Private prep parents' occupations and assessment for entry

[rathlin]

We have just registered my DS for 4+ entry to a prep school and as neither DH nor I were privately educated, we know little about their procedures.

A couple of queries:

The registration form asked us to state our occupations. I was not sure why as didn't understand the relevance. In my naievity, I suppose I thought the ability to pay the fees would be the main consideration or are they looking for pupils from the 'right' background?

Also, there will be an informal assessment prior to being accepted. Have no idea what this will entail but it may be carried out at the school or in DS's nursery. I assume it's to find out if DS is likely to have the aptitude to cope with the school. No idea how you assess that in a 3 yr old unless they are an obviously gifted child.

I can ask the second question to the school once it opens but probably not the first. This is an outer London prep for background with good academic results.

Don't worry! You sound harassed by all this, and it is a faff but it isn't anything at all to worry about.

Firstly they do ask for parental occupations, universally, but there is no sense in which they use this information to vet parents for suitability. We had a massively wide variety of ethnic and social backgrounds in our parent group.

The informal assessment thing is actually remarkable, in that most of the preps have it sussed how to assess a 3YO's academic potential. They do this through a combination of structured play and no-pressure chats. So for example DD did a cutting exercise - she had to cut out some shapes, and some play in the sandpit and a bit of playdough. It lasted around 45 minutes.

What is remarkable to me is the very high correlation between that assessment - (which as you say, how can you tell with a 3YO?) and academic ability in later life. Because there is one. They can't afford to make mistakes.

There is absolutely no preparation you can or should do for this. Be very low-key about it and encourage your DS to relax and enjoy himself.

Parent's occupation at DD's school varies massively. Not all have so called professional jobs and there are many families where only one parent works. Wasn't asked any financial information at all - I think they assume you will pay is you sign up, esp as you have to pay a term in advance anyway.

Informal assessment will most likely be very relaxed. DD spent a short period of time with the reception teacher whilst we had a second tour of the school and a chat with the head teacher.

IIRR she talked to the teacher, drew some picture(s), and played a game involving boxes hidden inside each other. She talked about her recent holiday and her new cousin from what I remember. She went and had a look at the classroom too.

DD was also 3y at the time of the assessment and she was fine. I know one of her class mates got upset and her parents stayed with her during the assessment, again that was fine, well I assume so as she joined the school.

I think they ask about occupations so that they can get a fuller picture of the family situation.

Ah, we have a mum who is an architect - let's see if she can give an inspirational talk. A dentist - who better to talk about mouth hygiene. An interior designer - can inspire artistic children. A banker - can explain the point of maths.

Thanks this is very useful to know. Am trying to relax but up until fairly recently DS has been very shy so am hoping that his new found confidence stays with him and that he will talk if he asked any simple questions e.g. name!

I wouldn't worry about the occupations thing. In terms of the assessment, I think they are looking at general intelligence but also behaviour. I think DS did some jigsaws, went on the computer , maybe wrote his own name. I was worried as he is one of the youngest ones in his class but everything was fine (PS I did bribe him to behave well at the assessment :o)

'Parents' Occupations' is really so they can tap you for careers talks later. They really don't give a stuff what you do.

My daughter has just started prep school last week. Neither my husband or I have particularly exciting or highly paid jobs and no one has even asked about it, or no other parent has asked what I do. I have met one mum who is a doctor and a couple don't seem to work.

I work in the admin side of an independent school, we do have a question about occupations on the registration form , not sure why as we barely look at it , certainly not to vet the applications or for snobbish reasons.
I have three ds in independent schools , their friends parents range from graphic designers, public sector workers , teachers, doctors , small business owner ,accountants ,lawyers a complete range really . People rarely ask.

Assessment at ds3 current school at 4+ included a chat with head of pre prep , I think she read him a short story and they talked about it, some cutting / shape sorting and visiting the classroom. All very relaxed .