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Adhoc Entry Process

ADHOC ENTRY

Many families considering Surbiton High School are looking for a setting where their child will be known, supported and challenged, while also being inspired to achieve their very best.

Owing to a small number of families relocating, we occasionally have spaces that become available in a year. Please get in touch with the Admissions Department by completing our enquiry form to ascertain the availability in the relevant year group before applying.

Candidates applying outside the standard entry point at 11+ are required to sit an age-appropriate English and Mathematics paper and will have an informal interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION INVOLVE?

Candidates will sit an age-appropriate assessment in Mathematics and English language, followed by a one-to-one interview with a senior member of staff. The assessments vary between year groups and the date of entry.

WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER IS OVERSEAS DURING THE EXAMINATION?

We may be able to make special arrangements for your daughter to sit the entrance examination at her current school, or at the British Council in your country of residence.

There is an application fee of £250 for overseas candidates and additional costs may be payable direct to the British Council.

Please contact the Admissions Department admissions@surbitonhigh.com for further information.

DO YOU OPERATE A WAITING LIST?

 If there are no current places available, we will hold a Register of Interest (ROI) for that year group. If a space becomes available we inform all candidates on the ROI to invite them in for an assessment.

WHAT IF MY CHILD IS CURRENTLY AS A STATE SCHOOL?

We regularly have applicants and offer places to pupils in state schools and so do not be discouraged if your daughter does not have experience of the independent sector. We have a very balanced mix of pupils in the school from both the independent and state system. All assessments will be age appropriate.

ARE PAST PAPERS AVAILABLE?

We do not make past papers or sample papers available to individuals or schools.

WILL MY DAUGHTER GET EXTRA TIME IN THE EXAMINATION IF SHE HAS ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS?

We consider each individual’s learning needs and offer appropriate support for the Entrance Examination where the candidate has been assessed by an Educational or Occupational Psychologist.

If a special arrangement (such as extra time, a laptop, a scribe or reader) exists in order for her to sit examinations,  please let us know when you apply and provide copies of any assessment or report that is available at application. Our Head of Learning Enrichment will then assess her requirements and confirm the support available prior to the Entrance Examination.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF THE SCHOOL IS RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. At Surbiton High School we believe the happiness and success of your child are key foundations upon which their future is built. We are a school which genuinely delights in the individual. We are a place where every child is valued, every child is encouraged to give their very best, and every child has the chance to grow in confidence by participating in a wide range of inspirational learning experiences.

Our approach to education means that Surbiton High School pupils achieve the highest results in external examinations, yet are also compassionate, authentic young people with strong values; keen to make a positive difference in an ever-changing world. We are committed to looking beyond A*s to offer a real breadth of education. We feed our pupils’ minds, but we also care passionately about their character development and happiness.

Staff within the School are inspirational; dedicated to delivering a rich curriculum and programme of activities which challenge your child to explore ideas for themselves. Whether engaged in learning in the classroom, or through musical, artistic, sporting, enterprise or charitable activities, Surbiton High School pupils are constantly encouraged to connect with the wider world, embracing new experiences to build their confidence – a confidence built not on arrogance, but on self-belief and a ‘can do’ attitude. To find out if we are the right school for your child, visit the school to find out more.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SINGLE-SEX EDUCATION?

Research has shown that pupils attending single-sex schools are less likely to be impacted by gender stereotyping. This is demonstrated by the fact that 60% of our pupils continue on to study STEM subjects at A-level, which is a much higher proportion than girls attending co-educational schools. We inspire and encourage our pupils to be strong, independent individuals, whilst providing a nurturing and supporting environment for them to grow. It is also proven that girls who are educated in a single-sex environment have more self-confidence and are subject to less distractions than their peers in co-educational environments, which is crucial in the climate that today’s teenagers are growing up in.

WHY DO YOU HAVE IPADS?

All pupils in the Senior School are given an iPad. These are useful tools which enhance learning sessions, but do not fully replace more traditional teaching methods. The iPads are monitored and only educational apps are allowed to be downloaded on to them. As pupils move into the Senior School, their textbooks are accessed via their iPads, negating the need to carry numerous heavy books around with them.

SHOULD WE TUTOR OUR DAUGHTER AHEAD OF TAKING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION?

