St. Mary’s School, Hampstead were delighted to welcome Oppidan Education this week to launch an invaluable mentorship programme for Year 5 pupils. A partnership first introduced last year, the scheme provides expert training and guidance for St. Mary’s girls as they begin to apply for senior schools at the very start of the 11+ process.
Every year, pupils at St. Mary’s achieve inspiring offers and scholarships to some of the best independent, state and boarding (both all-girls and mixed) schools in the UK. This is a process endorsed throughout Year 5, when the school meets individually with parents to discuss current academic achievements and aspirations for the next chapter in their daughters’ education. St. Mary’s nurtures pupils and parents alike throughout the process, and are fully aware of the anxieties that the 11+ application and examination period can (sadly, often unnecessarily) bring.
Its partnership with Oppidan Education not only aims to boost girls’ confidence and self-esteem, but seeks to enrich and encourage their passions and success through regular interview practice, team-building workshops, exam technique guidance, and personal mentorship.
Founded eight years ago, Oppidan now partners with schools around the world to run personal development programmes that place character education at the forefront of student learning. Alongside its work with schools, Oppidan supports young people with one-to-one academic mentoring and parents seeking advice on the educational landscape.
Whilst not an academically selective school, St. Mary’s is justifiably proud each year of its departing Year 6 cohort, and their many achievements throughout their 11+ journey. Oppidan work to foster character and confidence, traits that are greatly valued throughout senior school preparation and the 11+ cycle.