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Senior School
Wrap around care
The school offers a breakfast club each day from 7.30am, and an afterschool club held Monday to Thursday, 4pm and 5.30pm. Booking forms and further information, including details of cost, are available from the Prep School Office on 020 8266 1779.
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Pastoral Care
Your child’s happiness and wellbeing are at the heart of everything that we do at the Prep School. Our aim is to nurture your children as members of the Habs family, offering a safe place for their learning and play. They are educated in a happy and inclusive environment, in which they can thrive and demonstrate their wonderful personalities. Small class sizes allow opportunities for personal care and staff take huge pride in knowing each pupil individually so that all of them can achieve their potential. There is a great synergy between pastoral and academic progress and when pupils are provided with strong foundations, they will succeed. Teachers are proactive in their engagement with parents and will regularly provide positive and constructive feedback on how your child is progressing.
We actively encourage pupils to attend the many co-curricular clubs on offer to acquire new skills and learn the importance of giving new things a go. Pupils engage in House activities, where friendships are across year groups. The House system plays a very important role in each pupil’s pastoral progress with each of the four House Leaders working closely with form teachers to retain a pastoral oversight of every pupil in their House throughout their time in the Prep School. House meetings are held regularly to celebrate the achievements and facilitate a sense of community and teamwork in which pupils come together to achieve common goals.
To encourage leadership qualities, there are numerous positions of responsibility to which pupils can aspire: House Captains, Form Captains, Librarians and Art Monitors, as well as School Council positions such as Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, all which are elected by their peers through a democratic process..
Our school values underpin what it means to be a Habs pupil. Pupils are awarded ‘value badges’ when they consistently display those attitudes and strengths. Kindness is fundamental and pupils are taught to empathise, support and help each other. Pupils leave the Prep School happy, well rounded and ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that await them in the Senior School.
Our Values
AMBITION
CURIOSITY
COURAGE
COMMUNITY
Admissions
There are approximately 20 places available at 7+ entry.
7+ Entrance Examination
All candidates take tests in English, Mathematics and reasoning at the entrance examinations held in midDecember of the year before entry. Some candidates will be invited to return for interview in early-January. Final offers will be posted in late January.
Scholarships
No bursaries or scholarships are available for entry to the Prep School. The Head of Prep recommends a small number of academic scholarship for existing Prep School pupils joining the Senior School, which are awarded at the discretion of the Headmaster.
The principal criteria for awarding these scholarships are: • sustained excellence in academic performance, including evidence from progress grades and end of year examinations; • performance in relevant Year 6 base line data tests; • Form Teacher recommendation, including contribution by the pupil to the wider academic life of the school, attitudes to learning and the ability to uphold our values.
Preparatory School Fees
Admission fees
Registration fee (non-returnable) - £100 Confirmation of acceptance – deposit - £1,000
The deposit payable on acceptance of a place will be returned when the pupil leaves the school.
Annual fee
Preparatory School (lunches not included) - £21,159
Termly extras – Music fees
Individual music lessons - £245 Group music lessons - £150 Aural/Theory lessons - £75 Hire of instrument - £35
Notes
Tuition fees include the cost of the use of ordinary text books, apparatus etc, but books or apparatus lost or damaged must be replaced. The fees also include Personal Accident and Dental Insurance (policy details available upon request from the Finance office). With the exception of registration and entrance fees, all school fees are payable in advance by direct debit. Annual fees are payable in three termly instalments and are due by the first day of each term. Parents may choose to spread the payment of fees by paying monthly instalments through ‘School Fee Plan’. Details of this scheme will be included in information packs distributed to parents by the Finance office. The school also operates a ‘Fees In Advance Scheme’, which can reduce the cost of fees by making a lump sum payment in advance. The terms and amounts for fees in advance can be tailored to suit individual needs; further details are available on request.
Senior School
Admissions
Habs is an academically selective school. Candidates are assessed through an entrance examination, an interview at the school and references from the candidate’s previous school. This process is designed to identify pupils who are able to benefit from our academically rigorous education as well as play a full part in our extensive programme of activities beyond the classroom.
