Is The 4+ Entry Point Right For Your Child?

By Wendy Frankel

4+ assessments have always been controversial. When I mention

socially that I prepare 3-year-old children for independent school

assessments, it provokes a range of responses from confusion and

disbelief from the uninitiated, to fascination and interrogation from

those considering it.

With many selective independent schools reducing or sometimes

abandoning their 7+ intakes, the 4+ is becoming an increasingly

popular entry point.

So, what is the 4+ and is it right for your child?

4+ independent school assessments are sat by children in the

academic year in which they turn 4 years old, with a view to

beginning at the school in reception year. They usually consist of a

first round and if the child completes this successfully, a

subsequent second round. Tasks are generally play-based, with

some free play and others adult initiated, such as stories, with

related activities to check understanding.

Success criteria vary between schools, but candidates will commonly need to demonstrate a willingness to learn, an age appropriate level of concentration, the ability to work with and alongside adults and

other children, as well as developing academic skills such as pencil

grip, phonics recognition and an understanding of numbers.

Schools essentially use these tests to assess each child’s potential,

their “teachability” and whether the school will be the right fit for

them. In short, they want children to be happy and to thrive in the

environment that they provide. Many parents ask if such young

children can be assessed effectively. The answer is that, although

it is not a fool proof, schools handle these assessments with

kindness and care, have each child’s best interests at heart and

have decades of experience in making the right choice for them.

Can I improve my child’s chances of success at 4+?

Whilst it is neither desirable or possible to influence certain aspects

of your child’s personality, helping them to prepare for the 4+assessment activities and environment is certainly achievable. As

a 4+ tutor, I am constantly amazed by my students’ response to

learning activities and the evident development in knowledge and

confidence. Consistency is the key, as well as dedication over time.

What are the advantages of the 4+ entry point?

Overwhelmingly, parents mention the perceived lack of stress, as

the main benefit of 4+, compared to that of the 7+ and 11+. Most 4+candidates are unaware that they are being assessed and many

parents bill the assessment as a “playdate” at another nursery.

Indeed, my students tend to assume that their sessions with me are

“playdates” and regularly request more, once their tuition comes to

its natural conclusion!

What if I decide 4+ entry isn’t right for my child?

4+ isn’t always the right entry point for every child, as some are,

understandably, yet to develop the necessary confidence and skills

to tackle the assessment. At the pre-prep school that I taught at for

many years, there was a consistently high year 2 success rate at

7+, despite the fact that almost all candidates had previously sat the

4+.

Reassuringly, there are many routes into selective independent

schools and choosing a later entry point may mean that your child

is able to spend longer in a smaller, more nurturing environment

where they might thrive and fulfil their potential.

Wendy Frankel is a former Head of Early Years at a top London Pre-

Prep School and now specialises in 4+ Entrance Exam Tuition.

www.smartstarttutor.co.uk