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St Edmund's

Foundation: Years 7 & 8 (from September 2026)
Home Foundation: Years 7 & 8 (from September 2026)

Foundation

Years 7 & 8 at St Edmund’s

From September 2026, St Edmund’s introduces Foundation — a distinctive Years 7 and 8 experience within the Senior School.

Foundation has been carefully designed around a simple belief: these years matter. Early adolescence is a pivotal stage in a young person’s development — a time of growing independence, curiosity and self-discovery. Our Foundation programme provides the ideal balance of opportunity, structure and specialist support to ensure every pupil thrives.

A Structured Start to Senior School

Foundation pupils are part of the Senior School from day one.

They join Houses, take part in House competitions and social events, represent the School in sport, music and drama, and fully engage in the co-curricular life of St Edmund’s.

Alongside this, they benefit from:

  • A dedicated Year 7 & 8 base within the Academic Hub
  • Specialist Key Stage 3 pastoral leadership
  • A nurturing, structured environment tailored to this age group
  • Clear guidance as they develop independence and confidence

This dual approach ensures pupils feel both secure and inspired — supported as they grow, yet challenged to step forward.

Academic Breadth with Specialist Teaching

Foundation pupils follow a broad and ambitious curriculum, taught by subject specialists.

We place strong emphasis on:

  • Building excellent learning habits
  • Developing critical thinking and intellectual curiosity
  • Stretching pupils academically while maintaining individual support
  • Preparing confidently for the transition into Year 9 and GCSE study

The programme ensures that by the end of Year 8, pupils are confident learners — ready to flourish in the next stage of Senior School life.

Character, Wellbeing and Opportunity

Academic progress sits alongside personal development.

Foundation places particular emphasis on:

  • Wellbeing and pastoral care
  • Citizenship and values education
  • Careers awareness and future pathways
  • Sport and co-curricular involvement across all year groups

Pupils are encouraged to try new activities, represent their House, perform, compete and lead. We want every child to discover their strengths and develop resilience, confidence and a strong sense of belonging.

What is Foundation?

Foundation is St Edmund’s unique Years 7 and 8 programme within the Senior School, launching in September 2026. It has been designed specifically for pupils at this pivotal stage, bridging the nurturing environment of Junior School with the independence and academic challenge of Senior School.

Why is the school introducing Foundation?

Foundation has been introduced to give Years 7 and 8 a clearly defined identity within the Senior School, recognising that this stage is both academically and developmentally distinct. While our pupils have always benefited from specialist teaching and strong pastoral care, Foundation formalises and strengthens this provision — ensuring that the transition into Senior School is purposeful, age-appropriate and carefully structured. It allows us to combine the best of Junior School nurture with the breadth, expertise and opportunity of Senior School life, in a way that is intentional and cohesive.

Where will Foundation pupils be based?

Foundation pupils will have their own dedicated base within the Academic Hub. Purpose-designed Year 7 & 8 common rooms will be located in the main school, close to the Dining Hall. These spaces provide a sense of ownership and belonging while supporting both wellbeing and independent learning.

Who will teach Foundation pupils?

Pupils are taught by experienced subject specialists across the curriculum. Teaching combines academic challenge with strong relational support, helping pupils build higher-order thinking skills, independence and confidence.

What does the curriculum include?
Foundation offers a broad and ambitious curriculum including:
In addition, pupils participate in:
What pastoral support is in place?
Foundation pupils are supported by:
The aim is to ensure every pupil is known, valued and supported.
What co-curricular opportunities are available?
Foundation pupils have access to the full co-curricular programme at St Edmund’s, including over 50 activities and more than 20 sports. Opportunities include performing arts, debating, coding, outdoor education, leadership initiatives, sport and community service.
Leadership development begins in Year 7 and continues through Year 8.
Is Foundation replacing anything?

Foundation enhances and strengthens our Years 7 and 8 provision within the Senior School. It provides greater clarity of structure, dedicated space and tailored support at this key stage.

How do we apply?
For September 2026 entry and beyond, families can contact our Admissions team to arrange a visit, speak with the Head, or attend an Open Event.
Email: head@stedmunds.org.uk
Telephone: 01227 475600