11+ Senior School Entry (Year 7)
Entry is for pupils aged 11 on 1 September in the year of entry. At the end of the autumn term, candidates take a 90-minute test on a computer. This bespoke test covers verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and some English and Maths questions. A number of candidates are called forward for interview on the basis of their performance in this examination and, from amongst these, offers of places are subsequently made. Candidates are not required to bring books, projects or other work with them to the interview, but one or both of a candidate’s parents or guardians are asked to attend at this time, in order to meet the Headmaster or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The finance team will also interview parents who have applied for bursary support.
13+ Deferred Entry
We offer the option of deferred entry for pupils from 13+ prep schools in the UK. This means that pupils in Year 6 may take the 11+ entrance exam and if offered a place may choose to defer to Year 9.
It is important to be aware that Habs Boys remains predominantly an 11+ school. Approximately 50 boys join the Senior School from our Prep School; a further 100 boys join at 11+ and approximately 20 places are available at 13+. We recognise the increasing pressure on parents for certainty regarding placement at secondary schools in Year 6 and we wish to ensure that Habs Boys’ School remains accessible to all suitable applicants. Candidates who are unsuccessful at this stage are welcome to reapply at 13+.
Registration and Process
• For 13+ deferred entry, candidates must be registered by mid-November in Year 6 • Candidates will take the 11+ exam on either Thursday 16 December or Friday 17 December. The exam consists of a 90-minute examination on a computer and covers verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and some English and Maths questions. We do not release sample tests. Approximately half the applicants who sit the written papers are called back for an interviews in English, Maths and a group task • Offers are made mid-February. Pupils who qualify for a place following the 11+ assessments will be offered the choice either to accept the place for 11+ entry or to defer to Year 9 • There will be no further tests in Year 8 for those holding unconditional deferred offers • The place will need to be secured in January of Year 7 by payment of non-refundable £1,000 deposit
13+ Senior School Entry (Year 9)
Entry is for pupils aged 13 on 1 September in the year of entry. Candidates take an entrance examination in January in English, Maths, Science (Chemistry, Physics and Biology) and General Humanities (this is a source-based, not a syllabusbased paper). A number of candidates are called forward for interview on the basis of their performance in the written examinations and from
amongst these, offers of places are subsequently made. The finance team will interview parents who have applied for bursary support.
Senior School Fees
Admission fees
Registration fee (non-returnable) - £100 Registration fee – overseas applicants (non-returnable) - £200 Confirmation of acceptance – deposit - £1,000 (Payable on acceptance of a place and returned when the pupil leaves the school)
Annual fee
Senior School (lunches not included) - £21,159
Termly extras – Music fees
Individual music lessons - £245 Group music lessons - £150 Aural/Theory lessons - £75 Hire of instrument - £35
University Applications
Our students go on to study an impressive variety of courses at a wide range of prestigious institutions. Many students take up places at Oxford or Cambridge each year to study courses ranging from PPE to Natural Sciences and Oriental Studies to Land Economy. Other popular destinations include University College London, The London School of Economics and Imperial College London as well as University of Warwick, Durham University and University of Bristol. Every year we help between 15 to 25 students with their applications to medical school and a similar number who go on to study engineering. In recent years, we have seen a growing interest in international universities including Harvard University, Stanford University and Cornell University. Specialist applications are also encouraged and in recent times we have assisted applications to conservatoires, film school and for degree apprenticeships.
We offer comprehensive support for all university applicants and access to the Unifrog website to help with university and course searches. Sixth Formers and their parents are invited to attend Higher Education events which explain the UCAS process and set out information about the many choices available. These events run in conjunction with our well-established careers programme, which keeps the students informed on a broad range of pathways including degree apprenticeships and gap years. Each student is allocated a subject adviser who guides and supports them with the university application process. University preparation classes are run by subject advisers to help students prepare for admissions tests and interviews. Oxbridge reading groups and classes prepare students for the rigours of university interview.
