But while the long list of names of the schools may be impressive, what matters most is that every child is ready for the next chapter.

At Mowden, the school is immensely proud that, in recent years, every pupil has secured a place at their first choice senior school, through Common Entrance, scholarship examinations or other assessments.

For the Head, Phil Sturt, that success is about much more than examination result: “Of course, academic achievement matters enormously. We want our pupils to leave Mowden with a strong academic foundation and the confidence to tackle the challenges of senior school.”

“But we are not simply preparing children to pass an examination. We are preparing them to thrive in the next stage of their lives.”

Academic ambition from the start

Mowden’s academic curriculum is deliberately ambitious. The Senior years are particularly important, with the continuity of Years 7 and 8 allowing pupils to build their knowledge, develop effective study habits and prepare for Common Entrance, scholarships and senior school entrance assessments.

It is an approach recognised by senior schools, with Mowden pupils developing the ability to revise, self study and take increasing responsibility for their learning.

The most recent ISI inspection highlighted the school’s meaningful and active learning, with teachers praised for fostering positive attitudes to learning, encouraging intellectual curiosity and helping pupils become confident, independent learners.

“We have high expectations of our pupils, but academic rigour should never come at the expense of curiosity,” says Mr Sturt.

“We want children who ask ‘why?’, who are prepared to think for themselves and who have the resilience to keep going when something is difficult. Those are the qualities that will serve them throughout their education.”

Learning beyond the classroom

A Mowden education extends well beyond lessons. Sport, music, drama, art, outdoor learning, trips, competitions, clubs and leadership opportunities all form an important part of school life. For many pupils in the Prep School, boarding adds another dimension, giving them the opportunity to spend more time with friends, take part in activities and gradually develop the independence that comes with managing life away from home.

The benefits of this broader education were reflected in the 2025 ISI inspection, which identified boarding as a significant strength and highlighted the confidence, social awareness and personal development pupils gain through the school’s enrichment opportunities.

“Boarding is a wonderful extension of the education we provide,” says Mr Sturt. “Children learn to organise themselves, manage their time, work with others and solve problems independently.”

“They also learn how to be a good friend, how to compromise and how to contribute to a community. Those skills become incredibly valuable when they move on to senior school.”

For pupils who go on to boarding schools, the transition can feel familiar. For those heading to senior day schools, the independence and confidence developed at Mowden are equally valuable.

And it is not just boarding. Mowden’s extensive co-curricular programme gives pupils opportunities to discover interests, develop their talents and learn how to work as part of a team. Sport, in particular, plays an important role, with pupils taking part in regular competitive fixtures and developing confidence, resilience and a sense of fair play.

Preparing for more than exams

Academic preparation is only one part of getting ready for senior school. The new Compass Curriculum adds another important dimension to the experience of Years 7 and 8.

Developed across the Radley Schools Group, the Compass Curriculum sits alongside Mowden’s established academic and co curricular programmes, helping pupils develop the judgement, independence, confidence and sense of purpose they will need beyond Prep school. Its four areas, Navigate, Engage, Strive and Wonder, encourage leadership, communication, analytical thinking and curiosity.

“The Compass Curriculum is a really exciting addition to the Mowden experience,” says Mr Sturt. “It recognises that preparing children for senior school is about much more than getting them ready for an examination.

“We want our Year 7 and 8 pupils to become increasingly independent, work collaboratively and have the confidence to step outside their comfort zone.”

Through project based learning, collaboration with pupils from across the Radley Schools Group and residential experiences, Compass gives pupils opportunities to apply what they learn in practical and meaningful ways.

The right school for the right child

Perhaps the most important part of Mowden’s approach to senior school destinations is that there is no single definition of success.

Pupils have different strengths, different personalities and different ambitions. Some excel academically; others are exceptional on the sports field, on stage or in the arts. Many are talented across several areas.

Recent leavers have secured academic, sporting, art, music, drama and all rounder scholarships, alongside places at a wide range of senior schools. In 2026, for example, Mowden pupils secured places at Eton, Oundle, Sedbergh, Ampleforth and Barnard Castle,, to name just a few, with scholarships including academic, sport, art and all rounder awards.

“There isn’t a ‘Mowden pupil’ who fits one particular mould,” says Mr Sturt. “Our job is to understand each child, what they are good at, where they still need to grow, and then help them find the environment in which they can flourish.”

“The right senior school is different for every child. What unites our pupils is that they leave here equipped with the skills they need and ready for what comes next.”

That preparation starts long before Year 8. Conversations about senior school begin early, allowing the school to understand each pupil’s aspirations and create a tailored pathway. As pupils approach their senior school assessments, they receive focused preparation for the examinations, interviews and other requirements they may face.

Ready for the next chapter

The destinations of Mowden’s Year 8 pupils are something to celebrate. They reflect academic ambition, individual talent and the breadth of opportunities available to children during their time at Mowden.

Most importantly, they reflect our belief that every child should leave Mowden with the confidence, skills and ambition to make the most of their next chapter.

“We want our pupils to look back on their time at Mowden with pride, but also to look forward with excitement,” says Mr Sturt. “They have the academic foundations, the independence and the confidence to take their next steps, wherever those steps may lead.”

To see the Mowden approach in action, families are invited to our Prep School Open Morning on Saturday 10 October, from 9.00am–11.00am. To register a place, please email admissions@mowdenhall.org.uk or call 01661842147.