School Structure

In September 2009 we opened a new, purpose built pre-preparatory department catering for children aged 4-7 in three classes, one each for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.  In the junior school we start with two small Year 3 classes, recruit a small number of children to join them in Year 4 and then a larger group join at the start of Year 5 when we move to a Year Group of sixty girls and boys spread across three Forms. No class in the pre-preparatory department will have more than sixteen children and no class in the junior school will have more than twenty children. 

The children who join us earliest are shown to progress most, although all make significant gains.

"Pupils' progress is good and at age 11 it is well above the levels predicted by the standardised tests on entry. The most able have the scope they need to show their mettle. Boys and girls achieve equally well."
Inspection report 2006

The Form Teacher is at the centre of a child's education at King's St. Alban's. S/he quickly becomes the person who best knows each child in their care and is the person with whom parents are able to keep in close contact. In Reception, Years 1 and 2 the Form Teacher has the support of a Teaching Assistant.   From Reception through to Year 3 the children are taught by their Form Teacher for 80% of their lessons. As the children grow older, more specialist teaching is gradually introduced, preparing them for the experience of senior school. Each Form is small with a narrow range of ability; Teaching Assistants are not employed in the junior school - staff are provided with ample preparation time and may call upon the in-class support of other qualified teaching staff where this is needed.