The lower school is made up of years 7 and 8.
In their first two years at City, pupils study a full range of arts, humanities, languages, sciences and technological subjects. All forms have lessons in personal, social, health, citizenship and economic education (PSHCEE) and a wide and varied PE programme.
Subjects
- art
- biology
- chemistry
- computer science
- design and technology​
- drama
- English
- geography
- history
- Latin
- mathematics
- music
- PSHCE
- physical education
- physics
- religion, philosophy and ethics (RPE)
- two modern foreign languages
(from French, German, Chinese or Spanish)
Pupils in year 7 do not sit exams at the end of the year, but instead do a week-long independent learning project (ILP). They are also taken off timetable for five sessions throughout the year for year 7 challenges. These extend their research, thinking and presentation skills across the curriculum, as well as encouraging their creativity. Year 8 have a one-day ILP that continues to develop these important skills.