4+ assesements 2024

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Hello

I thought I'd set up a new thread for those sitting 4+ in 2024 for September 2025 start date.

Any tips for prepping?

What schools are people considering?

We are based in NW London and are considering following schools for 4+

Edge Grove
Manor Lodge
St Margarets
Habs Girls
NLCLS
St Hilda's

Thanks for starting! We are in SE London:
Alleyns
Jags
also looking for tips too!

Not quite 4+ (rather 3+) but is anyone else doing Arnold House for September 2025?

Place marking. We are in east London. And I have my eyes on 2 -
Oak fields and Chigwell. I'm not sure about either of those.

My DS has had a taster session for the school's nursery. But we want him to start from reception. DH thinks that he should go from Jan 2025 so that he can settle in with his new friends/ teachers. I am more worried about the wraparound situation.

DS currently goes to a daycare 5 days a week.

We are based in North London, and applying for:

Channing
Habs Girls
Mill Hill
Stormont (applied early so we already have a place)

These schools have Saturday open days in the coming weeks, so our preferences may be impacted by that. Channing is the frontrunner so far. We're not applying for Highgate due to its reputation as a hothouse and questionable culture.

DS is an August baby, so we're nervous about how she will fare in the assessments.

DD* is an August baby.

For others, the 2023 version of this thread is helpful in terms of assessment prep. Also some of the schools give guidance as to what they will get the kids to do - colouring, cutting shapes, following instructions.

generally, children are unpredictable at this age regardless of the month they are born, also they assess against other summer-born girls. also Channing is considered easier to get in than say SHHS or Highgate, also an increased 4+ intake at HIghgate will take some competition away so generally its a higher chance to get in this year.

Thanks @Tiredmumofthreekids, that's reassuring. But as you say, you never know how DD is going to turn up on the day. I didn't know there was an increased intake at Highgate, how many are they taking? We didn't manage to get a place at their oversubscribed open day so won't be applying.

Agree it’s quite random.

a lot of our friends who had bright dd had random offers eg NLCS offer but not Habs, Highgate but not Channing etc.

A lot of siblings also didn’t get in. Definitely age is taken into consideration and the children are grouped together.

ive tried searching past threads but I couldn’t find any examples of activities a child will be be able to do during these assessments eg writing own name, spelling by listening, reading cvc words. Have I missed anything else? If anyone has been through 4+ and can share what more is involved that would be most helpful!

We did assessments last year for some of the schools listed on this thread (think Habs, SPCS etc.) I was on the '4+ assessments 2023' thread which was helpful and has some insights into experiences.

However, my best advice would be not to only chase the super competitive/ academic schools, they suit a certain type of child / family very well but they're tough environments and being bright isn't enough at many of them. Our children are so young and they will flourish and succeed if they're in the right place, and there's more than one path to success. Some children are orchids and some are dandelions, the dandelions will grow anywhere but the orchids need a bit more nurturing and a gentle approach. But when they grow, wow...

The best assessment experience we had was at Orley Farm which surprisingly isn't mentioned much on these types of threads but I actually think that's a positive thing. I encourage anyone who's looking for a school that stands out and prepares children for the future in every aspect of their development to take a look, I think you'd love it as much as we do

Good luck to you all whatever your paths you choose, it's a stressful time for both grown ups and little ones x

We are also doing habs

Keep hearing mixed things about whether they need to be able to read or write!

Every sibling I know at one of the schools you mentioned got in

For those that have been through the 4+ assessments do you have any tips?

We know a couple that didn’t for shhs, NLCS and Highgate and not even waiting list. Its by no ways guaranteed at all. Having said that, siblings do get in but it’s by their own merit really.

only St C is guaranteed for siblings

They tend to like the children who can listen well, are well behaved and able to separate from their parents without crying. Make sure they have a good night sleep the night before - it makes all the difference!

The part about willingly separating from parents for the assessment makes me most nervous. She wasn't even willing to go to kids clubs during the summer holidays.

I know kids who have gotten in even though they cried when leaving their parents. I'm sure most schools are understanding

Whilst waiting for our DD, we did see a girl at NLCS get taken out of the assessment by staff members as she won’t stop crying.

but i think if they do settle then it’s fine

Curious to hear ang thoughts on applying despite not being able to make an open day ?

DS got into his primary at 3+ entry by being fully potty trained and able to clean himself, getting changed by himself, showing consideration (please, thank you, holding doors open, sharing, being patient) and talking about a point of interest clearly and confidently, no crying/tantrums when parents leave the room.

The 4+ Reception entry is the same + showing some awareness of phonics / writing (they get them to draw lines) + how well they play with each other in a group setting (2 parts - 1 with the rest of the intake, then a second stage with existing students). Any hitting / name calling during the ‘interview’ will mean they won’t even get to meet existing students - it will be an instant no.

I recommend you visit the schools with your child as often as possible - if they offer swimming or sports lessons to external children then take up the offer. The more familiar they are with the school the better.

Thanks for this post, Parentingin2024. I loved what you said about orchids and dandelions. Orley farm hadn't been on our radar, so thank you for mentioning it. I was wondering what schools others have chosen as 'back ups' - - or, maybe we shouldn't be thinking of them as back ups but rather just alternatives...

In general how many schools does it make sense to apply to?

Are you all doing anything regular to prep the kids?

I know the schools very much encourage not to prep but from previous threads some form of preparation seems necessary.

Just do good parenting things, reading, taking them on fun activities, ensuring they know how to recognise their name, know their numbers, good around people they don't know. Following instructions well and being confident around other children and adults is probably the most important part of it. There's NO NEED to tutor if you're doing all this.

Hi mammas, anyone heard regards assessments yet? Highgate especially ? Hearing that some folk have already received letters