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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

Advice on assessments for private school admissions for Reception / 4+

4 replies

Spreezy · 20/04/2026 17:31

Hello!

We are first time parents who are not from the UK and are trying to navigate the UK private schooling system. Our son will be turning 3 in the summer, and we have him registered for interview processes for 4+ entry with a few schools in London (including Wetherby, Garden House, The Hall, St. Paul's Cathedral).

Given we know very little about these early years admission processes, would it be possible to have the advice from this community on (1) what the interview process for these schools is like, and (2) what the kinds of things are they test for at such a young age (whether it be putting together puzzles, recognizing colors, being able to draw a - somewhat :) - straight line etc.). We gather these are mostly play-based sessions but it would be helpful to understand what educators are looking for in the children during these sessions.

Thank you so much!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
MyTwoDads · 20/04/2026 18:58

@Spreezy I have an instagram page with lots of FAQs and advice for parents going through the 4+ assessments. I'll send you a DM as I don't think you're allowed to share it here! lol

Berry0901 · 04/06/2026 21:38

Hi @MyTwoDads
Please can you send your page details to me too! In a similar position to OP.
Thanks :)

MyTwoDads · 04/06/2026 21:51

@Berry0901 sure I'll send you a DM 😎

Aleiha · 04/06/2026 22:08

At our school it was mainly play based as far as the kids were concerned. They had a chat with the headteacher which you couldn’t prepare for (ds2 came out saying they chatted about sausages and played hungry hippos and a game with blocks). You get a massive range of abilities - some already reading, but it isn’t really about that. It’s about spotting potential to learn. This was for an academically selective prep.

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