The Ultimate Guide to London School Admissions

A Note From Mentor Education

Dear Parent,

Welcome Mentor Education’s guide to London school admissions. We understand that navigating this journey can feel complex, competitive, and at times, overwhelming. As parents ourselves, we know you want to provide the best possible opportunities for your child, but finding clear, reliable advice in a sea of information can be a challenge.

That is precisely why we created this guide.

For over 40 years, Mentor Education has brought clarity, confidence, and bespoke support to families across London. We believe that preparation for these crucial assessments should be a positive and empowering experience for your child, not a source of stress. It should be a journey that builds their self-belief and fosters a genuine love of learning.

This guide is a distillation of our expertise. It is designed to demystify the process, answer your key questions, and provide a strategic roadmap for the 4+, 7+, and 11+ entry points.

We hope it provides you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a trusted partner on your side.

Warmly,
The Team at Mentor Education

Table of Contents

• The London School Landscape
• Understanding Your Options: Independent vs. Grammar Schools
• The Admissions Timeline: An Overview
• Deep Dive: The 4+ Assessment
  • What Are They Really Looking For?
  • A Typical Assessment Day
  • How You Can Help at Home
• Deep Dive: The 7+ Examination
  • The Shift to Academic Focus
  • Key Subjects and Skills
  • Building Stamina and Confidence
• Deep Dive: The 11+ Examination
  • Grammar vs. Independent School Exams
  • Core Components: English, Maths & Reasoning
  • Understanding the ISEB Common Pre-Test
• Mastering the Interview: A Guide for Parents and Children
  • The Role of the Interview
  • Key Skills to Develop
  • Sample Questions
• The Digital Age of Testing: Understanding Computer-Based Assessments
• Beyond the Academics: The Importance of Extracurriculars
• How We Help: Your Path to Success
• Parent’s Checklist: 10 Steps to Success
• About Mentor Education

The London School Landscape

Choosing the right school is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. London offers a diverse but highly competitive range of options.

Independent Schools (or Private Schools)

These are fee-paying schools and are not bound by the National Curriculum, though many follow it closely.^[1] They are typically split into:

• Pre-Preparatory Schools (Pre-Preps): For ages 4-7 (or 8). They specialise in early years education and preparing children for entry into preparatory schools.
• Preparatory Schools (Preps): For ages 7 (or 8) to 11 (or 13). Their main function is to prepare children for the 11+ or Common Entrance exams for senior schools.
• Senior Schools: For ages 11 (or 13) to 18.

Grammar Schools

These are state-funded secondary schools that select their pupils based on academic ability, using the 11+ examination as the entrance test.^[1] There are a number of highly sought-after grammar schools in and around London.

Understanding Your Options: Independent vs. Grammar Schools

The choice between an independent and a grammar school is a significant one, with each offering a distinct educational experience.

Feature	Independent Schools	Grammar Schools
Funding	Fee-paying, with costs often ranging from £15,000 to over £30,000 per year.[1]	State-funded, with no tuition fees.[1]
Admissions	Admissions processes are set by the individual schools and typically involve entrance exams, interviews, and references from a child’s current school.[1]	Admission is based on performance in the 11+ examination.[1]
Curriculum	Not bound by the National Curriculum, offering greater flexibility and a broader range of subjects.[1]	Follow the National Curriculum, with a strong emphasis on traditional academic subjects.[1]
Class Sizes	Generally smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualised attention.[1]	Class sizes are often larger, similar to comprehensive schools.[1]
Facilities	Often have extensive and high-quality facilities for sports, arts, and technology.[1]	Facilities can be more limited and are dependent on government funding.[1]
Social Diversity	Traditionally less socioeconomically diverse, though many schools offer bursaries and scholarships to widen access.[1]	Generally more socioeconomically diverse due to the absence of fees.[1]

The Admissions Timeline: An Overview

18-24 Months Before Entry:

• Research and shortlist schools.
• Attend school open days (virtual or in-person).

12-15 Months Before Entry:

• Register your child at your chosen schools. Be mindful of deadlines, which are often a full year before entry.

Autumn Term (Year Before Entry):

• 7+/11+: Main examination period for many grammar and independent schools (e.g., ISEB Pre-Test).
• 4+: Initial assessment sessions often take place.

Spring Term (Year of Entry):

• 4+/7+: Ongoing assessment and examination period.
• 11+: Second-round interviews and school-specific examinations.
• Offers Day: Most independent school offers are sent out in February, with grammar school offers in early March.

Summer Term (Year of Entry):

• Acceptance deadlines.
• School welcome events for new pupils.

Deep Dive: The 4+ Assessment4+

What Are They Really Looking For?

