Bromley High School is set to become the first girls’ school in London to introduce a “middle school” phase, in order to improve the transition from primary to secondary, The Girls’ Day School Trust reports.
The aim of the plan is to remove what can seem like a “daunting cliff edge for most young girls”, the trust said.
The move is inspired by research showing that girls “often experience decreased self-esteem post-transition to secondary school”, it said.
There was research, it said, that a positive transition programme can mitigate these effects.
“Recognising this, the school is pioneering a new approach that begins at Year 5 and extends through to Year 8 to effectively bridge the traditional Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 divide,” the trust said in a press release.
The new middle school phase will launch this month (March 2024) and aims to provide a “seamless” transition for pupils.
“By focusing primarily on gaining a deeper understanding of each pupil, the school aims to create an environment where every girl can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally,” the press release said.
“Innovation for us isn’t about mere tokenism; it’s about meaningful change,” said Emily Rushton, assistant headteacher (middle school). “We want to ensure that our girls feel supported and empowered throughout their educational journey.”
Headmistress Emily Codling says: “At Bromley High School, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in girls’ education. Our middle school isn’t just about academic advancement; it’s about nurturing a sense of sisterhood and belonging that extends across all years. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this initiative. By prioritising girls’ education in this way, we’re not just preparing them for the future; we’re shaping it.”