How selective is Newton Prep School?

[goldensophie]

In their website they say it is academically ambitious and selective, only wants kids who can thrive. I wonder what top percentage of English and math they are after in Year 4. They also put a kid in the same age cohort and see how he does and I wonder being a bit shy kid could could have negative impact. I am very new to the UK system and a day long assessment of English, math, verbal and non-verbal reasoning + a day long in the unfamiliar class sound extensive and serious, more so as I didn't know Newton is this academic Fyi, my boy is great at math (<1%), but just above average in pima/pira. And he is a little shy especially with strangers. Should I be worried?....

If its not the right school for him, they won't let him in. We have friends with kids there and you don't need to be gifted. Most prep schools though are academically pushy as they are getting them ready for the 11+ exams and so accelerate the curriculum. If he gets in I'd not worry about it being too difficult a pace.

IIRC, the ad hoc day is mainly a taster day, with the prospective pupil joining a class with one or two existing pupils assigned to look after them (show them round, be with them at playtime and lunch, sit with them in normal classes) but that at some point/s in the day they are taken off to do test papers. In practice, it's not as daunting as you're taking it to be right now.

It's both looking at the academic level and how the pupil would fit in - and importantly gives the prospective pupil a chance to get the feel of the school

Have you had a chance to look round? It's got unusually good facilities for a central London prep

I wouldn't be worried. I've known a few kids at Newton, bright but not genius status! - and a variety of sport/drama/music abilities. I also know they pick up kids (esp boys) who don't manage to get a school at 11+ and bring them on beautifully for another go at 13+.
If your child has not been schooled in the English system they'll be seeing whether they will cope at the prep and checking for behavioural concerns more than anything else I would imagine.
I've only seen good things and lovely kids coming out of Newton, good luck!