Need advice/ reviews on St. John's school, Northwood

[Nidg11]

Hello fellow mums,

I am looking to move into north-west area and getting my son into St John's school, Northwood or Northwood prep at either 3+ or 4+. I wanted to get any advice or experiences from mums who either have their son(s) in these schools or have considered these schools in past.

I need to know the following specifically:

1. Is the assessment process at 3+ difficult or fairly simple? What exactly they ask or observe at 3+?
   I know there is a lot of competition for places at these schools, but slightly lost as to how can I really prepare my son for an assessment at 3+ (other than just encouraging him to learn things appropriate for his age and become confident)

2. Is a place in Merchant Taylor's guaranteed after attending this school either at 11+ or 13+?

3. Any other feedback regarding this school and any alternative schools which feed into MTS?

Any advice/ feedback will be greatly appreciated.

I too am looking for some info on these schools on behalf of a friend who is not living here at the moment. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.