Year 7
In their first year in the Senior School, pupils are taught in mixed-ability groups. These are unstreamed and usually comprise 24 pupils, which ensures classes are small enough to enable teachers to assess each pupil’s strengths and provide individual attention. Throughout Year 7, pupils are taught the following subjects:
• Mathematics • English • History • Geography • Theology & Philosophy • Biology, Chemistry, Physics – taught as separate sciences by specialist staff in specialist laboratories • Languages – French, German, Latin, Spanish • Art • Design & Engineering • Computing • Music • Physical Education
In addition, pupils receive one period each week of Key Skills including ICT, PSHCEE, Study Skills, Performance Skills, Literacy Skills and Careers.
This combination provides pupils with an excellent foundation for future study. It also enables them to enjoy a timetable that is both balanced and broad, giving them a secure base on which to build their future subject choices.
In Year 7, four languages (French, German, Latin and Spanish) are studied on a carousel basis. This gives each pupil the opportunity to discover something of the nature of each language for themself and to be well-placed to make an informed choice as to which two languages they would like to study in more depth in Year 8.
Pupils also have one afternoon a week, off timetable, devoted to co-curricular Games.
Year 8
Pupils continue to study the full range of academic subjects, although now focus on two languages on their timetable. Mathematics is streamed in Year 8 in order to optimise the teaching of this essential subject. During the spring term of Year 8, pupils are asked to choose their subject options for Year 9. This allows them to focus their attention on specific creative subjects as they move into the Middle School (Years 9 to 11). Pupils choose two subjects from Art, Computing and ICT, Design and Engineering, Drama and Music.
Prior to beginning their studies in Year 9, all pupils are asked to select two languages. These may be languages that they have studied previously, such as French, German, Latin and Spanish. Alternatively, pupils may choose to study Arabic in Year 9. Pupils who join the school in Year 9 (13+ entrants) may also choose to study Spanish ab initio if they so wish.
Our Year 8 pupils have one afternoon a week off timetable for Games and continue with their one period per week of Key Skills.
Year 9
In Year 9, the timetable is organised to allow students to be streamed in some subjects, such as the Sciences and Mathematics. This arrangement allows pupils to work at a pace most appropriate to their stage of development. All sets follow the same
syllabus and work towards the same examinations, where pupils achieve highly. In addition, Year 9 pupils continue with one period each fortnight of Key Skills.
In the spring term of Year 9, pupils are asked to choose their GCSE subject options. When making their selection, pupils should consider first and foremost the subjects they enjoy. It is usual for pupils to take a GCSE in those subjects which they also intend to study at A Level. All subjects at GCSE and A Level will only run if there is sufficient pupil interest.
Participation in Games remains integral to ensure students have a sensible and sustainable balance between their studies and physical activities.
Years 10 and 11
Pupils study 10 subjects at GCSE and there are opportunities for them to exercise their own choices. The core subject requirements ensure that the pupils’ GCSE choices are broad and balanced. All pupils in Years 10 and 11 study English (preparing for GCSE English Language and English Literature), Mathematics and seven other subjects.
Each pupil’s choice must include at least one foreign language, two sciences and one humanities subject, together with any three other subjects. In addition to their academic studies, students have one period each week assigned to the PSHCEE programme and they join either the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) or the School and Community Service (SCS) programmes.
They continue with Games to ensure they are active both mentally and physically.
Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13)
Sixth Form experience at Haberdashers’ is exciting, enriching and deeply rewarding. Our Sixth Form pupils also enjoy a significant advantage in accessing the most competitive university courses in the UK, Europe and North America. Our aims are to provide the best of single-sex education within a co-educational environment, to maximise the benefits of our joint campus and ensure that all students are fully prepared for the coeducational world beyond Habs. All students have at least one of their subjects co-taught, i.e. in a mixed group of students from the Boys’ and Girls’ schools. It could be just one subject, but it could also be more than one. With an element of co-teaching for each student, we are able to provide the best of both worlds, with opportunities for students from both schools to work together and challenge each other in new ways. Subjects will be taught either at the Boys’ School by Boys’ School teachers or at the Girls’ School by Girls’ School teachers.
The Sixth Form years form an important transition between the formal, directed learning of GCSE and the more personal and individual experience of university education. We strive to nurture the students’ growing maturity and creativity as they negotiate the challenges of Sixth Form life; through the guided framework of the School we develop valuable independent study skills and encourage the students’ sense of responsibility for their own academic progress.
