside the excitement, this moment can also bring some trepidation. The prospect of 11+, SATs, or Senior School entrance exams can feel daunting, and the idea of moving on to a new environment naturally comes with questions and uncertainty. At Kent College Pembury, we believe that the transition to Senior School should feel like a continuation of a child’s growth, not a leap into the unknown.
So how do we make that happen? Our aim is simple: to ensure that every child, whether joining us from our own Prep School or from elsewhere, feels known, welcomed and supported long before they officially arrive in Year 7. That process begins in Years 5 and 6, when pupils are invited to experience life at Kent College Senior School through a series of enriching Taster Days. These days are deliberately active, memorable and, above all, fun. From exploding jelly babies in the science labs to smoothie making in Food Technology, from archaeology sessions with metal detectors to creative challenges in the arts, pupils experience a genuine feel for the breadth of opportunities that await them. Just as importantly, they meet the teachers who will guide them as well as the peers who will become their new cohort. By the time they return for entrance assessments, the school already feels familiar, and that comfort allows them to perform at their best.
When it comes to assessments, our approach is rooted in our values. We are not interested in turning children into numbers on a spreadsheet or placing them in intimidating exam halls. Instead, we focus on understanding who they are as individuals. We want to know whether Kent College Pembury is the right fit for them, and equally whether they will thrive within our community. It is, and always should be, a two‑way process.
As an inclusive, gently selective day and boarding school, we look far beyond academic potential. Of course, we value curiosity, engagement and a willingness to learn, but we also celebrate the full range of strengths and talents that make each child unique. We look for problem solvers, creative thinkers, enthusiastic participants and above all, kind young people who want to contribute to our community and the wider world.
The transition to Senior School is a milestone, but it doesn’t need to be a stressful one. With the right support, the right environment and the right ethos, it becomes an exciting new chapter. At Kent College Pembury, we are committed to making that journey as smooth and as positive as possible.