Kent

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/st-michaels-prep-19.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60468" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/st-michaels-prep-19.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/st-michaels-prep-19-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/st-michaels-prep-19-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/st-michaels-prep-19-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/st-michaels-prep-19-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/st-michaels-prep-19-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Whatever school path you choose for your child, state, grammar or independent &#8211; this is an important time of year for Year 6 pupils everywhere. It&#8217;s the time when schools offer places &#8211; often based on entrance exams &#8211; and there are big, and exciting, decisions to be made.



For many the move in Year 7 is the preferred, or only practical, option. But if you are considering the independent sector, or already in it, you may be debating whether to make the move to senior school now, or wait and make the move when going into Year 9. 



So we spoke to top, local school <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="St. Michael's Prep (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.stmichaels.kent.sch.uk" target="_blank">St. Michael&#8217;s Prep</a> in Otford about the advantages of staying on for these highly developmental years. And who better to tell us than the children who made that decision themselves&#8230;?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lucy, Year 8</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1110" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-69314" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture1.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture1-216x300.png 216w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture1-360x500.png 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture1-108x150.png 108w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture1-768x1066.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture1-378x525.png 378w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



&#8216;I’ve been at St Michael’s since Nursery and I’ve loved my time here. I decided to stay at St Michael’s for Year 7 and 8 instead of going straight to senior school after Year 6 as I didn’t feel I was completely ready to move on and I was really comfortable at St Michael’s.&nbsp;



Staying at St Michael’s for Year 7 and 8 means I’ve had the chance to take part in lots of opportunities. For example, as part of my Sport and Drama Scholarships, I have been on theatre trips with backstage tours, represented St Michael’s for IAPS cross country and played one of the lead roles in the school play. I have also secured a place in the Kent Cricket Performance Squad for this season.



The small class sizes in Years 7 and 8 work well as it means the teachers can adapt their lessons to suit the children in each class. You get lots of help with anything you are stuck with. The gradual increase of work in Years 7 and 8 also helps you understand what work will be like at senior school.



There’s a great sense of community at St Michael’s and it’s really welcoming to new joiners. Years 7 and 8 are a great chance to seize every opportunity and have a go at new things (like singing lessons!) in a safe and friendly environment. That’s what I’ve done and I’m heading off to senior school confident and ready for the challenges ahead.&#8217;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Alex, Year 8</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-69315" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture2.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture2-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture2-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture2-150x100.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture2-768x512.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture2-787x525.png 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



&#8216;Since joining St Michael’s in Nursery, I loved being part of its special community which is kind, positive and happy to help. Therefore, when I reached Year 6, I wasn’t ready to leave and wanted to stay at St Michael’s for all the amazing opportunities which are available to older pupils.&nbsp;



Highlights of my time in Years 7 and 8 have included the school plays (The Elephant Man and&nbsp;The Wolves of Willoughby Chase). I&#8217;ve also enjoyed various trips which have included our geography field trip to the Stratford Olympic Park and our creative arts trip to the Southbank Centre followed by watching the musical&nbsp;Mamma Mia. Additionally, the teachers are fantastic at helping you and the exam and presentation practice you receive really builds your confidence for senior school.



I secured Music and Drama Scholarships into Years 7 and 8 at St Michael’s and have really enjoyed completing the related activities for these. We have enjoyed trips to the Globe, the National Theatre to see the musical&nbsp;Hex, plus a musical masterclass with famous pianist Nicholas McCarthy.



I have achieved my Grade 7 in both saxophone and clarinet, Grade 6 in singing and Grade 5 in piano all with the help of the great music teachers at St Michael’s. They also helped me secure a place at Trinity Laban Junior Conservatoire which I attend on Saturdays. 



St Michael’s has been so supportive of my musical interests and has always encouraged me to be my best. I have secured a place at King’s Rochester for Year 9 with a Music Scholarship.&#8217;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sam, Year 8</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1187" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-69316" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture3.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture3-253x300.png 253w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture3-421x500.png 421w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture3-126x150.png 126w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture3-768x912.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture3-442x525.png 442w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



&#8216;St Michael’s is a happy place where pupils are celebrated at all learning levels. This is one of the reasons I decided to stay for Years 7 and 8 before I go to Tonbridge School next year.&nbsp;



Having been at St Michael’s since Nursery, I had benefited from the kind, positive atmosphere of the school for 9 years by the time I reached Year 6 and so was keen to spend an extra two years here.&nbsp;



I entered Year 7 with an All Rounder Scholarship, Drama Scholarship and Music Exhibition, which I was very excited about. Having these scholarships meant I could improve my skills across many subjects, as well as going on trips and performing to audiences as part of the awards. For example, I have had the chance to perform at St Michael’s Open Mornings, Scholars’ Concerts and assemblies to younger pupils, as well as playing the role of John Merrick in our production of&nbsp;The Elephant Man. 



Staying at St Michael’s for Years 7 and 8 has helped me prepare for the changes that accompany senior school including increased homework and exams. This has been possible due to the small class sizes at St Michael’s and our supportive teachers who have worked hard to build our confidence and independence for senior school.&#8217;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Diya, Year 7</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1160" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture4.png" alt="" class="wp-image-69317" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture4.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture4-259x300.png 259w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture4-431x500.png 431w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture4-129x150.png 129w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture4-768x891.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/Picture4-453x525.png 453w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



&#8216;I’ve been at St Michael’s since Year 3 and have really enjoyed my time here.&nbsp;I decided to stay here for Years 7 and 8 as I wanted to experience the opportunities and responsibility that come with being the oldest in the school. 



I am really enjoying my Art Scholarship which has already made me more confident in my ability. I really love dedicating extra time to this subject in the Scholarship Art Club and pushing myself to try new techniques and improve my artwork. Since being in Year 7, I have also had more responsibilities, the most important being a role model to the younger pupils.&nbsp;



I also enjoy doing the St Michael’s Diploma, which is a special qualification for Years 7 and 8. As part of the Diploma, we are given opportunities to research and prepare presentations about a huge range of things. 



The pupils in my classes love doing the Diploma because our teachers are so passionate about their subjects which makes us want to learn. They also help us with lots of interview practise for our senior schools which means the real thing won’t be so scary.&nbsp;



I am unsure where I would like to go to for Year 9 yet, but I am confident that my teachers and friends will help me find a school that I will love and flourish in.&#8217;



Experience life in Year 7 &amp; Year 8 at St Michael’s Prep School by <a href="https://youtu.be/FNSSHaSdfDg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="clicking here (opens in a new tab)">clicking here</a> or visiting their&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.stmichaels.kent.sch.uk/admissions/book-attend-open-morning/" target="_blank">Open Morning on Tues 26 April</a>&nbsp;from 9am – 11:30am.

Why we stayed at prep school for Year 7 & Year 8

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