Students choose three A Levels from a choice of 26 to study in the Sixth Form. They are invited to select their own combination of subjects, rather than being required to accept a set compulsory grouping. Students also follow courses in our highly successful Enhancement and Enrichment curriculum, together with a diverse Games and Sport programme. In addition,
all participate in either the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) or the School and Community Service (SCS).
During their Lower Sixth year, all students prepare for and write an extended independent investigation. This project provides an exciting opportunity to develop expertise in and passion for an area of interest beyond the confines of the A Level syllabus.
Enhancement & Enrichment
The school’s extensive Sixth Form Enhancement & Enrichment programme has two aims: to enhance the pupil academically above and beyond the curriculum, and to enrich them by providing an opportunity to pick up a new life skill or interest.
It is also within this programme that pupils are prepared for university-based tests, such as the BMAT, the TSA, and the LNAT, which they need to sit to gain entry to some of the most competitive degrees at some of the most prestigious universities (e.g. Medicine, Economics or Law at Oxford or Cambridge). All pupils are offered a course in Critical Thinking, and the Enhancement and Enrichment programme is designed to help support our pupils with all aspects of the UCAS application process.
Enhancement & Enrichment is timetabled for three periods a week and there is a system of rotation, which allows pupils to tailor their courses to their specific needs and interests. Pupils follow as many as 10 courses during their Sixth Form career. Half of the Lower Sixth courses are run in conjunction with the Habs Girls to help prepare pupils for the coeducational experience offered by universities.
The Enrichment side of the programme includes introductory courses in Arabic, Japanese and Chinese languages, cooking and public speaking, as well as more physically demanding courses, such as martial arts instruction, survival training and bushcraft. These courses aim to broaden the cultural horizons of our pupils as well as to help them develop skills for life. With more than 60 courses to choose from, the school offers a uniquely diverse and exciting programme taught by members of every school department, offering academic enhancement and personal enrichment alike.
Co-curricular
Haberdashers’ is renowned for its excellence in the classroom, outstanding examination results and of course, the fact that our pupils gain such terrific university offers including: Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Bristol, Imperial, Harvard – but if you were to ask a Habs students what they remember most about their time here, what memories they treasure – then they would talk about the enjoyment, the camaraderie and the quality of our co-curricular programme.
At Habs we firmly believe that all pupils should have the opportunity to find their forte outside the classroom; to have the chance to taste success; to work as part of a team and have the opportunity to develop new skills and talents which continue to develop throughout their time with us and beyond.
These skills and passions fuel their desire to forge new paths. We offer an environment in which every student can explore their individual interests
and even start their own club (if one doesn’t already exist). By doing so, we encourage pupils to take more initiative with their own personal development and allow them a space where they can excel in an area of their choosing.
The three elements that would best define our cocurricular programme would be quality, inclusivity and variety. The quality of our programme is truly outstanding. From the seven-time national champion bridge team through to the ‘MACE’ winning debating side – if pupils at Haberdashers’ have a passion, there will be a forum for them to explore it. The school’s Big Band has twice won national honours competing alongside university opposition, whilst our school productions are more akin to something you would see in the West End. This drive and momentum comes directly from the students themselves. The rapport between students and staff at Habs is, quite simply, second to none: a terrific collaborative working environment where both students and staff work together to produce the very best possible outcome.
A quality programme can only be built from one that is inclusive. With a sports programme that offers up to six teams per sport at senior level, through to our music department that embraces ensemble music – from those first notes on an instrument all the way through to diploma level we are a school that understands the importance of giving all a chance to find their passions, and a platform to showcase talents and abilities. Our sporting programme, too, offers that huge variety and includes climbing, riding, golf and kayaking. There is space for every student to discover and explore a new talent and skill they may not have known about.
Our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and Outdoor Leadership (OL) programmes offer opportunities to learn key and unique skills, to work as part of a team and give our senior students the chance to lead. Sailing, shooting and flying are just some of the experiences that our students will have during their time with the CCF, with many completing their Duke of Edinburgh award alongside their weekly CCF commitments. Our School and Community Service (SCS) programme offers an alternative to CCF and OL, allowing students to give something back to the community. By working with local organisations, students can add value and help some of the most vulnerable in our society.
