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Tips advice private school assessment interview day

8 replies

SRKMC · 10/11/2026 20:45

Hello all, really need some tips and advice on last preps before private school exams and what my DD should wear at her assessment day interview at the following schools Queenswood, Haberdashers girls, Highgate, NLCS, London consortium schools ( South Hampstead high, St Margaret's, Channing, Northwood college, Francis Holland and Godolphin and Latymar) and St Alban's High school (STAHS). Queenswood have stated the following "We would like XXXXX to wear comfortable clothes of her choice (rather than school uniform) along with trainers, as there will be indoor activities. I was thinking tracksuit set is that suitable and ok or should it be more smart casual trousers with cardigan with underneath blouse or t shirt and jumper. If anyone has experience of their children sitting these tests last year or previous years at any of these schools please share any advice, tips preps

OP posts:
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SRKMC · Yesterday 20:54

@MandemChickenShop yeah DD is happy doing them they are very well spaced out from November to January.

OP posts:
MandemChickenShop · 10/11/2026 22:11

crazy to do this for so many schools. the assessment days are low key, normal home clothes are fine, some go in their uniforms.

obviously passing the entrance exams with be necessary at the more selective schools.

that said many of these schools are desperate for customers so highly likely she will get a place at all or most of them.

stahs isn't until Jan usually

weareallcats · 10/11/2026 22:07

School uniform unless otherwise stated. For the school that has stated comfortable clothes and trainers I would send her in something fairly plain (ie, not those joggers with stars/hearts on the back pockets) but otherwise take them at their word and just make sure she’s comfortable.

WinterGhost · 10/11/2026 22:04

embroideredpanda · 10/11/2026 22:01

Oh silly me! 🤦‍♀️ I thought she was mad to even mention a school uniform 🤣 apologies OP!

😂😂

After I saw your post I was about to agree and comment on DS wearing joggers and wellies to his outdoor assessments but then thought wait, pretty sure Queenswood is 11 plus!

embroideredpanda · 10/11/2026 22:01

WinterGhost · 10/11/2026 21:58

It doesn’t sound like OP’s daughter is going for reception?

Oh silly me! 🤦‍♀️ I thought she was mad to even mention a school uniform 🤣 apologies OP!

WinterGhost · 10/11/2026 21:58

embroideredpanda · 10/11/2026 21:55

As a Reception teacher I take part in these assessments. Most children come in clean, presentable age-appropriate clothes. Just let her pick from a selection of tops, dresses, leggings and jumpers.

It doesn’t sound like OP’s daughter is going for reception?

embroideredpanda · 10/11/2026 21:55

As a Reception teacher I take part in these assessments. Most children come in clean, presentable age-appropriate clothes. Just let her pick from a selection of tops, dresses, leggings and jumpers.

MathsMum3 · 10/11/2026 21:46

You are overthinking this. Take them at their word, and dress her in comfortable clothes suitable for some physical activity (clean and presentable, of course). The aim is clearly to make your daughter feel at ease. They will be more interested (one hopes) in her attitude/engagement than her physical presentation.