Life after Dallington and preparation for Secondary School
Our school enjoys continuing close relationships with many of the schools our children choose as their next step in life after Dallington. The business of helping parents and their children choose the next school starts in Year 4 with a parent workshop outlining the general process and different options available, with some details about the requirements of different schools.
We spend a lot of time getting to know each child, finding out what they like, what they are good at, what sort of school they think would suit them. The Head meets with every child in Year 5 to have a chat about what they really like and where their strengths and interests lie. He will also meet parents to discuss their ideas about secondary schools and is well-placed to advise on best-fit schools for each child.
“My child has gone into secondary school very sure of who he is, and very ready to stick up for others if they need it. He has an intrinsic understanding of diversity and of everybody mattering, and shows it in his everyday interactions. The small class sizes at Dallington really nurtured him, developing his sense of self so that by the time he was ready to spread his wings at secondary school he could fly!”
– Former Dallington parent
Whilst we recognise that children need to be prepared for entrance exams, we try not to put any unnecessary pressure on them but ensure that they feel ready and prepared for transition to secondary school, with a carefully designed model which gives them transferable life-long skills, incorporating practicing public speaking and performance skills, learning about the brain and how it functions, extra lessons in creative writing, as well as adaptive questioning practice in maths, comprehension, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Every year Dallington children gain places at a variety of schools in and around London and most of our children stay in the independent sector. Here is a list of the most popular schools selected:
- Northbridge House
- Wetherby Senior School
- Queens College
- Forest School
- City of London Boys School
- City of London Girls School
- Halcyon London International School
- Francis Holland School
- Camden School for Girls
- University College School, Hampstead
- St Mary Magdalene Academy, Islington
- Knightsbridge School, Knightsbridge
Our children are confident and grounded individuals who thrive in their onward journey. We know this because they remain actively involved with the school, returning to share their news and offer advice and sometimes, returning as Dallington parents themselves.
“Looking back, it was probably the best three years of my childhood. I flourished, grew in confidence, became part of a tightly knit band of friends. I took entry exams for five of the top secondary schools in London and was offered a place at every one.”
– Jojo Moyes Journalist, Novelist & Screenwriter and former Dallington student