School Life
Senior Years – Years 9, 10 & 11
An innovative and varied curriculum
In the Senior Years, we deliver an innovative and broad curriculum that challenges all pupils and gives them the opportunity to study subjects they truly enjoy. This ensures that all pupils are well prepared for progression after Year 11.
We offer a breadth of academic courses and qualifications at GCSE and equivalent Level 2 BTEC, including:
- Art & Design, Media Studies, Photography
- Computing, Digital Information Technology (DIT)
- Design & Technology, Design… Engineer… Construct! (DEC – computer-aided design in the digital built environment), Engineering
- Drama
- Enterprise
- Geography, History, Religious Studies, Travel & Tourism
- Music
- Psychology, Sociology
- Spanish
- Sport
All pupils continue to study the core subjects of English, Mathematics and the sciences, alongside their non-core options subjects and Personal and Social Development (PSD). Physical Education is an important part of the curriculum offering, with a variety of sports offered at least one afternoon each week.
Teaching takes place in specialist facilities across our school site, including science laboratories, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, strength and conditioning gym, computing suites, a Performing Arts Studio, Design & Technology block, and extensive Music department. With small class sizes of typically 10–14 pupils, teachers can adapt their approach to support individual needs. To read more about our bespoke approach to teaching and learning, visit Our Specialist Approach. Learning is enriched by a wealth of exciting and engaging trips, guest speakers, and co-curricular opportunities, all of which broaden pupils’ knowledge and understanding.
Senior Years pupils benefit from support from our Careers Advisor, including information on college, university, apprenticeships and employment opportunities. We have a dedicated Careers programme, which is overseen by our Careers lead and facilitated in collaboration with Form Tutors. The school works in partnership with the Uni Frog platform, which gives pupils access to careers and progression resources.
As a school, we regularly review the qualifications that we offer to ensure that we have an inspiring, accessible and relevant academic and vocational curriculum. This inevitably leads to adjustments in the subjects on offer according to the needs and requirements of each cohort. This approach enables individual pupils to achieve their potential and maintains our high level of academic achievement in public examinations.
Learn more about Year 9
Year Nine offers every pupil the chance to experience a range of different disciplines and skills. As well as the core subjects, pupils study six non-core options subjects. Year 9 at More House is an exploratory year designed to help pupils refine their interests before finalising their subject choices for Years 10 and 11. Pupils have the flexibility to change their non-core option subjects during the year, where appropriate, through discussion between pupils, parents and academic staff. This process supports each pupil in making informed decisions about their learning pathway and prepares them for the transition to Years 10 and 11.
Towards the end of Year 9, families are invited to attend an Options Evening, where they can explore subject choices with teachers and curriculum leads. In the Trinity (summer) term, pupils confirm three or four subjects from structured option blocks to study at GCSE/BTEC.
Year 9 pupils continue to receive specialist support according to their individual needs. This may include Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Literacy intervention or Numeracy intervention, delivered in small groups of three to five pupils. These sessions are aligned to personalised development targets and timetabled as part of each pupil’s day. To learn more, visit Our Specialist Support .
Learn more about Years 10 and 11
In Years 10 and 11, the curriculum is designed to equip pupils with the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to reach their full potential and maximise their potential in examinations. At More House School, we deliver a robust and effective ‘Pathway to Exams’ programme which supports pupils and families in preparing for public exams, with a focus on academic readiness and revision, mental health and wellbeing.
After Year 9, the separate individual disciplines of Speech and Language Therapy, Literacy Tuition, Occupational Therapy and/or Numeracy Tuition are united to form Study Skills sessions. Support is provided to meet students’ language, social, literacy, executive function and numeracy needs. The Learning Development Centre also supports essential preparation for exam readiness—helping pupils understand their access arrangements, practise exam techniques, learn revision strategies and cement key vocabulary To find out more about our holistic and therapeutic provision, including access arrangements for examinations, visit Our Specialist Support.
Pupils take part in mock examinations under formal exam conditions, usually in the same rooms used for public exams. This rehearsal process helps pupils manage expectations and develop familiarity with the exam environment. The Exams Officer provides timely updates and guidance, including a dedicated Exam Handbook for Pupils and Parents.
On GCSE Results Day in August, subject teachers and senior leaders are available to celebrate pupil achievements and provide guidance on next steps. Pupils and their families are also invited to a Certificates Presentation Evening in the Michaelmas (autumn) term, where we formally acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments.
Beyond the Classroom
Our co-curricular programme is varied and thoughtfully tailored to suit the interests and developmental needs of pupils at every stage of their education. There is a wide range of clubs, trips and activities available to those in the Senior Years.
From Monday to Thursday, pupils can take part in after-school clubs ranging from traditional prep. (homework) club, games, on and off-site sports, a variety of music bands, ensembles and choirs, plus a variety of academic subject support and revision sessions. To find out more, explore our Co-Curricular pages.
Pupils also benefit from inspiring trips both locally and further afield—to enhance subject knowledge and broaden real-world understanding. Many of these visits are part of our ‘Flexi Friday’ programme. Flexi Fridays take place every two weeks and do not follow the traditional timetable. Every year group takes part in creative and practical learning activities focused on particular subjects or themes. For Senior pupils, this might include:
- Hands-on workshops and practical sessions;
- Careers and life skills activities;
- Additional revision and exam preparation for Year 10 and Year 11 pupils in the lead-up to mock assessments and public examinations.
Our annual Activity Week offers exciting residential and UK-based experiences, designed to develop independence, teamwork and resilience in our pupils. In 2025:
- Year 9 spent the week with Land and Wave in Bournemouth, taking on outdoor challenges and building lasting memories;
- Year 10 travelled to France for an unforgettable week exploring Paris and its surrounding regions;
- Year 11 enjoyed a well-earned wind-down after exam season, with local day trips including theme parks, paintballing and more.
Preparing for the Sixth Form
The majority of our Year 11 pupils choose to continue their post-16 education at More House School. The Sixth Form is a very popular and well-supported next step, and there is extensive guidance from academic staff to help pupils and families decide on the right pathway for them. A Sixth Form open evening is held during the Michaelmas (autumn) term, for Year 10 and Year 11 pupils and their parents.
In the Trinity (summer) term of Year 11, parents and pupils are invited to a dedicated Sixth Form Information Evening, where they can meet with Sixth Form staff and discuss subject preferences for A-Level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. Our Admissions department also contacts current families during this time to support the transition and guide pupils through subject choices and progression pathways.
Are you considering joining More House School in the Sixth Form?
We welcome applications from pupils currently attending other schools. A number of Sixth Form places are available for external applicants to join in Year 12 (Lower Sixth), either as day pupils or boarders. Please note: we do not accept external applications into Year 13 (Upper Sixth).
Find out more about our Year 12 and 13 here: Sixth Form