Guildford High School entry at age 4

[neyyoor]

Hi, I have a DD aged 2 who I want to get into Guildford High School but I've heard that the assessment even at the age of 4 is very tough and only a handful get in. Is there a feeder nursery/school to Guildford High School?

No there isnt a feeder or nursery but lots come from Draton House in Guildford up near St Lukes Park and just off epsom road.
My DDs are all now in GHS seniors although have been there since reception. There is a new Junior School head since then though and its popularity has increased hence more competiton. THe head is said to be very caring.

I would say just do lots of little activities at home, puzzles and try and teach her to share, encourage her to talk/socialise lots with other children. Keep it relaxed in the hope will enjoy it and do well.

I have no idea what the assesment is like nowadays but I think just go in with the view if GHS is right for her, she will get in otherwise, if she doesnt get a place, she wouldn't be happy/cope there and hence it is right she goes elsewhere. There are lots and lots of brilliant schools in Guildford area especially for girls, and many of the other juniors get girls in GHS seniors. The school is great and produces very happy, confident and intelligent girls who do very well.

When i say lots come, i mean i have heard of girls getting in from Draton house right from when my DDs were age 4 (10 plus years ago!) to the mothers I know with DD age 4 now although it is a nursery and pre-prep so you can be sucked into staying til 7, they may try and tell you your DD isnt ready/good enough for GHS at 4 and try to get you to stay- But nethertheless do the entrance exam for GHS at 4 even if Draton House advise you its not best!

I would not worry too much about where to send her for pre-school. Definitely got a mixed message about Drayton house from a reception teacher at GHS. She did recommend St Hilarys, Godalming, Longacre in Shamley Green, Footprints in West Horsley but was quite vague about actual Guildford pre-schools/nurseries. The catchment area is so wide (many people including us moving from London) and the places so few I would not worry about sending her to the right pre-school.

My DD goes to a very unacademic pre-school out of the area and will be attending reception at GHS. However, I knew from the first moment I entered the school it was the right school for her (had seen 9 others!). She is confident, outgoing, long concentration span, loves doing new things, sporty, loves doing things at a fast pace.

GHS is a very different school and lots of parents don't think its right for them or their daughter. I really like St Catherine's Bramley, although DD took a dislike to Tormead during the activity morning so that was never an option for us.

Thank you very much for all your messages and advice. It is so helpful. Will visit some of the nurseries and schools mentioned in the next few weeks.

Please advise how to prepare for 4+ assesment at Guildford High? Any questions / tips? Thank you!

I know of one girl who got in from the State nursery which is now the Sure Start centre. I also know a Pre-school/playgroup which was very highly thought of at Lanesborough.

Does anyone know what was the competition this year for GHS (4+ entry). Thank you!

Hello, does anyone know what aptitude tests at Guildford High (entry 4+) include? Thank you!

Thank you for all your help to all the posts in mumsnet for the 4+ assessment. It was nerve wracking (for me) but my daughter got into Guildford high school in her 4+ assessment. I wanted to share with you some of the things I did with her cos when I was looking for help in mumsnet I had to go through many pages before I got an idea as to what was wanted.

So here goes:

1)puzzles
2)phonics all the letter recognition and able to blend easy words like cat
3)draw picture of herself, family
4)write her name (although dd did not do it on the day and still got in)
5)colouring (good pencil control etc)
6)I did some schofield and Simms number books as they asked her to count coins, recognise numbers in a clock etc.
7)parts of the body
8)cutting

She also knew most princess stories and common ones like Goldilocks although I don't think she was asked that. She was also asked to build a tall tower with Lego.

Good luck to everyone who is thinking of 4+ assessments for their little ones, it is not easy especially for the parent although the kids are hardly aware.

My DD also did the GHS assessment but didn't get in, although did get into Tormead (we didn't go for St Catherines) so we are going there. We did ask for some feedback, which was all extremely positive although she fell down on auditory and visual processing skills, apparently. I'm not even sure what those are or how they are tested but we were told they are "skills for learning". So for those going for GHS in the future you might want to gem up on that a bit! For what it's worth my DD can do all of the things listed in neyoor's post but still didn't get in. I have no idea what she actually did in the assessment though as she was not very forthcoming!

My daughter sat the assessment in January for GHS does anyone know when the results come out please?