3 critical errors when preparing for the 4+ Assessment at South Hampstead (SHHS)
/We prepared a total of 7 girls for their 4+ Assessments at South Hampstead last year (2026 entry). 5 were offered a place. Pretty extraordinary considering they only have 24 places! 5/24 who passed were prepared by CMT. Let that sink in!
South Hampstead is a very misunderstood school at 4+. Parents typically will start preparing for the 4+ at South Hampstead very late. 12 months of Assessment preparation is needed to be in with even the slightest of chances of being successful at this school. And if people tell you otherwise, nod and carry on!
This year, we are preparing 4 girls for the SHHS 4+ Assessment.
Round 1 is in November. Round 2 is in January. So if you are considering SHHS for your daughter for 2028 entry, you should have started preparing her by now! Going to nursery full time is not 4+ assessment preparation - just incase that thought crossed your mind!
South Hampstead call it an' ‘enjoyable visit’, and whilst it was ‘enjoyed’ by most of our girls last year, it definitely was not deemed to be ‘enjoyable’ by all of the girls.
It should not be ‘considered a play date’ so please do not even mention this word to your daughter. It isn’t one. If you want a play date for your daughter, organise one! With a hefty £210 price tag to even have the privilege of setting foot into this school for the assessment, you can arrange an incredible play date for your daughter if that’s what you’re after!
Mistake #1
Starting late.
Yes, I know the school says that ‘no special preparation is necessary’ and ‘no formal knowledge is expected’. And if you wish to do that to this - great! You do that! We have been preparing for this assessment for many, many years and we know exactly what will be assessed and we know exactly what they are expecting! Prepare your daughter thoroughly for her 4+ at South Hampstead. That is all.
Mistake #2
Telling your daughter that she is going on a ‘play date’! Read above!
Mistake #3
Not teaching phonics and maths to the level expected in the South Hampstead 4+ assessment and not covering all 7 areas of the Early Years Curriculum to the standard expected of this school.