With over 200 trips and excursions during the course of the school year, our students have plenty of opportunities to visit new countries and embrace new cultures. From cricket tours to Sri Lanka and India, to community projects and visits to Washington and New York with the Politics department, there is no shortage of opportunities for our students to enjoy potentially life changing experiences with their peers.
Music
There are a significant number of co-curricular music options available. Our large and expert team of instrumental staff give close to 500 instrumental lessons weekly, and coach approximately 50 chamber
ensembles. Our large ensembles have huge range, and we aim to cater for all players of whatever level. Our guitar orchestra numbers close to 100 players, and our best ensembles rival equivalent university groups: Habs Big Band regularly play arrangements by Bob Curnow, while Habs Symphony Orchestra regularly play full Romantic-period symphonies. We frequently perform outside the School gates, with an annual visit to St Albans Cathedral for our school carol service, regular concerts at the Barbican, and music tours abroad.
The particular strength of our Jazz department is showcased in the weekly jazz podcast, as well as exceptional contributions to our many concerts. Their most recent success story was in 2020 when the youngest of the four finalists of the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year was a very recent Old Haberdasher.
Outside of term we offer a number of musical activities, including two jazz summer schools, which welcome students from many other schools, and a weekend of massed strings from Year 5 to 13 pupils at both Habs Boys and Habs Girls.
Sports
Physical Education and Games play an integral part of school life at Habs. All pupils are provided with opportunities to participate at some level. Involvement in sport and physical activities is important in creating team spirit, positive relationships and pride in individual and team achievements beyond the classroom.
Along with the priority sports (football, rugby, hockey and cricket), pupils are also offered the chance to participate in a plethora of other sports such as athletics, cross country, football, gymnastics, archery, sailing, tennis, squash, badminton, basketball, golf, orienteering, table tennis, ultimate frisbee, swimming and water polo. The opportunity to take part in sport is extended to include A, B, C, D and E teams where possible.
The extensive Inter House programme offers further competitive internal matches for almost every student in the School. All are encouraged to participate at a level appropriate to them. Those who want to be involved beyond the competitive route can enjoy recreational levels of activity to maintain healthy lifestyles within the school.
In addition to this, valuable partnerships have been developed which, amongst other benefits, sees professional coaches employed from Saracens RFC, Middlesex CCC, Watford WP and Hampstead and Westminster HC to work with our students. The school also has an international partnership with the IPL cricket team Rajasthan Royals.
Careers and Work Experience
Through our Careers and Work Experience programme we aim to open students’ eyes to a
broad and exciting range of pathways, and to prepare them for life beyond Haberdashers’. The Careers programme begins in Year 7 and is delivered through Key Skills and then through PSHCEE. The majority of students in Year 10 take the Morrisby careers profiling test and students are also encouraged to take part in suitable work experience programmes from Year 10 onwards. All students are expected to have completed some sort of work experience, whether virtual or in person, by the end of Year 11 and there is time set aside for this at the end of the summer term. Our students are very lucky to have access to some superb work experience opportunities across a variety of fields, many of which are offered through our extensive alumni and parent network. To help students prepare for their work experience, and for life beyond Haberdashers’, we also run workshops on employability skills covering topics such as how to present yourself at interview, virtual recruitment processes and CV writing.
We run a number of events throughout the academic year, many in partnership with the Girls’ School, which help the students to build their confidence, teamworking and presentation skills; as well as giving them exposure to professionals from a range of different fields. These include our biennial Habs Dragons’ Den competition for students in Years 10 and 11, in which selected teams of students pitch their business idea to a panel of high-profile business people, often including a real TV ‘Dragon’. Other events include our biennial Careers Convention, careers networking breakfasts and information evenings for students in the Lower Sixth; as well as regular workshops, drop-in advice sessions and talks from external speakers.
