Everything you need to know about the 4+ at Manor Lodge

Manor Lodge is a very popular school that we prepare our clients to have tremendous success at.

It is a highly sought after school. Parents tend to adore their open day and fall in love with the school itself. They love the extensive grounds and the fact that they are told that a lot of the learning takes place outside. They love the head teacher and the teachers that they meet. Overall, I hear a lot of positive things about Manor Lodge.

First of all it is important that you are laser sharp aware about what exactly Manor Lodge are even assessing when it comes to the 4+ Assessment.

They will be assessing:

• Confidence

• Communication

• Collaboration

• Creativity

• Curiosity

The 4+ Assessment for Manor Lodge takes place in October (17th October 2025) - therefore it is one of the earlier 4+ Assessments. You have 5 months from now left to prepare your child to go in and pass this 4+ Assessment.

In my vast experience, what I’ve noticed is that parents start far too late preparing for the 4+ Assessment at this school. Perhaps they haven’t planned their time correctly, perhaps they don’t imagine their child will have any difficulty in being offered a place or perhaps they just don’t understand the 4+ Assessment process. For whatever reason, parents starting too late preparing their child for Manor Lodge, usually does not lead to positive results.

Interestingly, Manor Lodge group children by their nursery which I don’t personally think is the best idea. Children tend to become overly ‘confident’ when they see their nursery peers and sometimes this can lead to behavioural issues. Obviously this is not in our control but please do prep your child by telling them that there will be children they know and telling them your behavioural expectations.

‘Your child’s age at the time will be taken into account’ means nothing. Disregard this comment completely please.

The 4+ Assessment at Manor Lodge lasts 45 minutes. Be aware that this is a very over subscribed school and competition will be fierce.

Don’t assume that because it is in the forest garden that your child will just be running around and having fun. Your child is going to be assessed. And your child will need to meet all of the criteria to a very high standard.

I suggest you cover all 7 areas of the EYFS curriculum to a very high standard. I suggest that you don’t forget about physical development as this is an important aspect of this 4+ Assessment. I suggest you give yourself at least 12 months of preparation time for Manor Lodge. 30 minutes a day of focused learning with your child every single day for 12 months.

Book your Sample Lesson today.

Join our Waiting List for 2027 entry - Simply purchase via the link. I will then email you to discuss your preferred times. As soon as that time becomes available, we will begin. Curriculum only option can begin when you tell me. The £100 credit will be deducted when you are charged for your first curriculum package (it will count as your Registration fee)