Thorpe House Senior School: Igniting Ambition, Nurturing Excellence
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Empowering Young Minds for a Future of Impact.

Welcome to Thorpe House Senior School, where academic rigour meets a deeply supportive community. As a vital stage in our all-through school journey, we are dedicated to guiding students through their key Senior years, encouraging intellectual curiosity, building resilience and preparing them for their next exciting steps beyond Thorpe House. Here, ambitious learning thrives within small class sizes, vibrant co-curricular opportunities abound and our unwavering pastoral care ensures every student feels known, valued and ready to excel. Discover a place where potential is truly unleashed.

Welcome to the Senior School (Ages 11–16)

At Thorpe House, our Senior School is a dynamic and nurturing environment where boys aged 11 to 16 are supported to thrive both in the classroom and beyond. As a school dedicated to educating boys, we understand the importance of recognising each individual’s strengths, challenges and aspirations. Our tailored approach enables every boy to take ownership of his learning and personal growth.

I would be delighted to welcome you to Thorpe House and show you what makes our Senior School such a special place.

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The Thorpe House Senior School Advantage

The Senior School years are pivotal for academic growth, personal development and shaping future pathways. At Thorpe House Senior School, we provide a distinctive environment designed to empower students to achieve their very best, both inside and outside the classroom.

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Personalised Learning, Ambitious Outcomes

Our commitment to small class sizes ensures that every student receives the individual attention they deserve. This allows our expert teachers to truly understand each learner's strengths and needs, providing tailored support and challenging them to reach their full academic potential. This personalised approach creates deeper understanding and stronger student-teacher relationships, which are key to success.
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Character, Confidence and Community

Our educational philosophy is deeply rooted in The Thorpe Way values: Truthful, Helpful, Organised, Resilient, Polite and Empathic. These principles are not just taught, but lived daily, shaping well-rounded individuals who are prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world with integrity and compassion. We focus on developing essential life skills alongside academic prowess.

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Continuity and Confidence: Our all-Through School Advantage

For students progressing from our Junior School, the transition to Senior School is seamless and supportive. They move into a familiar environment where their individual needs are already understood, supporting increased self-esteem and resilience. For new students, they quickly become part of a cohesive community that values continuity of care and a consistent educational philosophy, ensuring a smooth and confident start to their senior years.

Beyond the Classroom

Life at Thorpe House Senior School extends far beyond academic lessons. Our extensive co-curricular programme is integral to holistic development, offering a wealth of opportunities for students to discover new talents, hone existing skills and build character in a supportive and ambitious environment.

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Sports for all

From competitive team sports to individual pursuits, our programme encourages physical fitness, teamwork and resilience. Students benefit from professional coaching and excellent facilities.

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Creative arts

Your son can express himself through drama, music and visual arts. Our students shine in performances, exhibitions and creative projects, building confidence and imagination.

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Clubs & societies
Your son can explore a diverse range of interests, from debating and robotics to environmental clubs and community service initiatives. These activities build leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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Community engagement

Living The Thorpe Way, our students actively participate in community service, developing empathy and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Nurturing Every Individual: Our Dedicated Pastoral Care

At Thorpe House Senior School, we believe that a student's happiness and wellbeing are fundamental to their academic success and personal growth. Our comprehensive pastoral care system is designed to ensure every student feels safe, valued and fully supported throughout their Senior School journey.

Dedicated Support Network

Every student is part of a supportive network, including their Form Tutor, Head of Year and our dedicated pastoral team. This ensures consistent guidance and a trusted adult for every child.

Building Resilience & Emotional Health
We proactively nurture resilience, self-regulation and emotional intelligence through dedicated wellbeing programmes and a culture of open communication. We equip students with the life skills to navigate challenges with confidence.
A Culture of Respect & Inclusion

Our commitment to The Thorpe Way values, particularly empathy and politeness, underpins an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and every student feels a strong sense of belonging.

Proactive & Reactive Support

We offer both proactive wellbeing initiatives and responsive support for any personal difficulties, ensuring students receive the care they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Hear From Our Students and Parents

The best way to understand the Thorpe House Senior School experience is through the voices of those who live it every day.

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“Thorpe House gives you the confidence to be yourself, whether that’s in the classroom, on stage or in forest school.”

Year 7 pupil

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“Every teacher genuinely cares about helping you reach your potential. It feels like everyone knows you and wants you to succeed.”

Year 8 pupil

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“As a parent, I’ve been continually impressed by how well Thorpe House balances academic challenge with genuine care. Our son has flourished here – he’s happy, confident and inspired to do his best every single day.”

Current parent

Senior School Overview

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Description
Age Range

11–16 years (Years 7–11)

Curriculum

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), Key Stage 4 (GCSEs, Years 10–11)

Typical class sizes
16-20 children
Operating Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm with wraparound care and extensive clubs offering until 6pm

Key Features

Personalised learning, extensive co-curriculars, dedicated pastoral care, all-through school sdvantage, The Thorpe Way values

Location
Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire

A day in the life of a senior student

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08:00am–08:30am

School opens

The school day begins as boys arrive, ready to take ownership of their learning in a mature and supportive environment.

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08:30am–08:45am
Registration
Morning registration sets a positive tone for the day, with strong tutor relationships helping boys feel known and encouraged.
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08:45am–09:30am
Lesson 1
The first lesson gets underway, combining academic focus with curiosity and independent thinking.
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09:30am–10:15am
Lesson 2
Boys continue to explore subject knowledge through engaging, purposeful learning.
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10:15 - 11:00
Lesson 3
A structured and stimulating classroom atmosphere helps boys make meaningful progress.
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11:00am–11:15am
Break

A well-earned break provides time to recharge, socialise and prepare for the next phase of learning.

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11:15am–12:00pm
Lesson 4
Students return refreshed, ready to engage with challenge and develop deeper understanding.
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12:00pm–12:45pm
Lesson 5
The day progresses with lessons that encourage critical thinking and personal responsibility.
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12:45pm–1:30pm

Lesson 6/lunch

Depending on the schedule, boys continue learning or take time to enjoy a sociable and nutritious lunch.
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1:30pm–2:15pm

Lunch/lesson 6

The lunchtime and learning rotation ensures flexibility while maintaining academic consistency.
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2:15pm–3:00pm
Lesson 7
Afternoon lessons support progress and spark discussion, with boys encouraged to reflect and contribute.
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3:00pm–3:45pm
Lesson 8
The final academic lesson reinforces core knowledge and skills before the day transitions to co-curricular opportunities.
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3:45pm–4:30pm
Clubs
A rich co-curricular programme offers activities ranging from sport to creative arts, developing character and confidence.

Discover the Thorpe House Senior School Difference

We invite you to take the next step and explore how Thorpe House Senior School can empower your child to achieve their full potential.

Register for our Open Day
Email us: mainschoolreception@thorpehouse.co.uk
Contact Admissions