What is Junior School in the UK?
If you're considering a private school for your child's primary education, you may have come across the term ‘Junior School’. If you’ve ever wondered what this term actually refers to, we’ve created an article to answer that very question.
As mentioned, we explore a number of questions surrounding private education, including what the term ‘Junior School’ means and how to choose the right one for your child.
Junior School - What is it & How to Choose the Right One
The term 'Junior School’ or ‘Prep School’ is how many independent schools refer to their Primary School. Everything you would expect from a state Primary School would be present at a Private School’s Junior School.
It's important to note that educational systems can vary across different regions and jurisdictions within the UK and Scotland, so there may be small variations in the terminology used for junior or primary education. The information provided throughout this article may differ to other schools.
What Age are Junior School Pupils?
Pupils attending a Junior School are aged between 4 and 10 years old. They will begin attending classes from the age of 4 or 5, dependent on their birthday.
At The High School of Glasgow, there are six years in Junior School. Pupils will begin at Junior 1, progressing throughout the years to Junior 6. After their sixth year in Junior School, they’ll attend Transitus, an equivalent to Primary 7 based at the Senior School.
Choosing the Right Junior School
Choosing the right Junior School for your child can be a daunting process. This is especially the case where there are a wide range of good schools to choose from.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a school for your child, there are several factors to consider. Below are some key elements that may be useful to research, discuss, and analyse before making your choice.
Academic Standards
Understanding the level of teaching your child will receive at school is important, especially when considering a private education. Even within a small geographical area, standards of teaching can differ from school-to-school.
There are many ways to find out more about a school, its ethos and its academic standards; however, a good place to look is the Good Schools Guide, which aims to help parents in every aspect of choosing the best education for their children by providing impartial and candid school reviews.
School Culture and Values
Ensuring the culture of a school is a good fit for you and your child is important. Review the school’s website to read about their mission statement and values – does it fit with what you want for your child?
Another important cultural aspect to consider is whether the school displays signs of inclusion and diversity. A diverse school community can encourage an improved understanding of different world backgrounds.
Extracurricular Activities
Consider the extra-curricular activities offered by the school, as they can be vital for your child’s enjoyment of school life. These activities, such as music lessons, sports clubs, and participation in programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, can contribute to a more hands-on education.
It is always recommended that you ask yourself questions such as:
- Will the school provide a diverse range of extra-curricular options to motivate and inspire your child?
- Can pupils pursue a variety of sports or earn musical qualifications? These activities can make a significant difference in a child’s skillset and ability to learn later in life.
Pastoral Care
When choosing the right Junior School, one important factor to consider is the provision of pastoral care. Pastoral care ensures the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of pupils. It is important for children to feel safe, respected, and supported both at home and at school.
Schools can have different priorities in terms of pastoral care, meaning it’s important to dedicate time to review a school’s pastoral care programme to ensure the best is chosen for your child.
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Transitioning from Kindergarten to Junior School
The transition from Kindergarten to Junior School (more commonly referred to as nursery to Primary School) can be a challenging time for both children and parents.
Children find themselves in an unfamiliar environment which encourages a higher level of independence, while parents can struggle with the anxiety of their child entering a new stage in life. Fortunately, Early Years Specialists at The High School of Glasgow are fully trained and work closely with both the child and parents to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
Some tips to help with the transition are:
- Talk about school and focus on the positives
- Encourage independence
- Attend open days and events
- Read and write together
Beginning Junior School can be difficult, but with the right support and guidance from parents and teachers, children can overcome these teething problems and thrive in their new environment.
Conclusion
We hope that the above information has helped you make an informed decision to set your child on a path to success.
To find out more information about The High School of Glasgow’s Junior School, please click the button below.