How do schools choose which children they want at their schools (4+) ?

It’s actually very easy. 

I picture the times I used to take my son to Little Kickers. I would at times be able to sit down and just observe the children. I imagined that if this were a real 4+ assessment, it would be so easy to pick the children that would pass it and those who would not (harsh but true). I have been in actual 4+ assessments before and I have seen exactly what the assessors see. It is very easy to choose the children who they know will simply be a delight to teach.  

Let’s go back to Little Kickers. If I were in a real 4+ assessment who would I want to have in my classroom? 

Would it be the child who was having a meltdown because the other little boy didn’t kick the football to him or would it be the child engaged in conversation with the football coach? 

Would it be the child screaming and crying because he didn’t want to play with the other children or would it be the child who was playing beautifully with everyone? 

Would it be the child who snatched the ball from another child or would it be the child who asked politely if he could have his turn? 

So easy. 

Now obviously, we are throwing academics in the mix too so let’s have a look at this. 

Let’s go back to the times when my son was attending Stage Coach. If I were in a real 4+ assessment who would I want to have in my classroom? 

Would it be the child listening attentively to the story or would it be the child who was throwing himself on the floor because he was bored of the story? 

Would it be the child who raised his hand and tried his best to answer the teacher’s questions or would it be the child who refused to answer her questions and didn’t say anything? 

Would it be the child who joined in happily with all of the nursery rhymes or would it be the child who threw his toy down on the floor and told the teacher that he didn’t like the song? 

So easy. 

Always remember that this is a competition. Is it a fair competition? I firmly believe that at most schools it is - let’s just leave it at that. A competition for a place at one of the best schools in the country at the ages of 3 or 4. Remember that there will be hundreds and hundreds of children applying for very few places. 

Is your child truly ready? 

Does your child truly know what is expected of them?

Or does your child think that they are ‘just going on a playdate!’ 

The final programme that we are offering for 2026 entry is our Ultimate Emerald Curriculum. Join before 30th November to secure the best support possible in your child’s 4+ assessments.