Preparation for Senior School
At Halstead St Andrew's, we encourage pupils to continue their educational journey with us, building on the strong foundations, supportive relationships and confidence they have developed throughout their time with the school. We work closely with families to ensure every child is well prepared for the next stage of their education at HSA or exploring alternative senior school opportunities.
In Year 5 and Year 6 a daily 30 minute prep is set, with an extended weekend prep in English and Maths for Year 6. Pupils are assessed for aptitude and progress and decisions are made with regard to potential senior school options. Parents are invited to meet with the Head who will then advise based on the individual academic and pastoral needs of the children.
For families staying at HSA into Year 7 and 8, HSA’s collaboration with Effingham Schools Trust (EST) provides a clear and supported pathway to senior education at Cranmore or St Teresa’s from Year 9, without the need to sit an 11+ examination. This offers families an additional route to consider while maintaining HSA as their first choice wherever it best meets their child’s needs.
Extensive preparation takes place in Year 5 and by the end of the year, the exam curriculum (English, Mathematics, verbal and non-verbal reasoning) has been taught. By Year 6 the children are then ready for pre-tests in the Autumn and Spring term.
Last academic year, at Key Stage 2, 96% of HSA pupils at the end of Year 6 met the standards, working in depth and working in greater depth in English & Maths, compared with 63% Year 6 pupils in state schools.
What is the Senior school pathway?
We set ambitious academic standards while nurturing a culture of curiosity, encouragement, and individual growth. 
Our inclusive yet personalised approach ensures that every pupil is supported to achieve their best — both in and beyond the classroom.
HSA has collaborated with Effingham Schools Trust to offer a unique senior school pathway for our pupils. The collaboration brings together HSA with Cranmore and St Teresa’s, two highly regarded senior schools within EST, creating a clear and supportive progression route for pupils through to age 18 while preserving the distinctive identity and independence of each school.