The 4+ is less about academic brilliance and more about a child’s readiness for a school environment. Assessors want to see children who are curious, sociable, and able to follow instructions. Critically. We need to move children from operating in a child led, play based nursery to being able to operate in a teacher led, formal learning school. Key areas include:

• Collaboration and Kindness: How do they interact with other children? Can they share, take turns, and play collaboratively?
• Emotional Maturity: Can they separate from their parent without distress? Can they settle and self-soothe.
• Focus & Concentration: Can they sit still for a short story and answer simple questions about it?
• Critical Thinking and Spatial Reasoning: Testing a child’s emerging humanities and science/maths skills.
• Perseverance: Can a child work through problems which they cannot do and can they work through problems when exhausted.
• Phonics and numeracy: The importance of this varies by school but would typically involve simply mathematics (not counting) and phonics acquisition (not reading).
• Communications with Adults: Can a child effectively respond and communicate their ideas with adults.

A Typical Assessment Day

Children are usually invited in a small group for a session lasting 1-2 hours. The environment is designed to look like a friendly classroom. Some schools, especially in North London have a two stage process. Activities are often play-based, and the children may not even realise they are being assessed. At Westminster Under School, for example, the 4+ assessment is expected to involve “play-focused classroom activities that allow children to actively engage”.^[2]

How You Can Help at Home

• Read Aloud Daily: Build their vocabulary and listening skills.
• Encourage Independence: Let them practice putting on their own coat and shoes.
• Play Board Games: Excellent for turn-taking, counting, and managing disappointment.
• Talk and Listen: Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation.
• Teach a child to be brave: Laugh at failure and do not over-correct errors.

Deep Dive: The 7+ Examination7+

The Shift to Academic Focus

The 7+ is a more formal, academic examination for entry into Year 3 of a preparatory school. While social skills are still observed, the focus shifts to written tests. It important for parents to note that these exams are very formal – akin to A-Level in their style. They involve sitting alone at a table with an exam paper, a teacher invigilating at the front and a clock on the wall. As City Junior School notes, the first stage of their 7+ assessment involves papers in mathematics, reading comprehension, and creative writing.^[3] Some schools additionally also test dictation and verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

Key Subjects and Skills:

• English:
  • Comprehension: Reading a short passage and answering questions on it.
  • Creative Writing: Writing a story based on a picture or a title. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are important. Length of story, spelling (correct or sometimes phonetic), accurate punctuation, imagination and proper cursive handwriting are important.
• Maths: Covering the Key Stage 1 curriculum and often beyond. The most academic schools will expect you to have mastered the Year 3 curriculum. Questions will require problem-solving and logical thinking.
• Reasoning: Some schools include Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning puzzles to assess innate problem-solving ability.

Building Stamina and Confidence

The 7+ may be the first time a child has sat a timed, formal examination. A key part of preparation is building their stamina and confidence to work independently under pressure.

Deep Dive: The 11+ Examination11+

The 11+ is the most demanding and varied entry point, requiring strategic preparation.

Grammar vs. Independent School Exams

• Grammar School 11+: Set by specific consortiums (e.g., GL Assessment, CEM). The format is often multiple-choice and heavily focused on English, Maths, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These test a child’s knowledge up to the end of the Year 5 curriculum.
• Independent School 11+: Often involves a two-stage process. Stage one might be a computerised test like the ISEB Common Pre-Test. Stage two involves school-specific papers, which are often standard format (not multiple-choice) and include creative writing, plus an interview. For instance, the City of London School uses an online assessment followed by a creative writing task and then an interview for shortlisted candidates.^[4] These test a child’s knowledge up to the end of the Year 6 curriculum – note that a child will take these near the start of Year 6.

Core Components:

• English: Advanced comprehension skills (including comprehension, inference and prediction) and well-structured, imaginative creative writing are essential. In our experience, the pieces chosen are often from complex 19th century texts and children need to have been introduced to this different style of writing before the examinations.
• Maths: Requires broad knowledge of the Key Stage 2 curriculum and the ability to solve multi-step problems. Note that for independent school examinations there are key concepts (like ratios) which are on the Year 6 curriculum but not on the Year 5 curriculum so have not been covered by state school applicants.
• Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses logic, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills outside the curriculum. Importantly, reasoning is not on the National Curriculum but is taught by independent prep schools so state school pupils are at a significant disadvantage without outside assistance.

