November 22nd 2025
The move to senior school at the end of Year 8 is a significant point in every child’s educational path, and it is entirely natural for families to feel the weight of such an important choice. At Moulsford, we work closely with parents to make this transition as informed and reassuring as possible. With our experience of a wide range of senior schools, we are well placed to guide families through the process with confidence.
Although discussions typically gather pace in Year 5, there is great value in beginning some supportive habits much earlier. These experiences not only smooth the eventual senior school journey but also contribute to wider personal growth and independence.
Building Awareness of the Wider World
Children benefit enormously from developing a measured understanding of current affairs. While the mainstream news cycle can be overwhelming, there are many high-quality, age-appropriate resources that make global issues accessible and engaging. Exploring these together encourages curiosity and develops the ability to discuss topics thoughtfully, a skill that becomes particularly useful in later interviews.
Recommended child-friendly news sources:
- The Week Junior – Weekly magazine with balanced reporting for ages 8–14:
- FYI: For Your Info (Sky Kids / First News) – Weekly children’s news show:
- National Geographic Kids – Nature, science, culture and world stories:
- BBC Bitesize News Explain¬ers – Child-friendly breakdowns of current topics:
- The Day (schools platform) – News articles written specifically for young people:
- Whizz Pop Bang – Science magazine for kids with news, experiments and scientific curiosity:
Preparing the Prep School children for the senior schools’ admissions process is core to the Moulsford experience, and in partnership with parents, we aim to ensure the children are given the skills to put them in the strongest possible position, and most importantly are calm throughout the whole process. As part of interview preparation, Moulsford harnesses the wisdom and knowledge of two highly experienced retired Heads, both of whom have an excellent grasp of the nuances of the senior schools’ admissions journey. Rob Williams and James Womersley, who were Heads of Bishopsgate and Beaudesert Park schools respectively, provide mock interview sessions and ensure that children leave them with confidence and constructive feedback.
Reading widely and exploring current affairs as outlined above, will provide children with plenty to talk about, both in mock sessions, and when they visit their chosen senior schools for interview. If you are interested in further ideas and additional ways to develop awareness, please click here.
At Moulsford, we believe that preparing for the next stage of education is not about pressure or early formal preparation, but about giving children the everyday experiences, encouragement and confidence they need to thrive. We look forward to working closely with you as your child moves through the journey ahead.
