An Inspiring Curriculum
25 new students join us in Year 9 each year, merging with students moving up from Fryer to become part of the LP family.
As the first year of our Senior School, the Year 9 curriculum is all about deepening your knowledge across a range of subjects as part of our Future Ready Curriculum, discovering your interests and skills in readiness for choosing GCSEs.
You’ll be in sets for English and Maths, at the right level to stretch your abilities. You’ll study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and take Spanish, Mandarin, or French. There’s Sport, Drama, Music and Art, plus humanities as well as technology lessons from Engineering to Music Technology and Computer Science.
Beyond the Classroom
While we’re undeniably proud of our students’ top GCSE results, personal development throughout your time in Senior School is just as important as academic progress.
With nearly 100 different co-curricular clubs, our CAS scheme (Creativity, Action, Service), and the chance to begin your Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, you’ll have plenty of chances to pursue different interests and develop your skills - including through our Future Skills Programme.
The majority of our students regularly represent the school in sport, or participate in competitions for things like music, drama, art and debating. There’s nothing like the buzz of these experiences to build your confidence and resilience, and take your learning to the next level.
Boarding
Living with your friends is an amazing experience.
In Year 9, you’ll be in Fryer House, sharing with two other people in a modern and comfortable en-suite bedroom.
The boarding space is upstairs, where you’ll have your own bed, desk, bedside table and wardrobe. There’s a kitchen for the all-important snacks, a TV room and a snug for winding down.
Downstairs, you’ll find a lively common room, games room, music room and quiet room.
There are 27 boarders in Fryer: boys and girls aged 11-14, from the UK and overseas. Staff are always on hand to look after you, join in the fun and create a welcoming space you can call home.
Pastoral Care
A sense of belonging gives you the confidence to flourish. We’re here to make sure that happens.
We keep tutor groups small, with just 11 students in each. You’ll quickly make friends and get to know your tutor well. They’re always on your side, and you’ll have daily check-ins so they keep pace with what’s happening in your world.
Year 9s have their own Social Hub and garden, a dedicated space where you can relax and spend time with your friends.
We also have safeguarding teams; an on-site Health Centre with three nurses; and mental health support.
Learn about our values-led education
School Day
In Year 9, you can stay with us until 9pm - there’s plenty to keep you busy.
Registration is at 8.15am but you can join us for breakfast at any time from 7.30am. You’ll have six lessons, break and lunch. Before break each day, we dedicate 30 minutes to tutor time, House meetings, Collect (our assembly), or a time for the whole school to get together for silent reflection.
Lessons end at 4.15pm; co-curricular activities start soon afterwards. Most students stay for tea with their friends at 5.30pm, with our School Transport leaving at 6.00pm Monday to Thursday and 4,30pm on Friday. You're welcome to stay until 9pm to do your prep with the support of a teacher.
Nine reasons to join Year 9 at Leighton Park
| 1. Enjoy an education tailored to you |
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We’re focused on supporting you to succeed as yourself. You’ll get to experience exciting new subjects, like Engineering, Music Tech and Global Perspectives. You can spend time with friends and learn new skills in one of nearly 100 co-curricular activities, like Drone Club, Model UN, Football Skills Training or Mindful Art – there really is something for everyone. You’ll get lots of support too, in small classes with specialist teachers. You can call your teachers by their first names – and they’ll be by your side every step of the way. You’ll also have time each day to check in with your dedicated academic tutor. |
| 2. Be part of a kind community |
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A sense of belonging gives you the confidence to flourish. We’re here to make sure that happens. You’ve got your own Year 9 Commons to spend with friends at break and lunch times. Our House system, Sport for all and Music for all programmes give everyone an opportunity to shine, whether on the stage, the sports field or getting creative. House and co-curricular activities are mixed with other year groups, giving you the chance to make friends, within an inclusive and kind community. With students from 45 different countries, you can learn more about the world and enjoy other cultures and global perspectives. |
| 3. Love your learning |
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While our GCSE students are in the Top 1% in the country for the academic progress that they make, our focus is on you loving your learning. Our STEAM academic programme blends valuable analytical and critical thinking skills with creative habits of mind – giving you the skills to make connections and work together with others to create solutions. Average class sizes of 16 give you plenty of individual attention and helps you develop excellent skills to share and refine your ideas. |
| 4. Be the best version of yourself |
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Academics are important but you are so much more than your grades. We lead the UK for student personal development – winning the Independent Schools Association Award for Pupil Personal Development in 2022/23 and the Award for Future Readiness in 2024/25. Our Creativity, Action & Service (CAS) personal development programme and super-curricular programmes help you explore your greatest passions, learn more about yourself and develop the confidence to achieve your remarkable potential. |
| 5. Up your game (Sports) |
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If sport is your thing then we’ve got good news. You will have two Games afternoons each week and more than 30 sports to choose from in our co-curricular programme. football, hockey and netball are our key sports, with excellent coaches, great facilities and multiple teams in each year group. Basketball, Judo, Tennis and Swimming are also important sports here, with specialist coaches. In football, we partner with Chelsea Football Club, with their coaches coming to lead skills training workshops each week. We also partner with the Reading Rockets Basketball Team and Camberley Judo Club. |
| 6. Get creative |
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We’re perhaps best known for our phenomenal Music department but creativity runs deep at Leighton Park. 60% of our students study an instrument with one of our 27 instrumentalist teachers. In Drama, you can get involved in our incredible productions and take lessons with LAMDA or Trinity (Musical Theatre). Our LooP Dance Company is a wonderful community of dancers and you can study towards NATD qualifications. The Creative and Performing Arts are supported by incredible facilities, including our sector-leading, Music and Media Centre, two Drama studios and Dance Studio, seven Specialist Art studios, Design Studio and huge MakerSpace. |
| 7. Live adventurously |
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We want you to live adventurously, to push yourself, enjoy new experiences and have fun with friends. Our Year 9 residential trips are the perfect opportunity to explore and gain independence. Unleash your inner adventurer through our outdoor education programme, including the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. Travel the world on our international language trips, sports tours and ski trip. Learning should never be boring. We’ll make sure you have the experiences and inspiration to unleash your inner drive. |
| 8. Learn in incredible spaces |
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Education is a partnership and we’ll expect you to put the effort in. We’ll provide you with incredible learning spaces, specialist teachers and up-to-the-minute learning technology to make sure your hard work is optimised. Our stunning school library will inspire you to new heights. Most subjects have their own academic buildings giving university campus vibes and our 65 acres of beautiful parkland will give you the perfect backdrop. |
| 9. Relax in a home from home |
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Boarding can be a brilliant opportunity to get the most out of School, to live with friends and to develop more independence. Full or Weekly is available in Year 9. You’ll share a modern, ensuite room with one or two friends. Boarders’ socials and weekend trips mean there is plenty to keep you entertained. As well as British students, we have students from 45 different countries meaning that you can make friends from around the world. |
Where Next
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How To Apply
Want to join our vibrant learning community? Find out how to apply
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Open Days & Visits
Book a place on one of our school open days or taster days and discover what makes Leighton Park so special.
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Our Fees
Learn more about our school fees, which cover many of the things that other schools charge extra for.
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Scholarships & Bursaries
Find out about Leighton Park scholarships, and how our means-tested bursaries can offer financial support for your education.