We do not support or encourage tutoring prior to the Entrance Examination, nor do we support or endorse any tutor.

WHAT CAN YOU OFFER MY DAUGHTER THAT OTHER SCHOOLS CANNOT? WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT?

Surbiton High School places pupils at the heart of everything we do. Our curriculum has been developed to allow every child to acheive their potential and this is carefully balanced with a broad co-curricular provision and a heavy investment in our pupils’ well-being and development of their character. This approach ensures all pupils leave the Senior School as rounded, focused individuals with a broad skillset that prepares them for the life ahead of them. Throughout our pupils’ time at Surbiton High School, we tailor the provision to each pupill allowing them to follow their interests and find their niche.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FEES?

Further information regarding our fees can be found clicking here.

ARE THE CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS PART OF THE SCHOOL FEES?

The majority of Co-curricular clubs are free of charge, however some such as horse riding or skiing has a charge associated with them.

DO YOU HAVE A SCHOOL BUS IN OPERATION?

Yes, we have several routes that run from a variety of areas and details of these can be found by clicking here.

IF MY DAUGHTER IS DOING AN AFTER SCHOOL CLUB, CAN SHE STILL TAKE THE SCHOOL BUS HOME?

All of our buses depart 15 minutes after the school day finishes and children who attend after school clubs are expected to make their journey home independently. For those continuing with sports clubs at our Hinchley Wood grounds, we provide a coach service which drops the pupils back at Hinchley Wood station, Surbiton station and the main school site. Girls will then be required to make their own arrangements from there.

MY DAUGHTER IS PARTICULARLY SPORTY. HOW DO WE ENSURE SHE GETS ACCESS TO SPORT?

Pupils have the opportunity to sign up to Co-curricular clubs in September at the Co-curricular Fair. The Co-curricular timetable is designed so that pupils can participate in a plethora of sports with dedicated coaches and fixtures. Coaches make the effort to get to know their squads, their emerging needs and discuss selection for fixtures openly (always giving constructive and developmental feedback).

THE SCHOOL IS BIG, SO WILL MY DAUGHTER GET ‘LOST’ IN SPORT IF THEY AREN’T ‘AMAZING’?

The department works hard to ensure all pupils participating in sport are given opportunities. Each team has a consistent coach so that the pupils build a positive relationship – our aim is to help pupils enjoy sport and feel valued regardless of level.

HOW OFTEN DO THE GIRLS HAVE SPORT AT THE HINCHLEY WOOD SPORTS SITE AND HOW DO THEY GET THERE?

In Year 7 – pupils have a single lesson every other week and a games afternoon every Friday, where they go to Hinchley Wood if participating in an outdoor sport. Pupils are bussed there and back, returning to School by the end of the school day.

In Years 8 and 9 – pupils have a single lesson every week and a games afternoon.

WHAT DOES THE PE DEPARTMENT EXCEL AT IN SURBITON HIGH SCHOOL?

We offer a competitive pathway for pupils who wish to move from participation to performance, as well as supporting those pupils who move into the elite stage of performance. All pupils of any ability are encouraged to engage in our ‘Super Eight Sports’ (cricket, football, netball, hockey, gymnastics, rowing, tennis and skiing). Pupils are exposed to activities that we can cater for with the facilities that we have. We offer a tailored provision, whereby pupils are given the opportunity to progress, develop, achieve and flourish. Individual requirements and needs are catered for where possible with regards to training, fixtures and support from specialist staff. We provide a foundation for enjoying sport, which leads to increased participation, making healthy lifestyle choices, and positive relationships. Specialist staff are dedicated to enhancing pupil experience, through their expert and extensive knowledge, understanding and qualifications. Our staff are immersed in their specialist areas and have roles within clubs in the community and beyond, meaning they are at the forefront of the latest developments and initiatives in their sports.

HOW MANY LANGUAGES WILL MY DAUGHTER STUDY

Pupils study four languages in Year 7; French, German, Latin and Spanish. At the end of Year 7 they choose two of these to take forward into Year 8.

It has been a privilege to see how much my daughter has grown in confidence and ability, both personally and academically at Surbiton High School. The focus on the child as a whole and where they need to be in the future set the school apart from others we considered.

Senior School Parent