The 4+ assessment is often a family’s first introduction to the UK private school admissions process. For international parents, first-time applicants, or families relocating to London, it can feel overwhelming – unfamiliar, high-stakes, and happening sooner than expected.

Unlike formal exams, the 4+ assessment is designed to evaluate a child’s school readiness, curiosity and learning potential. It is not about academic attainment, but rather how a child engages with tasks, adults, and other children in a new environment.

At Enjoy Education, we’ve supported hundreds of families through this pivotal stage, offering reassurance, expert insight and tailored preparation. Whether you’re gathering information or looking for more hands-on support, this guide will help you understand the essentials of the 4+ process and how to approach it with confidence.

What Are Schools Really Looking For?

Although each school has its own culture and criteria, there are several qualities that are widely valued at 4+ entry:

• Social readiness: Can the child take turns, share, and play alongside or with others?
• Confidence: Are they comfortable separating from their parent and interacting with unfamiliar adults and children?
• Focus: Can they stay engaged with a task for a few minutes without becoming distracted?
• Language skills: Are they able to communicate clearly and respond to simple questions?
• Fine and gross motor skills: Can they cut with scissors, draw shapes, hold a pencil properly, or walk confidently up stairs?

The assessors are not expecting polish or perfection. They’re looking for children who are ready to begin learning in a group setting and who will make the most of the opportunities the school can offer.

In larger schools, children who thrive in a busy, fast-paced setting may be at an advantage. Smaller, nurturing schools may look more closely at emotional maturity and adaptability. This is why choosing the right school for your child – not just the most competitive – is so important.

How to Prepare Gently and Effectively

At age 3 or 4, the best preparation is developmental rather than academic. Confidence, language, independence and focus can all be nurtured through everyday activities and play.

Try incorporating the following at home:

• Build a strong daily routine. Sleep is crucial at this age – a well-rested child is far more likely to listen, engage and self-regulate during the assessment.
• Encourage independence. Practise getting dressed, using cutlery, going to the toilet, and putting on shoes or a coat without help.
• Support focus. Start and finish small tasks together, like tidying up toys or completing a puzzle, before moving on to the next activity.
• Play turn-taking games. Simple board games and imaginative play help children learn to share, take turns, and communicate kindly.
• Nurture expressive language. Talk about stories, ask your child what they think might happen next, or what their favourite part was. Let them linger on things that interest them –  these moments often reveal their natural curiosity.
• If your child is still developing confidence in English, consider introducing regular story time, songs, and gentle games in English. For many families, working with a specialist Early Years tutor can accelerate language comprehension, help develop vocabulary, and give your child the tools to express themselves clearly and confidently in an assessment setting.

Key London Schools with 4+ Entry

Many of London’s leading private schools begin their admissions journey at 4+, offering children a place in Reception with the option to stay through the early years or even all the way to Year 8 or beyond.

Some of the most well-known schools offering 4+ entry include:

• Thomas’s Battersea (co-ed) – popular with international families; dynamic curriculum and strong pastoral care.
• Kensington Prep (girls) – known for creative teaching and intellectual curiosity.
• Bute House (girls) – highly academic and competitive, excellent 7+ progression.
• St Paul’s Cathedral School (co-ed) – a small, nurturing school with strong links to music and the arts.
• North London Collegiate Junior School (girls) – academically selective with a global reputation.
• Dulwich College Junior School (boys) – tradition and academic strength with excellent facilities.

Some schools begin registering children shortly after birth, so early awareness and planning are key – especially if you’re new to the London system.

How Enjoy Education Supports Families at This Stage

At Enjoy Education, we understand that the 4+ process can feel like a leap into the unknown. Our role is to walk alongside you, offering insight, clarity and calm.

We offer:

• Expert advice on school selection. We help you understand the ethos of each school and how it aligns with your child’s strengths and your family’s priorities.
• Bespoke preparation with Early Years specialists. Our gentle, one-to-one sessions are tailored to build confidence, language and school-readiness – all through play.
• Mock assessments. These are run in a warm, encouraging environment so children can become familiar with group settings, simple tasks and being guided by a new adult.
• Support for the whole family. From preparing for school interviews to navigating registration deadlines and timelines, we provide guidance at every step.

Whether your child is shy, energetic, imaginative or methodical – we help them shine just as they are.