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Future Schools

Choosing a Senior School for your Child

This is one of the biggest decisions that you will make for your child, and Glebe House prides itself on helping find settings that will help your child continue their journey as young adults in the best possible school.

At Glebe House School we are committed to guiding our pupils and their families through the process of selecting the most suitable senior school as part of their bespoke educational journey.

Supporting your application

Leveraging our established relationships with various senior schools around our North West Norfolk location and beyond, we can provide individual recommendations to our families.

We work in partnership with parents so that they can apply to senior schools that suit their child’s personality, individual strengths and preferences. We do not believe that any one school is better than another, rather we believe in the best school for each individual child.

Equipped for their next step ››

Interested to know more or wish to discuss your child's future school journey?

Equipped for their next step

Our goal at Glebe House School is to lay a strong foundation during their preparatory education years that will support our children to achieve future academic success.

Children leave Glebe well-equipped for the next stage of their educational journey, and we are incredibly proud of all of our pupils. Our pupils successfully transition to various senior schools, including independent, grammar, and state institutions. Notably, in 2023, all of our pupils undertook the Common Entrance examination achieving successful outcomes.

See where pupils go next ››

Senior School Destinations

2018-2023

Senior school destinations vary annually depending on each cohort, but by way of an insight into recent trends, please refer to the table here, showcasing our senior school destinations over the past five years.

View the schools directory ››
School

No. Of Pupils

Scholarships Awarded

Alderman Peel High School

5

Bedford School

1

Brookes UK

3

Greshams

7

Drama scholarship

King’s Ely

5

Music scholarship

Langley School

2

Litcham

1

Norwich School

1

Academic scholarship

Oundle School

1

Academic scholarship

Redmaid’s High School, Bristol

1

Music scholarship

Smithdon High School

1

Wisbech Grammar School

7

Wymondham College

4

Destination Schools

Please see below our directory of senior schools attended by Old Aquilians.

Speak to us to learn more ››

Alderman Peel High School

Our students work hard, are proud of their uniform, and show respect and courtesy for others. To support these high standards, we nurture our students in an inclusive and progressive environment to feel safe and secure in their learning. We offer a wide-ranging sports, arts, languages, and cultural enrichment programmes. Our offer includes careers and Student Leadership programmes, preparing the students for the opportunities of life beyond school.

Our staff go above and beyond in providing the best possible pastoral care, guidance, and support for all our students. The continuing success of Alderman Peel High School is based on strong partnerships, most significantly in our shared values with our parents and the wider community. Together, we ensure the highest standards of achievement and personal development.

We look forward to welcoming your child and will do everything we can to ensure they are happy, thriving and reaching their potential.

“Starting at APHS in year 9 was, naturally, more challenging than joining in year 7. However, supportive staff and a diverse curriculum allowed me to immerse myself in my work, and now, surrounded by a strong group of friends, I am leaving high school more self-aware and better prepared for my future.”

Sidney Hipwell, Year 11

Bedford School

At Bedford School we recognise that every single boy is different, and, indeed, we are proud to observe that there is no one ‘Bedford boy’. Instead, with both inspiration and support, we nurture each boy’s individual interests and encourage him to develop them as far as he can take them.

We seek to raise good people first and foremost; and then to allow them to flourish as academics, as sportsmen, as artists and above all as themselves, in a supportive and ambitious atmosphere.

Our academic results, our sporting achievements and our successful alumni speak for themselves; our aim is for balanced, outward-looking, forward-thinking, kind and sociable young men who are comfortable in their own skins. When it is time to take the next step, each boy leaves us as a good man, secure in his values, happy and ready to take his place in the world.

“Glebe prepared me for the challenges of moving to a far bigger and more daunting school, I was able to throw myself into all aspects of sport, music and boarding without hesitation, the foundation Glebe provides is simply invaluable!”

Ethan Newton-Walters, Year 12

Culford School

Culford is a boarding and day school for over 850 children aged 1 to 18, set in 480 acres of beautiful Suffolk parkland, with an 18th century mansion at its centre. Combining the warmth and individual attention of a small community with the wider educational opportunities of a larger school, Culford offers exceptional academic, sporting and extra-curricular facilities. The school is renowned for its outstanding pastoral care and its focus on the individual needs of each child. Everything we do is informed by our firm belief that learning should be challenging, enriching and fun.

Gresham's

Founded in 1555, Gresham’s is an authentic boarding and day school providing a rounded education to boys and girls. The school has excellent facilities spanning a 200-acre site, set just four miles from the breathtaking North Norfolk coast. Gresham’s provides a broad and enriching education, enabling pupils to discover their own talents and develop into confident, well-rounded individuals.

The school has a tradition of producing outstanding achievers in all walks of life. Old Greshamians have been inspiring others for generations, including renowned East Anglian composer Sir Benjamin Britten, poet W. H. Auden, international rugby players Tom and Ben Youngs, and Academy Award-winning actor Olivia Colman.

North Norfolk is a beautiful place to live and learn. The school is located just outside the popular Georgia market town of Holt, surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Academic, art, music, drama and sport scholarships are all available.

