The transition from Junior to Middle School is one which is met with excitement, but also, understandably, with a little apprehension. 

The degree of independence is developed further, and greater responsibility taken for oneself and their learning. This is a distinct stage in our pupil’s education and one where they must juggle academic and extra-curricular responsibilities, as well as learning to take on the additional duties associated with being in the senior years at Durston. Expectations are high and pupils meet the challenge with great integrity, high energy and careful support from their teachers. Form tutors take great care and effort to help pupils manage the increased workloads, challenges and their wellbeing, as they begin their teenage years. Parental partnership is as important now as it was in Reception, most pupils will have spent more time in their prep school than they will in any other educational setting. Which allows us to gain a far deeper understanding of who they are as people as they prepare for their next stage of education. 

“Durston House, through its’ nurturing and adaptive ways of teaching has brought out the best in each of our children to make each one shine in their own way.  They have developed beautiful friendships and go to school with a smile and a spring in their step!”
—Parent

Pupils follow a full and rigorous academic timetable often performing well above their age expected outcomes. Durston is unashamedly academically ambitious for every pupil, and this is evidenced through our fine results that our pupils achieve as they move onto some of the top senior schools in the country. The curriculum in the senior years allows for the development of twenty first century competencies whilst maintaining a content-rich focus. Pupils show evidence of their ability to think critically and to ask big questions. Alongside the traditional subjects, in which pupils excel, philosophy and ethics is introduced in Year 7 helping to develop the pupil in the round. 

Opportunities beyond the classroom allow pupils to take different approaches to their learning and to continue to inspire them. Mentoring and leadership opportunities form part of the Upper School experience, as pupils support each other as well as younger members of the school community.