4+ assessment MTPN and Habs boys Watford

[Cheesecastle]

We are considering to apply to Merchant Taylors and Habs boys for 4+ entry into reception in 2023.

If you know the assessment process for 4+ mainly in these schools, can you please share what it's like? What are the games/activities they get children to do? How can someone prepare their DS for this possibly?

We are not locals, please suggest the alternative schools (preferably all-through, if not prep schools) we should consider to apply to.

Much appreciated!

Thank you.

I have no experience myself with 4+ as my children went to both HABS and MTS at 11+. But from what I have heard from family and friends this is what they test your child on..
They can do activities such as cutting paper, arts and crafts, playing football to see your co-ordination skills, doing a simple puzzle with 1 piece missing (to see how your child handles it) and Jenga.
The staff will make your child feel welcomed and it is not intimidating they just want to see how your child is and if there is any bad habits etc
Hope this helps :)

@queen323 thank you!

How was your experience with both schools if you can please share details?

Both my children went to MTS and HABS and have friends that have been there since 3. I love both schools and like different things about them. With HABS it mainly focuses on academics and has a strong focus on only that which is reflected through their exam results. With MTS it has a great balance with sports, music, DT, academics etc, still bringing out amazing results. If I had a third child and they were stuck between MTS and HABS, I would hope they would pick MTS just due to the wellbeing. I also find that MTS boys have more personality and are more socially aware than HABS boys. But both schools are great in my opinion.
Hope this helps you :)

Very much! Thank you!

Would you suggest any other good schools I should apply to as backup in case my son doesn't get thru 4+?
Our decision to move to Watford would depend on his admission and I want to make sure I apply to other schools as well. Ideally a good through school, or any other good pre prep and prep school..

I think for boys the best schools (independent) are MTS and HABS. I would NOT recommend schools such as John Lyon, Mill Hill, Aldenham because they are not as academic and don't get good results out of the children. I tend to find mixed schools aren't the best in my opinion. Oh as I am writing this I have thought of another great school for boys, St Albans. This also gets really good academic grades and has a good mix of sports and academics. But unfortunately they don't do 4+, just checked.
Hope this helps even thought its vague :/

Hello, yes thank you! I missed to see your reply.
We have applied to St Johns and St Martin's in Northwood as well. Though they are not through schools and I am not 💯 but these are back up schools as I read some good reviews. Any thoughts on these two schools?

How early can I register my son for Habs school? He is 11 months old at the moment but I'm not sure how soon is too soon?

Just checkthe website!!

You don’t need to register until November of the year before the proposed date of entry. There is no advantage to early registration. So you have plenty of time. Don’t worry.