“Glebe’s close atmosphere allowed me to build my confidence which greatly prepared me for joining Gresham’s, giving me the ability to fully immerse myself and take opportunities.”

Elise Barber, Year 13

King's Ely

Nestled in the beautifully historic cathedral city of Ely in Cambridgeshire, King’s Ely is a leading independent co-educational day and boarding school. We are located just 15 minutes from Cambridge and half an hour by train from King’s Lynn.

King’s Ely nurtures the academic and pastoral needs of its 1,150 pupils. Our ethos enables pupils of all ages to flourish. The progress that young people make throughout their King’s Ely journey is astounding, and accounts for our high placement in local and national added-value rankings, including the top five in Cambridgeshire.

98% of our A level students secured places at their first-choice universities with 48% of grades being A*/ A (2023).

Whether a student shines in a classroom, in a laboratory, on a stage, on a pitch or on a mountainside, we promise plenty of opportunity for personal development, both academically and socially. Our curriculum is as broad as it is balanced. King’s Ely is best-known for its music, art (including textiles), drama and STEM.

“Glebe prepared me not only for senior school but also for life as the lessons I learnt, both academic and generally have allowed me to thrive here at King’s. The friendships that I made at Glebe taught me values such as honesty, patience, and kindness. Senior school isn’t always easy, but Glebe taught me many ways in which to deal with this while keeping stress to a minimum and my work to the best standard it can be.”

Emelia King, Year 11

“What life is like boarding. Boarding was always something that I was fascinated by but also was nervous to do so when Glebe gave me the opportunity to begin in Year 3, I was very existed. They gave me the choice to start with one night and gradually adding a night as I went up in the school. This was an immense help for when I began boarding at King’s as I had, had the pre-existing experience so I wasn’t scared of what was to come. I was excited to meet new people.”

Eden Hewitt, Year 11

Langley School

Langley is a co-educational, inclusive, day and boarding school, welcoming all Senior School pupils and Sixth Form students. Located outside Norwich, Langley has more than 100 acres of stunning woodland and grounds, providing pupils with space to breath and grow.

The curriculum at Langley is lively, engaging and exciting, extending into the co-curricular with vast and varied opportunities, including the Combined Cadet Force. Langley Football Academy is highly renowned in its own right. A Microsoft Showcase School, Langley issues all pupils with a One2One device. The digital and tech provision continues to be award-winning.

Langley is a warm and nurturing community that is aspirational for all, with a focus on academic excellence (from STEM to Creative Arts), community and the environment. “At Langley, we promise to know your child for who they are, and that they will belong. Join us for a private tour to discover the senior school setting for your child.”

Oundle School

Set in the heart of a charming market town, Oundle is a true boarding school with a grounded nature. Its full modern boarding ethos ensures pupils, day and boarding alike, enjoy a full and varied evening and weekend programme; there is a security and shared rhythms for all pupils and a breadth of opportunity that only a full boarding school can offer. Academic results are consistently excellent, with an average of 10% of pupils progressing to Oxbridge, but it is no hot house.

Pupils are characterised by their intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm, and resourcefulness; they are able young people who love learning, value friendships and embrace the diverse opportunities that the School’s extraordinarily broad curriculum and co-curriculum present.

Oundelians are grounded and understated, and emerge as decent, open-minded adults, ambitious about what they can go on to achieve and keen to contribute to the various communities of which they form part.

“Glebe prepared my move to Oundle School by giving me a strong academic foundation and the self-assurance I needed to succeed and be content among my peers.”

Mabel, Year 11

Norwich School

Norwich School is a co-educational, independent day school for pupils aged four to eighteen. Set in the Cathedral Close, Norwich School is a traditional, yet lively place where boys and girls enjoy a rounded and stimulating education. The school is characterised by strong, warm relationships and a profound appreciated of scholarship.

“Norwich School gave me countless opportunities to discover who I was and what I was passionate about. My school offered me the chance to try things I was scared to di, and a place to learn and grow, not only as a pupil but as a leader and a friend.”

Abigail Hill, ON 2022

Smithdon High School

At Smithdon, we are passionate that all children are given the same opportunities to succeed, whatever their background and skills, and are instilled with the strength to build on their experiences to become the best version of themselves – and we aim to provide this for every child at Smithdon (also reflecting the aims of the West Norfolk Academies Trust).

With a fantastic, talented staff who develop a strong rapport with our students, supporting them in their journey to educational excellence and to find their individual strengths and interests, each child’s individual journey begins when they become one of our Smithdon community – a community that goes beyond the physical boundaries of Smithdon itself, into our wider community of Hunstanton and the surrounding areas, where we continue to expand our links with many local events and organisations.

Our school motto, to Work Hard, Be Kind and Smile, embodies everything we expect of our students and of ourselves. When we work hard, we open a world of opportunities and give ourselves and everyone else the ability to succeed and build a bright future.

Being kind is essential for a happy community: being kind to ourselves, as well as others, is just as important. There are so many opportunities to gain rewards, take part in fun activities and celebrate successes that make us all smile, every day. Smiling is infectious – spreading positivity for the whole community. We welcome you to visit us at any time and witness our motto in action for yourselves – please do contact the school office to make an appointment.

