Independent and
forward-thinking
curriculum
Learning
The Davenies Curriculum is independent and forward-thinking. By going beyond the National Curriculum and incorporating the best of the Independent Schools Examination Board syllabus, we can provide a bespoke curriculum that enables us to offer academic excellence alongside an extensive educational experience. Our enthusiastic, friendly and well-qualified staff deliver a broad and balanced education through a combination of traditional and modern teaching methods involving both class-based and specialist teaching.
Subjects
The Head of Department for each subject area ensures that an up-to-date and challenging curriculum is delivered to all Davenies pupils. Ongoing assessment is relevant and pupil progress is tracked to inform future teaching and learning goals.
At Davenies, we believe that the learning process must Engage, Inspire and Challenge every child that attends. Teaching and learning is supported by a wide range of resources and Co-Curricular Activities. The ethos and values that are inherent to the School support and enhance enthusiasm for lifelong learning and encourage independence of thought. The boys develop self-esteem, a wide range of knowledge, essential communication skills and the drive to enhance and excel in education.
Take a look at our range of subjects in the following videos:
Academic Results & Future Schools
At Davenies, we pride ourselves on finding the right future fit for every child. Not only do our pupils go on to a range of top independent Senior Schools across the UK, best suited to their abilities, interests and personalities, but Davenies boys, having remained in the Preparatory environment until 13, transfer to senior school with the capacity to succeed and thrive when they get there.
Academic Results
Entrance Examinations and Scholarships for Independent Senior Schools at 13+
We believe that it is important to offer the boys and their parents a wide range of choices at 13 and, therefore, the boys sit entrance exams for a variety of independent senior schools, both boarding and day. The 13+ Independent Schools Examination Board Syllabus is incorporated into our Year 6, 7 and 8 curricula and this equips the boys for any of the entrance examinations set by the senior school of their choice. In 2025, we are celebrating a 60% success rate with Scholarship Awards – a testament to their hard work and determination.
This year, Year 8 boys gained 100% success in their entrance examinations to the following senior independent schools:
Scholarships
Boys may also undertake scholarship examinations, and we are proud of the boys’ recent successes in academic, sport, music, art, drama, technology and general scholarships.
In the academic year 2025/2026 scholarships and exhibitions were awarded as follows:
8 Academic Scholarships
Merchant Taylors’ School, Haileybury, Leighton Park, Shiplake
4 Music Scholarships
Haileybury, Berkhamsted, Shiplake
7 Sports Scholarships and 3 Sports Exhibitions
Shiplake, Haileybury, LVS, Bradfield
Buckinghamshire County 11+ Examinations
The majority of the pupils remain at Davenies until the end of Year 8 before entering senior independent schools. Year 6 pupils may sit the Buckinghamshire County 11+ examinations in Verbal, Mathematical and Non-Verbal Reasoning for entry into the local state grammar schools. The pass rate for boys sitting the 11+ at Davenies is over 80% each year, and boys go on to a range of local grammar schools, including John Hampden, RGS and Dr Challoners.
