4+ Assessments 2025

[KnackeredBunny]

Main thread for 2025 applications. Can’t find the previous thread for 2025 but from memory it has a typo in the title. I’ve only made this one to make sure everyone finds it easily!

Advice from previous assessments gladly taken. This is our first time applying. It’s a little early still so why don’t we start with where everyone is applying?

We’re looking at The Hall, Alleyn’s, Habs, Highgate UCS, and Manor Lodge. Have looked at some prep from previous threads and starting to think we’re seriously under-prepared…

Has anyone been to south Hampstead offer holders day? When is it and what do they tell you?

I think it was yesterday?

The Hall event was interesting. Seemingly lots of parents asked about tutoring. At age 4? Just our impression and didn’t sit right.

I’m not the target audience for this thread, having removed my child from a selective prep and sent them to state school!

However, I would really caution against a long commute to any school for a very young child. My current reception-age child is exhausted at the end of the school day despite being used to nursery. A short walk home is enjoyable, but also allows us time to do any reading, writing, whatever in the evening. My nephew remains at a selective prep with a commute of over 45 minutes each way and my sister finds it very difficult to fit in all of his homework.

@imbibecaution Thanks for sharing your experience. I think this is the reason we would be considering moving near to the school as it will be a long term commitment. But i dont want just be reactive to the situation now but would like to see if my kid really enjoys and settled in the school and what would be good for us in long term.

we are!

Good to find this thread. DS got a place at Highgate and we are accepting it. Where does everyone live? We are moving from south to north so looking for guidance in terms of areas to avoid versus consider
are folks mostly based in HGS / East Finc / Golders Green or Highgate (the ones accepting Highgate) or is commuting 20/30min considered the norm ?

Highgate at pre prep is a fairly localish school. Highgate, Muswell Hill, Hampstead, HGS, East Finchley. Not many will travel longer than 15 mins with many within walking/cycling distance. Junior and senior travel from farther including Notting Hill, Marylebone, Islington, Kensington and Stoke Newington and they have a great bus system.

Would recommend Highgate and Muswell Hill or HGS. Are you moving purposefully for the school ? We live in HGS and it’s great for it.

We’re accepting Highgate too for our daughter. I’ll PM you

Great to see a few DC off to amazing Highgate. We’re also accepting Highgate for our son and couldn’t be happier with the decision. Was hard to say no to the others but Highgate really does seem pretty amazing these days.

Hoping for some advice

We sat 3 school 4+ assesements, Manor Lodge, Radlet Prep and Edge Grove.

Manor Lodge was our first choice but unfortunately we were put on waitlist. We therefore accepted RP.

Initially we were upset but after going to RP offer morning we were pleasantly surprised. We shifted our mindset and content that RP is where we are going. However with last Friday being deadline for Habs girls and boys offer there has naturally been some movement and we were surprised to have now received an offer from ML.

If this was a couple of months ago we wouldn’t even have hesistated saying yes to ML but we’ve shifted our mindset to going to RP.

We live in Radlett so both schools are local for us.

From our experience and speaking to people
ML is super modern lovely facilities in comparison to RP, however RP seems to be more nurturing and supportive for children especially those who may require extra support. The leadership team at RP seemed to be more open and had warmer feeling. The 11+ results from RP are really impressive and seems to be performing slightly better than ML.However RP facilities are more old school.

We need to make a decision quickly and would be grateful for anyone to share their experiences or advantages/disadvantages of that we are missing?

Radlett Prep is generally seen as the back up option for those who didn’t get offers anywhere else, so I’m not sure if that suggests anything about the ability of those who attend. I just checked their website and they are having yet another assessment day, which suggests that they still have places available and therefore not in demand as a school.

I know someone moving to Radlett right now, and RP was the only school that had a space for a mid year transfer for her current infant child.

All that said, the current head used to be head of the junior school at Habs, and because of that, it’s very possible her long term plans for the school will improve its offerings and capabilities. Those I know who ended up in reception at RP this year also felt a bit disappointed at only getting an offer from RP, but as school started, were excited to see what the head will offer, so it certainly sounds like she has a vision for the school.

ML is heavily sought after and does have lovely grounds. The reception space looks like the perfect environment to help children transition from nursery life to school life, and the results they get for the 11 plus are also great.

It is ultimately a personal decision though.

Yes we are. Looking at HGS specifically. Would love to connect!

Feel free to ping me too if helpful. We're going to Highgate and live nearby also.

Looking for advice about areas to move in Hertfordshire somewhere near to Habs and good connectivity to central London. Purpose is to reduce travel time for little one. Radlett is in our list already.

We accepted Habs as we really liked the school and pastoral care. Any recommendations on other areas, streets and points you think would be good to consider while planning this move focusing on school?

Out of curiosity has anyone had any luck waitlists - or heard stories? We’re on two and its stressful !

A few friends have had luck out of waitlists so far and I expect some more over the coming few days.

@QuaintLilacHelperEho are you on WL for?

@Gracefulgreenstanmore, bushey, elstree

We were put on two waitlists and were told we had a place within a week. In the past few days we have met families who are holding multiple offers - one boy had 5! So I think you are in with a good chance. Even if you don't make it in the coming months, places apparently come up all the way up to the start of term. Thereafter, I understand those on the waitlist are prioritised when occasional places come up during the year. Historically, North London has been quite transient so places do appear regularly at a number of private schools. Even the most popular ones. Sit tight, stay in touch with schools if you can and good luck!

does habs boys have a waitlist policy and if so is anyone on it here? what’s the chances of getting a place from waitlist ? Also I have heard habs boys has an extra class for reception is this true ?

Is there anyone who didn’t get through to Habs girls second round or is on the waitlist for Habs girls?

@londonmum2025i believe Habs WL opened this week!

Has anyone been offered a place at Habs boys through the waitlist?

A former RP parent here- a phenomenal school when we first started with excellent academic results. A small nurturing school that do get results at 11+ but all local prep schools pupils are largely tutored on top to get in to the most selective senior schools. We had a fantastic start at RP and initially some positive changes made by the newly appointed head who was at Habs for a short stint- some parents have even reported that she has implemented some of the same if not exact ideas to RP, however RP is a prep and unfortunately as you progress through the school this just doesn't work always.
I have to agree they do take students at all entry points and some behaviours of some pupils are left to be desired for at a private school. Certain behaviours would not be tolerated at habs boys or Merchant Taylors for instance. ML is highly sought after and the beautiful grounds and facilities also makes this an attractive offer and better value for money. Don't get me wrong RP worked for us and I wish I could say more positive things and there are some great opportunities that the school offers; including some great staff but some have left since recruitment of new head. I just hope the true ethos and values aren't lost as my child did love their early years at Radlett. Overall teachers know your child as an individual which is great - maybe go visit ML again? Hope it all works out!

Thanks useful to know.

we ended up going with RP.

i know they still have places but actually I see that as advantage as class sizes will be smaller and likely more attention to each child.

for us we felt he would likely require extra support and when deciding between both and speaking to parents RP are more supportive and willing than ML

its a difficult decision and everyone you speak to has positive or negative things to say based on their own experiences but we’ve just had to remember to cut out the noise and go for where we think is best for OUR child and what would suit HIS needs better as ultimately every child is different

thank you for all the advice