Learning And Growth
Years 7-8 (Age 11-13)
Prep Academic Lesson 3

Years 7 and 8 at Cranleigh Prep are intentionally designed to be different. Through the Cranleigh Foundation Diploma, Cranleigh Futures and specialist subject teaching, pupils develop the confidence, independence and skills to thrive. This distinctive approach prepares them not only for the transition to Senior School, but for the opportunities and challenges that lie beyond.

Prep Academic Lesson Summer 2026 (3)

How is learning structured at Cranleigh Prep Year 7–8?

Learning in Years 7–8 is practical, hands-on and rooted in real-world thinking. Pupils research, debate, present and collaborate daily, supported by specialist subject teaching that pushes them to explore ideas more deeply. Pupils apply their learning in everyday contexts, explore enterprise and financial literacy, join sustainability-focused projects and enjoy curriculum-linked trips. The Cranleigh Foundation Diploma brings this all together through challenges that help them think for themselves in ways that matter well beyond Prep.

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How does Cranleigh teach mixed-ability Year 7–8 classes?

Teachers approach mixed-ability teaching by knowing each child individually and shaping lessons so every pupil is challenged without being overwhelmed. Small class sizes, thoughtful pastoral oversight and the Diploma’s skills-based approach help pupils grow at their own pace while becoming part of a future-focused learning culture.

What time does the Year 7–8 day start and finish?

The Cranleigh Prep school day runs from 8.00am to 4.50pm, with optional activities running later until 5.45pm. The day moves with a sense of purpose, balancing lessons with co-curricular activities that support their growing independence.

07.45 - 08.00Drop-off
08.00 - 08.10Registration
08.10 - 08.30Tutorial
08.35 - 10.20Lessons 1 & 2
10.20 - 10.45Break & Snack
10.50 - 11.40Lesson 3
11.45 - 13.05Games*
13.05 - 13.35Lunch
13.35 - 14.05Break
14.05 - 14.15Registration
14.20 - 16.50Lessons 5, 6 & 7
16.50Collection (unless doing an activity)
16.50 - 17.45Snack & Activities (Prep)

*Wednesday/Thursday these sessions are Lesson 4 and Independent Study.

Families who need a later finish can take advantage of wraparound care which is available for Day pupils until 5.45pm, and includes supervised prep and a light tea.

Beyond this, pupils can stay into the evening as part of Cranleigh's boarding community. Boarders enjoy supervised prep, supper, activities and time to relax in House. Day pupils who want to experience boarding before Senior can choose from regular flexi boarding starting from one night a week or occasional ad hoc stays.

Wraparound care at Prep

What is the Cranleigh Foundation Diploma in Year 7–8?

The Cranleigh Foundation Diploma helps pupils develop the skills and mindset to move confidently into Senior School. Pupils get involved in research tasks, presentations, enterprise challenges, outdoor learning and collaborative projects that feel both stretching and genuinely enjoyable. As they work through these experiences, they learn to think creatively, solve problems, embrace new opportunities and play an active part in the wider school community. By the end of Prep (Year 8), pupils are confident, capable learners ready for Senior School life.

How does Cranleigh Futures start in Year 7–8?

Cranleigh Futures, the School’s future-ready programme, begins in Year 7 by gently guiding pupils towards greater self-awareness and an understanding of how their learning links to real life. Pupils are encouraged to get to know themselves, their strengths and the opportunities around them that might one day shape their pathway, without it feeling like careers advice.

Explore Cranleigh Futures at Prep

What is the path from Year 7–8 to Year 9?

The path from Year 7–8 to Year 9 prepares pupils steadily for Senior School. Year 7 introduces the Diploma, and Year 8 becomes the transition year. Across both years, expeditions, travel and teamwork play a key role – building resilience, confidence and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone in a well-supported environment. By the time pupils arrive at Cranleigh Senior in Year 9, they have a strong sense of who they are and what they’re ready for next.

Explore Year 9-11 at Cranleigh Senior
Prep School Life Summer 2026

What scholarships does Cranleigh School offer?

Scholarships and bursaries are available to support both current Cranleigh pupils transitioning from Year 8 and those applying to join the School. For 13+ (Year 9) entry, pupils can apply for up to two scholarships – Academic, Art, Design Engineering, Product Design, Drama, Performing Arts, Music or Sport. Scholarships include a financial award of up to 15%. Some applicants may be offered an ‘exhibition’ which recognises strength in a chosen area and offers dedicated pathways and development opportunities without a fee reduction. Means-tested bursaries provide support based on individual family circumstances, with some places supported by the Cranleigh Foundation.

Find out more about our Scholarships
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What subjects do Year 7–8 pupils study?

Year 7–8 pupils enjoy a lively, wide-ranging curriculum. Sciences and Maths build strong foundations, Humanities and Languages open up the wider world, and Arts and the Diploma bring colour, expression and real-life skills into every week.

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Core subjects

English, Maths, Science

Prep Academic Lesson Summer 2026

Humanities & Languages

History, Geography, Religious Philosophy, French, Spanish, Latin, Classics

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Arts & Diploma

Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Design Engineering, Food Tech, Computing, LFL (PSHE), SPARK, Diploma

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What learning support is available at Cranleigh Year 7–8?

Every child develops in their own way, and teachers quickly pick up when a pupil might benefit from extra support or a bit more stretch. Most SEND provision happens in the classroom, with small-group or 1-1 sessions offered when needed. SEND provision at our independent school in Surrey spans a wide range of needs, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, speech and language needs, ADHD, ASD and broader developmental differences. Support is always personalised so pupils can thrive in a way that feels right for them.

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What is the Library like in Years 7–8?

The library in Years 7–8 is packed with reference books, current affairs and plenty of reading for pleasure, creating a place where pupils can explore, discover and enjoy time with books.

Frequently asked questions about Learning & Growth Yr 7-8

What is the Cranleigh Diploma?

The Cranleigh Foundation Diploma is our distinctive Year 7 and 8 programme, designed to bridge the gap between Prep and Senior School. Alongside academic study, pupils develop the confidence, independence and future-ready skills they need to thrive through a combination of specialist teaching, project-based learning, leadership opportunities and the Cranleigh Futures programme. 

Learn more about the Foundation Diploma and Futures

Do you do Common Entrance?

Cranleigh Prep pupils do not sit an entrance exam to move into Cranleigh Senior. Instead, progression is based on the Cranleigh Foundation Diploma, ongoing teacher assessment and end-of-year examinations, which help ensure pupils are ready for the next stage of their education and determines sets for Senior. While those applying to other senior schools are fully prepared for Common Entrance or other entrance assessments as required.

Can my child sit Senior scholarships?

Yes. Pupils can apply for Senior School scholarships at 13+ (Year 9) entry, whether they are already at Cranleigh Prep or joining from another school. Scholarships are available in Academic, Art, Design Engineering, Product Design, Drama, Performing Arts, Music and Sport.

Find out more about Scholarships

How are pupils prepared for boarding?

Pupils can try out boarding from Year 7 with flexi and ad-hoc boarding options, helping them build confidence and independence before they move to Senior School. Through House life, overnight stays, evening activities and regular flexible boarding opportunities, pupils become familiar with boarding routines in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Are GCSEs introduced?

In Years 7 and 8, subjects such as English and the Sciences begin to introduce GCSE-style knowledge and skills, helping pupils build confidence and prepare for Senior School. Formal GCSE courses begin in Year 9.

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