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From September 2026, College’s Lower and Upper College structure is changing. This development comes about as a result of an extensive review to consider how best to enhance pupil experience and learning. 

Lower College (LC) currently consists of three year groups, up to the end of LC3, with pupils then joining Upper College (UC) for the GCSE years. 

In line with CLC’s curriculum development and focus on overall pupil experience, we have been reviewing this structure to reinforce its existing strengths and enhance the benefits for both Lower and Upper College pupils.  

As a result of this review and consideration, from September 2026, Lower College will focus on LC1 and LC2 year groups only, with LC3 moving to become part of the Upper College Division, forming a three-year pathway towards GCSEs and beyond. 

The Lower College Division (LC1 and LC2) will continue to be led by Ms Charlotte Woodhead, and Upper College (UC3, UC4 and UC5) by Ms Dafna Ashworth. 

How will this benefit pupils in Lower and Upper College? 

We are confident that this shift of positioning for Lower and Upper College supports a positive and purposeful step in our pupils’ educational journey, while still providing strong pastoral support.  

A focused LC1/LC2-only Lower College Division will create an enhanced and very special environment for pupils’ introductory years to College.  

It will support these valued pupils in seeing Lower College as a distinct and significant phase providing a developmentally appropriate environment in which pupils can grow in confidence, independence, and self-awareness at a crucial stage in their CLC journey. 

Tailoring the academic provision with our values-based initiatives allows College to further support pupils to become more reflective learners and develop critical skills. This means that LC students will continue to focus on learning how to learn, rather than on assessment rubrics or outcomes; encouraging pupils to take more intellectual risks, develop curiosity, and build their confidence as learners.

Early exposure to reflecting on strengths and interests will support a smooth transition into future choices without driving pupils to specialise too early. As they progress through school, with a greater understanding of who they are, students can begin to shape their personalised curriculum in UC3 and beyond.  

The three-year Upper College model creates a coherent and well-paced journey towards GCSEs. UC3 allows for exploration and preparation, while UC4 and UC5 focus on consolidation, confidence, and academic success. 

UC3 acts as an important bridge between Lower College and the more focused study of GCSEs. It provides pupils with time to understand expectations, develop study habits, and explore subjects in greater depth before making GCSE choices, reducing pressure and supporting confident decision-making. 

While many schools push a strongly exam-driven curriculum from Year 9, CLC’s approach remains flexible and pupil-centred.  

The UC3 curriculum is built on a belief in breadth, balance and purposeful challenge, combining strong academic foundations with rich personal development to prepare pupils for GCSE and the wider world. Pupils are given agency to personalise their curriculum, as it evolves across the three-year cycle of Upper College, before moving onwards to the future pathways and opportunities in SFC. 

Through a core of English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Physical Education and Personal Wellbeing, alongside a personalised programme of languages, technological subjects and creative arts, pupils are encouraged to develop intellectual curiosity, cultural awareness and the transferable skills essential for the 21st century such as communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, independence and problem-solving.  

Interested in finding out more?