Inspection Comments The clear commitment of staff to pupils’ progress and well-being is notable. Teachers have a close knowledge of their pupils and their abilities which enhances the quality of lessons, so that pupils make appropriate and often better progress according to their abilities.

Donhead is fully committed to ensuring that each boy achieves his full academic potential. In line with our commitment to the development of personalised learning, including Assessment for Learning, we run a structured preparation and assessment system in Year 5, and the first term of Year 6, in order to prepare boys as thoroughly as possible for any 11+ or independent school entrance exams that may be taken. This is incorporated within our existing curriculum.

This is an entitlement provided to all boys, appropriate to their level. The programme will be of benefit to all, including those destined for non-selective secondary school.

State grammar school examinations typically take place in the November prior to entry and independent school entrance examinations in the January prior to entry.

Although there is some individual differences between the various schools the 11+ is typically composed of:

1. English

2. Mathematics

3. Non-verbal Reasoning

4. Verbal Reasoning

Year 5

Throughout Year 5 all boys will follow a fortnightly cycle of practice exercises in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning with the results being logged and analysed.

Levels of progress will be carefully monitored and areas of weaknesses for individual pupils will be highlighted and addressed. Progress will be reported to parents at half-termly intervals and targets set for future performance.

Year 6

During the Autumn Term of Year 6, weekly practice exercises will take place and progress reported at the October half-term and at the end of term.

Inspection Comments

The clear commitment of staff to pupils’ progress and well-being is notable.

Teachers have a close knowledge of their pupils and their abilities which enhances the quality of lessons, so that pupils make appropriate and often better progress according to their abilities.