When students join Hounsdown in Year 7, they are placed into mixed-ability tutor groups.

Tutor Groups

Students are taught in their tutor groups for Art, Drama and Music. For practical subjects, including Design & Technology and PE, students are taught in smaller mixed-ability groups to support health and safety.

Core Subjects

For English, Maths, Science, Computing, Geography, History and Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), students are placed into broad ability groups. These include two mixed groups and a higher ‘Spire’ group, based on teacher assessment and each student's prior attainment at their previous school. Groupings are reviewed regularly to ensure students move classes as they progress.

Student Ability

A student's English ability primarily informs the classes for English, MFL, Ethics and ICT, while their Maths ability primarily informs the classes for Maths and Science.

Modern Foreign Languages

Before starting Year 7, students and parents can indicate a preference for French or Spanish. We aim to accommodate preferences wherever possible, although this is subject to staffing and availability.

Additional Transition Support

All students follow the same curriculum, with a small number invited to join a transition group. This group provides additional specialist support in English and Maths, alongside greater contact with a specialist teacher to help students make a successful transition from Year 6.

For more information, please select the following: