EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
FOUNDATION: A NEW VISION FOR YEARS 7 AND 8 AT ST EDMUND’ S SCHOOL
At St Edmund’ s School, we believe that Years 7 and 8 represent far more than a transition from junior to senior education. They are a decisive moment in a pupil’ s personal and academic journey, when confidence is built, curiosity is nurtured and positive learning skills are established. It is during these formative years that pupils should begin to see themselves as independent learners and young adults in the making.
That belief lies at the heart of the creation of Foundation, a new educational approach to Years 7 and 8, opening in September 2026.
Foundation will sit within St Edmund’ s Senior School, benefiting fully from its academic breadth, specialist teaching and wider opportunities, while also having its own distinct identity and social environment. Year 7 and 8 pupils are securely part of the Senior School community, yet uniquely supported within a smaller, carefully structured programme that recognises their developmental needs.
The learning environment will play an important role in this experience. Foundationers will be based in state-ofthe-art form rooms in the new Academic
Hub, with dedicated year-group areas designed to support both learning and wellbeing. These calm, flexible spaces encourage collaboration while also providing welcoming social environments where friendships and belonging flourish.
At the heart of Foundation is an expert pastoral team with deep experience of supporting young people through transition. Pastoral care is not an‘ add-on’, but the cornerstone of the educational experience. A bespoke pastoral programme, including a carefully structured PSHE curriculum, helps pupils navigate friendships, build resilience and develop self-awareness, all underpinned by the school’ s core values of respect, creativity, social responsibility, individuality and excellence.
Academically, pupils enjoy a rich and diverse curriculum taught by subject specialists. A defining feature of Foundation is its focus on metacognitive skills- teaching pupils how to learn effectively. By planning work, reflecting on progress and adapting strategies, pupils grow in confidence and independence, preparing them for the demands of senior study. Learning extends well beyond the classroom. Pupils benefit from carefully curated local and international opportunities, full access to the school’ s outstanding sports programme and sector-leading performing arts provision, as well as active participation in interhouse competitions and social events. Alongside this, a tailored Careers and Futures programme, introduced earlier than is typical, helps pupils begin to understand how their strengths and interests connect to future pathways.
At the start of Year 9, Foundationers move into the established house system as assured and motivated young people, ready to thrive. By creating Foundation, St Edmund’ s ensures every pupil begins their secondary journey with confidence, security and opportunity. For more information about Foundation at St Edmund’ s School, please contact head @ stedmunds. org. uk.
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