The Prep School Advantage: Giving Your Child Two More Years to Find Their Voice

The Best of Both Worlds: Why Years 7 and 8 at Hazelwood Prepare Your Child for Life

The transition from childhood to adolescence is one of the most significant periods in a young person’s life. As a parent, you want an environment that challenges your child academically while providing the emotional security they need to grow into themselves. At Hazelwood School, our Years 7 and 8 are specifically designed to offer the "best of both worlds": the academic rigour of a senior school setting delivered with the warmth and individual care of a prep school.

Academic Excellence Without the Pressure Cooker

In many large senior schools, Year 7 pupils can feel like "small fish in a big pond". At Hazelwood, they are at the top of the school, allowing them to build confidence at a pace that is right for them. Our smaller class sizes mean our specialist, secondary-trained teachers can sculpt a bespoke approach for every child.

While we maintain a strong focus on core subjects like English, Maths, and Science - with many pupils working well ahead of national expectations - we also offer a flexible curriculum. Our Electives Programme allows pupils to explore passions ranging from Podcasting, Harlequins Pre-Academy Rugby Programme, Forest Skills, Robotics, The Art of Upcycling and Outreach, fostering a genuine love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Developing Future Leaders

One of the distinct advantages of staying at a prep school through Year 8 is the opportunity for leadership. Our pupils don’t just watch older pupils lead; they are the leaders. Through roles such as Head Girl, Head Boy, Sports Captains, and Library Prefects, pupils "learn to earn" responsibility. These experiences build the maturity, resilience, and self-belief required to thrive in senior school and beyond.

Exceptional Pastoral Care in a Modern World

Adolescence brings new challenges, from navigating social media to managing external pressures. Hazelwood provides a safe haven during these formative years. As a strictly mobile-free school, we encourage firm, face-to-face friendships to bloom without the distractions of online influencers. Our pastoral care includes workshops with external experts and a robust PSHE programme covering everything from online behaviour to mental wellbeing.

Ready for the Next Step

By the end of Year 8, Hazelwood pupils are "future-ready". We provide comprehensive support for senior school transitions, including:

• Tailored interview practice and scholarship preparation.
• Revision workshops to hone essential study techniques.
• Close links with senior schools to ensure a smooth academic and emotional handoff.

Choosing to stay for Years 7 and 8 means choosing an extra two years of specialised attention. Your child will leave Hazelwood not just with strong academic foundations, but as a confident, "can-do" individual who is truly comfortable in their own skin.