St Lawrence College Junior School

Since 2016, Ellen Rowe, previously head of Haddon Dene prep. The Christian ethos initially attracted her to St Lawrence College, along with the focus on sport. She describes the school as ‘magic’, ‘tucked away in a far corner of Kent but

Academically non-selective, with a first come first served approach all the way through, starting in nursery (now under the same roof as the pre-prep) from 3+. Taster sessions to ensure the right fit. Places available in most years (the numbers tend

Most move up to the senior school at year 7 – no exams required. About a fifth leave at 11+ for local grammar schools – with all pupils prepared for the 11-plus exams. Parents like this as they consider the test a valuable assessment that keeps

Available from year 3, with take-up mostly from year 4. Almost all international pupils, some from the forces. They join senior boarders in Kirby, a bright spacious and comfortable house which pupils say has ‘everything you could want’. Here, they

Means tested bursaries available and discounts for forces families and siblings. All-rounder, academic, music and sport scholarships with up to 25 per cent remittance on fees.

SLCJ could so easily be overshadowed by the grand and impressive senior school, especially as there’s a ‘one school’ ethos. But the junior school has its very own culture and sense of community – and they make you feel so welcome that it’s easy to

A nurturing school where pupils make superb progress and squeeze every minute of every day taking advantage of the many opportunities.