Pastoral Care
We are committed to providing high quality pastoral care for all. With student welfare at the heart of everything we do, our team of expert and dedicated pastoral staff will go that extra mile to ensure our students are supported and happy throughout their time here. As well as being placed in one of our six Houses, all students are also temporary members of one of our three Sections: Lower (Years 7 and 8), Middle (Years 9 to 11) and Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13). Together with their Senior Tutor, each Head of Section guides our students through the range of challenges which are specific to their stage of the school journey. The Head of Section oversees the overall welfare of their students, liaising closely with the House teams, the Deputy Head Pastoral and parents to ensure excellent care for all students.
The House System
The House system lies at the centre of pastoral life at Habs. Every student is placed in one of the six Houses, becoming and remaining a member throughout and beyond their time at the school. Every member of staff is assigned to a House ensuring Heads of House are working with small teams of Tutors. Each of our six Houses - Calverts, Hendersons, Joblings, Meadows, Russells and Strouts - is named after the original Head of House. Grandchildren, children and siblings succeed one another into the same House, a tradition which inspires a keen sense of loyalty. Whilst every House celebrates its own unique brand, pastoral care of the individual student is a universal priority.
The system provides vertical continuity, as Heads of House, Deputy Heads of House and Form Tutors build a relationship with each student which begins on Induction Day before the start of Year 7 and lasts until the day a student leaves the school after Sixth Form. House Tutor Groups are supportive environments in which students develop friendships and learn values such as humility and integrity.
Lower School
Joining a new school can be daunting and we pride ourselves on helping new students and their families feel welcome and part of our community. We visit the students before they leave their primary schools and we organise events during the summer holidays so that they have a chance to meet and bond with one another prior to their Induction Day in September.
Our pastoral system in the Lower School is firmly rooted in our school values. We want the students to be active, courageous and resilient so they are encouraged to make the most of the exciting range of co-curricular activities offered at the school. We work hard to instil within the students good manners, respect and a sense of valuing one another. Above all, we aim to provide them with a happy and secure environment that will allow them to grow as individuals.
Middle School
At the start of Year 9, we welcome a small 13+ cohort of students from leading preparatory schools. Beyond the rigorously taught academic curricula, the Middle School years are a time for developing independent learning skills, greater self-awareness, resilience and motivation. Our aim is to prepare students for all aspects of life and therefore we place great importance on social and emotional health and wellbeing. Students will be offered greater opportunities to develop their team-building and leadership qualities and receive support and guidance in planning for their future careers both academically and professionally.
Sixth Form
The vast majority of Year 11 will stay on to our Sixth Form; they relish the prospect of being the responsible senior members of the school and provide smart, aspirational role models for the younger students. The Sixth Formers enjoy studying in smaller classes in which rigorous academic debate at the very highest level across all disciplines is a daily experience. Every student is encouraged to develop leadership skills and to embrace learning for its own sake in an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared learning with their teachers and peers.
The Form Tutor oversees each student’s progress pastorally and academically through the two years of the Sixth Form within a small Tutor Group. We are immensely proud of our friendly, thriving Sixth Form community in which every single member plays a valued part. The two years pass all too quickly but we know that our Upper Sixth Formers leave us with many happy memories, deeply rooted values and strong foundations on which to build purposeful and fulfilling future lives.
Counselling
Our counselling service forms an integral part of the pastoral care provided for students at the school. The School Counsellor is available to all students to talk about troubles and concerns, regardless of whether they have arisen within or outside of the school environment. Students can make an appointment directly via email, or if preferred with support from a Head of House, School Nurse, a teacher or parents. Where appropriate, the School Counsellor works closely with the rest of the pastoral team and with parents to support the mental health and wellbeing of all students at the school.
Assemblies
Assemblies are an important way of building community and the primary context in which we explore and embed the values which underpin the life of the school as a whole. Assemblies provide opportunity for reflection on the place of individuals within the community and the place of the school community within the wider world. They are occasions when we look both outwards and inwards, when we both affirm and challenge, when we hope to motivate and inspire, all with the overall purpose of developing good character and the ability to live wisely.
