Smart. Skilful. Kind.

The last two years at Rokeby provide boys with a real academic advantage over their counterparts in senior schools.  In Years 7 and 8 all subjects are taught by specialists. Small class sizes and academic streaming ensure that every boy is supported and stretched in line with their individual needs in order to reach their potential.

Year 7

“My nine years at Rokeby have been an unforgettable experience, which even exams could not spoil. I have had so many great times and will miss Rokeby very much.”

Boys entering Year 7 are the first to experience what makes Prep schools unique and special. Knowing we act as their safety net, they embrace challenges they may once have shied away from and aim high in everything they do. Our ‘Old Boys’ are testament to the fact that this feeling of empowerment becomes firmly embedded for life.

Behind the bravado of boys moving into Year 7, we remember they are still just 11 or 12 years old. Rokeby’s caring, nurturing environment is ideally suited to them, meeting their social and emotional needs through staff who already know them well. This gives boys time to further develop in a familiar setting that understands them best, academically and in maturity, allowing them to have the strongest possible start in Year 9. It also provides additional opportunities to apply for senior schools in Year 7 and
Year 8, giving families flexibility and choice.

Year 8

 

Here, boys are at the top of the school. We believe it is important to recognise the status of Year 8 pupils as senior pupils in the school. Boys have the opportunity to hold a position of responsibility, reinforcing their role as leaders and role models for younger pupils whilst at the same time ensuring they understand the need for tolerance and respect in their position as role models for each other and for the younger boys.

Increased opportunities to lead are central to this stage. Year 8 boys develop confidence and public speaking skills through activities such as leading whole-school assemblies, promoting charitable initiatives, and representing the school in ambassador and community roles. They also have the chance to make tangible, positive changes through senior positions like School Council where they work with the Headmaster and Head of Year 8 to discuss key issues and implement improvements across the school.

Academic leadership is encouraged through Subject Captain roles, supporting younger boys with initiatives like the Challenge Passport, and modelling perseverance and curiosity.

We provide bespoke preparation for entrance exams and interviews, ensuring boys are fully equipped for the next stage of their education.

Sport

In Years 7 and 8, the major sports are Rugby, Football, and Cricket and provide boys with the chance to compete at a high level, while developing teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Beyond these, boys enjoy a wide range of opportunities to participate and compete across a range of other sports, including Cross Country, Athletics, Tennis, Basketball, and Skiing, ensuring every individual finds a sport they love.

We are proud to work alongside our talented Games staff and specialist external coaches to deliver an extensive programme of after-school activities. These include Skiing, Tennis, Judo, Athletics, Mixed Martial Arts, and Fencing, broadening horizons and encouraging boys to try new challenges.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in recent achievements, with boys attaining County, Regional, and National honours in Athletics, Cricket, Cross Country, Football, Rugby, and Skiing. These successes are celebrated and inspire others to aim high.

Sport at also means adventure and our sports department organises annual tours which include a pre-season Football tour to Madrid, a major Easter sports tour in either Rugby or Cricket. Past destinations have included India, Canada, and Sri Lanka and participation in the Ski Championships in Passo Tonale, Italy. These experiences build confidence, independence, and lifelong memories.

The Arts

Boys in Years 7 and 8 enjoy a rich and varied Arts programme.  In Year 7, pupils have the opportunity to participate in the Shakespeare Schools Festival, performing an adapted Shakespeare play in a professional theatre each November. All Year 7 boys also complete the Bronze Arts Award, a nationally recognised qualification from the Arts Council, during lesson time. Rokeby has proudly maintained a 100% pass rate over many years of offering this award.

In Year 8, boys can work towards a 13+ scholarship with access to specialist classes in Art, Design Technology, Drama, and Music, supporting their applications to senior schools. All Year 8 pupils also continue with their Arts curriculum on Friday afternoons, sessions that are both popular and eagerly anticipated.

ACE Awards

Boys in Year 7 & 8 can be nominated by teaching staff for an ACE award in the areas of Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music or Sport.  Boys are nominated on the basis of their Ability, Commitment and Enthusiasm in their chosen area.  The award is held for two years and winners receive a financial award that can be used to forward their skills in their chosen area.

Senior Schools and Scholarships

“The teachers at Rokeby are fantastic and have helped me greatly from my first day at school to my final exam, making lessons fun and interesting.”

Our philosophy is to work with you to find the ‘best fit’ senior school for your son. This personalised approach ensures every boy moves on with confidence and clarity.

Many Rokeby boys choose to apply for 13+ scholarships in Academics, Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music, and Sport during Year 8. Our staff provide detailed references and tailored support to help each boy prepare thoroughly for scholarship auditions and interviews. Each year, a significant number of pupils are awarded scholarships across these disciplines at their chosen senior schools, click HERE to see the latest achievements.

We attain an impressive number of Academic, Sport, Drama, Art, Design and Technology and Music scholarships every year. Perhaps most importantly, Rokeby boys are renowned, not only for their academic success but also for their confidence, positive attitude towards learning and showing kindness and thoughtfulness towards their peers.

Beyond academic success, Rokeby boys are renowned for their confidence, positive attitude towards learning, and kindness towards their peers. These qualities, combined with strong preparation, make them stand out.

We also maintain excellent relationships with senior schools, inviting them to Rokeby for our Senior Schools Exhibition, where parents can meet Registrars, senior staff, and Heads face-to-face. This event, along with our ongoing guidance, ensures families feel supported throughout the transition.