Top independent pre prep London schools - is it too late to apply for next year 4+ entry?

[Krazynoodles]

Hi,
My son is 3 and we are looking to narrow down our list of schools. Our first preference being schools in Watford due to location, and then London.

We have registered at our first choices in Watford but as they have assessment I want to apply to other schools to increase our chances.

Now we've only started to think out possibilities for top London schools, and I am wondering if it's too late to apply? I read many MN posts and Google searches tell me that people apply the day their kids were born. Eaton house schools are non selective and they say they take first come first serve. Do we eve stand a chance?

It's making me really anxious thinking I am too late! Any help appreciated.

You're sadly too late for most of the selective 4+ places, yes. Always worth putting name down on waitlist though some won't allow that at this stage.

Definitely try Eaton house schools - I know of parents who have got places for their DCs

It depends. Academically selective schools typically don't require registration until the autumn before you are due to start reception.

However, popular non-selective schools can close their waiting lists quite early.

I'd suggest you find some you like and look at their admissions policies and take it from there.

There is a lot of movement. My DS got a spot at a top prep in the summer before he started Reception.

Thank you for your reply. Do you have any first hand feedback on these schools from there parents?

Can I ask which school? Is it 4+ entry? When did you apply? Also did your DS have to go through assessment? Anything you can share please?

Apologies for many questions!

Thank you!

I was afraid of that too! Do you have any recommendations for selective schools in Surrey ?

I think there's a bit of confusion on the thread, since you said 'next year 4+ entry'

Do you mean starting school September 2022? In that case the assessments have already been done for the selective schools. It's always worth trying, but you're applying late!

But if you mean that you want to do the selection this winter, in order to start school September 2023 (likely given your son is 3) then you are still in time to enter for selective schools. They normally close applications in Autumn, so do it now and you will be fine!

Non-selective is normally first-come first-serve and you will be too late for some - but again, it's always worth asking.

@nordicwannabe I totally agree. If you are talking about starting reception in September 2023 you can still register for academically selective schools as they don't close their books until late autumn.

The only schools you need to register for from birth typically are non-academically selective schools as they are first come first serve and so stop taking registrations once they have enough applicants. These are great schools too but the assessments and application process is different as the criteria for admission isn't about academic ability per se.

Tbh, with primary school, go for the one in the closest location for you.

If you've already got your name down for you local one, have state as your back up. Lots of kids do state until 8 so you've plenty of time for an in year move.

you're not too late for quite a few great schools - just call the ones you are interested in up directly and speak to them.