Wellbeing and PSHCEE
PSHCEE consists of five components: Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship, and Economic Education. The school values are embedded throughout the curriculum, with explicit teaching of the values in the Lower School. As well as being informative, the PSHCEE course has been designed to be skills-focused. Key skills of critical thinking, decision making and communication are developed throughout the course.
All students receive a weekly PSHCEE lesson with their Form Tutors during morning tutor time, and PSHCEE is a timetabled subject for Year 7 through to Year 10. In addition to this, workshops with specialist speakers are organised for all year groups at different times throughout the year. These focus on specific ageappropriate issues such as anxiety, e-safety, drugs and alcohol, consent, safe driving, and sexual relationships. Workshops are also delivered to parents. PSHCEE is an integral part of school life, rooted in the school ethos.
Medical Centre
Available to all pupils, staff and visitors, the Medical Centre is open every day during term time from 8am until 5.30pm. First Aid cover is also provided on a Saturday for home fixtures by a School Nurse or First Aider. Alongside the two qualified nurses who run the Medical Centre, there are over 100 staff members who are trained in First Aid.
As well as dealing with the unexpected onset of illness or injury, our nurses assist and monitor any students who have chronic conditions. They also organise health checks and immunisations where appropriate. They work closely with other professionals to ensure that our students achieve the best health possible to enable them to participate fully in all areas of school life.
Scholarships
Habs is delighted to welcome applications from candidates who, in addition to their academic potential, are able to offer their creative talents to enrich our school community. Scholars will be able to take full advantage of the outstanding facilities and opportunities available at Habs.
Along with academic scholarships, we also offer sports and creative scholarships in art, drama and music. For more information, visit www.habsboys.org.uk/admissions/scholarships
Bursaries
The governors make means-tested bursaries available each year for new entrants to the Senior School, including those from the Preparatory School. Candidates need to qualify for a place at the school as a result of their performance in the 11+, 13+ or 16+ Senior School entrance examinations and interviews. Financial need must be established by completion of a confidential statement of financial circumstances.
Bursary awards range in value according to financial needs and the funds available for bursaries. Parents awarded full remission of tuition fees (a 100% award) will also usually be eligible to receive an award that covers the costs of coach travel and lunches, as well as support with academic trips and one musical instrument.
As a guide, free places may be awarded where total assessable household gross income is below £38,000. Where an offer of a free place is made and a student uses the school coach service this will also be subsidised. The ceiling for eligibility for financial support is approximately £80,000 gross. Between these two figures contributions towards fees will be on a sliding scale. Bursaries can be offered in conjunction with a scholarship. Bursaries are available throughout the period of a pupil’s attendance at the school, subject to satisfactory conduct and progress, and to the continuation of the financial need. As circumstances do change, parents who require financial assistance are required to complete a new bursary application form each year. For those to whom a bursary has been awarded, the balance of fees due and any other charges for the term (e.g. coach travel) are payable by the parents. Whilst every attempt is made to maintain bursaries at a stable level once they have been awarded, this cannot be guaranteed.
All candidates registered for the Senior School entrance examination receive a bursary application form before the date of the examination.
Senior School Fees
Admission fees
Registration fee (non-returnable) - £100 Registration fee – overseas applicants (non-returnable) - £200 Confirmation of acceptance - deposit - £1,000 (Payable on acceptance of a place and returned when the pupil leaves the school)
Annual fee
Senior School (lunches not included) - £21,477
Termly extras – Music fees
Individual music lessons - £225 Group music lessons - £150 Aural/Theory lessons - £75 Hire of instrument - £35
Notes
Tuition fees include the cost of public examinations and the use of ordinary text books, apparatus etc. Books or apparatus lost or damaged must be replaced. The fees also include Personal Accident and Dental Insurance (policy details available on request from the Finance office).
With the exception of registration and entrance fees, annual fees are payable on or before the first day of each term. Parents may choose to spread the payment of fees by paying monthly instalments through ‘School Fee Plan’. Details of this scheme are available on the School website under Admissions. The school also operates a ‘Fees In Advance Scheme’, which can reduce the cost of fees by making a lump sum payment in advance. The terms and amounts for fees in advance can be tailored to suit individual needs; further details are available on request from the Finance office.
