HELP! Need a plan B

[FlorentinesandLu]

Hello,
this is my first ever post, please be kind :-)

My DC will start school in 2025. My DH and I have fallen in love with a local all-through independent school. It is a selective GDST school which means DC will have to go through the 4+ assessment.

we need a back up in case she doesn’t make it through the 4+ assessment but the other local prep schools are mediocre.

any tips on helping my DC pass the 4+?

also, any tips on how to find out if a Nursery feeder for said school?
as a backup, we could send her to a small prep and try again at 7+ but DH is not so keen and would prefer state school with tutoring.

my DH and I are new to the world of Independent Schools so any tips, tricks and general advice would be greatly appreciated. We are London based. TIA

Unless it's a school like Wimbledon High with a random ballot I wouldn't worry too much as the birth rate is falling and most preps are struggling to fill their reception places. London is transient and people dip in and out of prep schools all the time. Plus if we get a labour govt next year with 20% extra on fees looming more people will not want a private pre prep place.
Also if it's a GDST school I'm sure the local preps aren't mediocre! London is full of wonderful prep schools but they are often housed in smaller buildings without the facilities of an all through school (that are generally only used by the secondary aged dc). Keep an open mind as you have lots of options.