The Leys

Located in the heart of the historic university city of Cambridge, The Leys is the city’s leading co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 – 18. The school is situated close to the banks of the River Cam, just a five minute walk from the city centre but within a spacious, leafy 50 acre campus. Often referred to as a ‘big, small school’, The Leys is big enough to offer opportunities which are the envy of many, but small enough that each and every pupil is personally known and nurtured.

“Glebe prepared me for the huge jump between Prep school and Senior School, and helped me gain the confidence to try all the new opportunities The Leys has to offer.”

Alice Kilby, Upper Sixth

Wisbech Grammar School

At Wisbech Grammar School, the pupils are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that educational development of our pupils is not simply confined to the classroom or laboratory but can be found in the art and music rooms, the drama and dance studios or out on the sports fields.

There are countless opportunities embedded in our academic programme that enable pupils to ‘discover who they are’ and unlock their full potential.

Our philosophy is to engage the whole school community, enable all to work together, across all areas of the School, to provide enhanced opportunities for every one of our pupils. We have a firm belief in celebrating both academic excellence and academic endeavour and to continue to develop this philosophy for all pupils at WGS.

“Head of School “Glebe prepared me for a multitude of different things in my life, most of all, providing me with key foundations which i have been able to build upon over the last 7 years of my education. Glebe felt like a second home and when it was time to leave, they ensured that i was ready to embark on a new journey whilst still embracing the Glebe ethos. The support and care that they provided throughout all my years gave me the confidence to enter Wisbech Grammar School and carry everything i had learnt from Glebe into this brand new environment, all which has helped shaped me to become the person I am today.”

Lucy Reed, Year 13

Wymondham College

Wymondham College is nestled on 83-acres surrounded by stunning Norfolk countryside, an idyllic backdrop to live and learn, and close to the historic city of Norwich.

Graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in October 2023 for both Boarding and Education, its academic achievements are amongst the highest in the country, complemented by an extensive enrichment programme and international trips that expand horizons and deepen learning.

Wymondham College is the largest co-educational state boarding and day school in the UK, welcoming students from ages 11 to 18. Our boarding house structure means students belong to a smaller community where pastoral and wellbeing support ensures every child is known and cared for.

Its World Class status reflects the high-quality, all-round education students receive for free, many going onto Oxford, Cambridge, and Russell group universities. Considering all these aspects of such a unique College, it is fantastic value for money and with the College’s charity status, there is a modest boarding fee.

The College is steeped in a rich heritage and cherishes its history, while continuing to innovate and lead education nationally.

“Glebe House helped me develop my social skills in a boarding environment and gave me independence. The school has a warm, welcoming, family atmosphere, that helped me settle into boarding life.”

Erin Bailey, Year 10

Interested to know more?

If you would like to hear more about the support we give our families in the decision-making process or would like to discuss your child’s future school journey in person, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact our Registrar to make an appointment:

Tamzine Fraulo at [email protected] or call 01485 532 809 Ext 3

Choosing a Senior School FAQs

What factors should parents consider when choosing a senior school for their child?

Parents should consider factors such as academic reputation, co-curricular opportunities, facilities, location, school values and ethos, class sizes, support services, and overall fit for their child’s personality and interests.

What questions should parents ask prospective senior schools during the selection process?

Parents may inquire about the curriculum, teaching approach, examination results, pastoral care and support, personal and academic development opportunities, co-curricular activities, admission criteria, fees and financial assistance options, transportation, and transition support.

What is the timeline for senior school applications in Norfolk?

The timeline for senior school applications typically varies but often begins around a year before the intended start date. Parents should check with individual schools for their specific application deadlines and processes. It’s advisable to start researching and visiting schools well in advance, when your child is in Divisions V, VI and VII (Years 5-7), to allow sufficient time for decision-making. This is particularly true for the established, selective independent schools, who often start their Year 9 placements cycle in Year 5 or 6 (our Divisions V and VI).

How can parents best prepare their children for the transition to senior school?

Parents can prepare their child by discussing their preferences and concerns, visiting prospective schools together, involving them in the decision-making process, encouraging open communication, attending open days and events, and addressing any academic or social needs early on. Most importantly, meet with the Glebe House School staff. They will have great insight to offer you on the strengths and opportunities senior schools will offer your child.

Are any resources available to assist parents in the senior school selection process?

Yes, at Glebe House School, we host a special Your Future evening event in March, tailored specifically for parents, carers and pupils of Divisions IV, V, VI and VII who are exploring the next steps of their educational journey. The event allows parents and children to meet representatives from many of our destination senior schools and chat with Old Aquilians about their senior school experiences. Many other resources are available, such as school websites, prospectuses, virtual tours, open days, educational consultants, parent forums and local education authorities.

What support do senior schools typically offer during the application and transition process?

Senior schools often support and guide parents and pupils throughout the application and transition process. This may include workshops, information sessions, individual consultations, taster days and orientation programs to help pupils settle into their new school.