Understanding the ISEB Common Pre-Test

This is an online, adaptive test used by many top independent schools.^[5] “Adaptive” means the questions get harder or easier depending on the child’s answers, quickly identifying their ability level. It is crucial that children are familiar with the digital format. The test covers four areas: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.^[5]

The Importance of the Interview

The interview is your child’s chance to shine as an individual. Schools are looking for:

• Curiosity: Do they have hobbies and interests they can talk about?
• Engagement: Can they hold a conversation and ask thoughtful questions?
• Teachability: Do they seem like a positive, enthusiastic addition to the school community?

Mastering the Interview: A Guide for Parents and Children

The Role of the Interview

The interview is a crucial part of the admissions process, especially for the 11+. It allows the school to get to know your child beyond their exam results. They are looking for ‘natural’, ‘interested’ children who are ‘able to develop their responses fully’.^[6]

Key Skills to Develop:

• Communication: Encourage your child to articulate their thoughts clearly and confidently.
• Active Listening: The ability to listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions is just as important as being able to answer them.
• Enthusiasm and Curiosity: A child who shows genuine interest in the school and in the world around them will always make a good impression.
• Honesty and Authenticity: Encourage your child to be themselves and to answer questions honestly.

Sample Questions:

• “Tell me about your favourite book.”
• “What is your favourite subject at school and why?”
• “What do you like to do in your spare time?”
• “Why are you interested in our school?”
• “If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?”

How You Can Help:

• Talk to your child: Engage them in conversations about their interests and current affairs.
• Practice, don’t rehearse: Conduct mock interviews with your child to help them get used to the format, but avoid scripting answers.
• Read widely: A well-read child will have a broader vocabulary and more to talk about in an interview.

The Digital Age of Testing: Understanding Computer-Based Assessments

Many independent schools are now using computer-based tests, such as the ISEB Common Pre-Test, for their entrance assessments. These tests offer a number of advantages for schools, including the ability to test a large number of candidates efficiently and to use adaptive technology to get a more accurate measure of a child’s ability.

What Parents Need to Know:

• Familiarity with the format is key: It is important that your child is comfortable with the digital format of these tests. This includes being able to navigate between questions, use a mouse, and type answers where required.
• Adaptive testing is different: In an adaptive test, the questions change based on the child’s answers. This means that they cannot go back and change their answers, which can be a new experience for some children.^[5]
• Practice is important: While the content of the tests is based on the national curriculum, practicing with online materials can help your child become familiar with the format and style of the questions.

Beyond the Academics: The Importance of Extracurriculars

While academic performance is a key factor in school admissions, schools are also looking for well-rounded individuals who will contribute to the wider life of the school. Extracurricular activities are a great way for your child to demonstrate their interests, passions, and personality.

Why Extracurriculars Matter:

• They demonstrate commitment and passion: Excelling in an extracurricular activity shows that your child is dedicated and willing to work hard to achieve their goals.
• They develop valuable skills: Team sports, for example, can teach children about teamwork and resilience, while music and drama can build confidence and creativity.
• They provide a talking point for interviews: Being able to talk enthusiastically about their hobbies and interests will make your child a more engaging and memorable interviewee.

How We Help: Your Path to Success

Navigating this journey is easier with an expert guide. Our dedicated programmes are designed to succeed with the most academic of schools. If your child comes to us early enough, your child’s underlying intelligence is roughly in the zone for the schools that you want, and you follow our guidance our 11 Plus success rate is over 80%. Here are how our services align with your needs:

If you’re unsure of your child’s current level…

Our Service: Academic Assessments

We provide a comprehensive baseline report on your child’s academic and behavioural abilities, giving you a clear starting point. These test are done in association with Cambridge University (CEM) who set 70% of school entrance exams. They give us a statistical view of your child’s innate intelligence level across maths and english type skills and then gives us your child’s current attainment levels. Our deep experience means we can tell you if you child is a good fit for your chosen school and how far off passing the exam they are, or even if they are a scholarship candidate.

If your child needs consistent, long-term support…

Our Service: 4+, 7+ & 11+ Tutoring and Weekend Classes

We build core skills and confidence week-by-week throughout the academic year. Our tutors are experienced school entrance specialist with a track record for the schools that you want and who are using our own programme of work and homework which saw us awarded the title “Best Tuition Agency of the Year” for two out of the last three years at the main industry awards.

If your child needs a focused boost during the holidays…

Our Service: 7+ & 11+ Holiday Courses

Intensive, small-group sessions designed to consolidate knowledge and accelerate progress at key times.

If your child needs to practice under real exam conditions…

Our Service: 7+ & 11+ Mock Exams

We replicate the format and pressure of the real thing, providing detailed feedback to identify areas for improvement.

If your child has an interview at their dream school…

Our Service: Interview Mastery

We build the conversational skills and confidence needed to shine in front of any Head Teacher.

Parent’s Checklist: 10 Steps to Success

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