The 11+ Transition: Why St Benedict’s, Ealing Has Chosen a Different Path for Its Junior School Pupils

This belief in the value of a holistic approach to education has shaped our decision, from September 2025, to remove the requirement for Junior School pupils to sit the Senior School’s 11+ entrance examination. In its place, we offer a pathway that is rigorous, supportive, and designed around the needs of our pupils – not the demands of a single high-stakes examination. A holistic education involves nurturing the whole child – emotionally, intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually. This approach recognises that academic achievement is only one part of a young person’s development. We are equally committed to fostering character, creativity, a true sense of belonging, and wellbeing.

Listening to Our Families

We recognised that for many of our families, the 11+ is a familiar milestone. Indeed, it can feel like a rite of passage, offering reassurance that a child’s academic progress is being measured against a wider standard. Some parents appreciate the focus and discipline that exam preparation can provide and see preparation for the 11+ examination as useful practice for future school assessments and then public examinations at GCSE and A-Level. Others value the possibility of keeping options open whilst considering the merits of other independent and state secondary schools.

These are of course thoughtful and valid perspectives. When we consulted our parents, the overwhelming majority supported the removal of the 11+ for internal candidates, but some raised understandable concerns about future academic standards, fairness when considering scholarship applications, and future opportunities. We listened carefully to those voices and endeavoured to give a careful explanation of why we believe our approach is not only educationally sound but genuinely in the best interests of our children.

A Seamless, Supportive Journey

St Benedict’s is a co-educational through-school, welcoming children from age 3 to 18. There is enormous value in being able to provide a seamless educational experience, where children are known, intellectually stimulated, and supported at every stage. By removing the 11+ for our own Junior School pupils, we have made that journey smoother and less anxiety inducing. Instead of preparing for a single examination (in English and Mathematics), our Year 6 pupils can focus on learning in its fullest and richest sense.

We continue to monitor academic progress rigorously. Our use of CAT4 testing and Progress Tests in English, mathematics, and science gives us detailed, objective data about each child’s development. The Progress Tests are marked by independent markers, ensuring objectivity when the standardised scores are provided. This information informs our teaching, supports early intervention when needed, and underpins decisions about Senior School scholarships (academic, art, drama, and sport). In fact, because we know our pupils so well, Junior School children are often better placed to succeed in scholarship applications than external candidates.

Breadth, Depth, and the Joy of Learning

One of the most significant benefits of our 11+ pathway is the freedom it gives our teachers to offer a richer, more engaging curriculum in Year 6. No longer needing to focus upon the Senior School 11+ entrance examination, our pupils spend the respective Michaelmas (autumn) and Lent (spring) terms exploring project and research work, delving into topics in greater depth, and developing the critical thinking and questioning skills that are the foundation of lifelong learning. Alongside this, our creative curriculum, leadership opportunities, and co-curricular activities—including the Outward Bound residential in the Lake District and the end-of-year drama production—help to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of community.

We are often asked whether this approach leads to a gap between our pupils and those who have prepared for external exams. The evidence is clear: assessment is not the same as learning. Our Junior School pupils consistently achieve highly in academic and co-curricular activities in the Senior School, and our tracking and setting procedures ensure that all pupils - whether from St Benedict’s or other Junior and Prep Schools - are placed in the right groups to thrive.

Wellbeing at the Centre

The most compelling reason for removing the 11+ examination requirement is our commitment to the wellbeing of our young people. There is growing evidence that high stakes testing at age 10 or 11 can create unnecessary anxiety, undermine self-esteem, and distract from the broader aims of education. At St Benedict’s, we want our children to feel secure, valued, and able to take risks in their learning. We give the children space to grow - academically, emotionally, and socially.

Our Year 6 pupils take on leadership roles (e.g. as subject ambassadors), learning to support others and act as role models. These experiences are just as important as exam results in preparing them for the challenges ahead.

A Thoughtful Response to Change

Our Senior School pupil and student numbers are strong and rising, even in a challenging national context. This change has been made from a position of strength, and we believe it is right for our pupils and their parents.

For those considering other senior schools at 11+, our curriculum remains broad and challenging, equipping children for a range of pathways. We are always happy to offer advice and support to families exploring different 11+ and 13+ options.

Looking Ahead

At St Benedict’s, we are proud to offer an educational pathway at 11+ that is built on rigorous assessment, strong pastoral care, and a commitment to the whole child. We believe this approach nurtures not only academic success, but also the character, confidence, and curiosity that will serve our young people for life. We invite families to join us in this journey, confident that together we can help every child to flourish.