4+ entry

The majority of girls enter the school in Reception class, aged 4. A few ‘occasional’ places may become available further up the school. Entry at all levels is selective, and the offer of a place is based on assessment.

Calculating Years of Entry*

Open days and assessment

Once registered your details will be held on our database. You will then be contacted the year before your daughter is eligible to join the school (for example, Spring 2026 for entry in September 2027) with an invitation to reserve an Open Day place (Open Days take place in the Spring/Summer and Autumn). Parents are asked to confirm if they want their daughter to be assessed for entry and to check and update their details. Please see the timetable below for the full admissions timetable and deadline details.

Timetable for 4+ 2026 Admissions

4+ entry assessment

Assessments take place in January of the year of entry and appointment times are sent out in November to parents who have returned their entrance assessment form. Please note Kensington Prep School does not take part in the Early Learning Funding scheme for 3 and 4 year olds.

Whilst we are an academic school, many parents are surprised to find that our assessment for entry is not about ‘schooly’ things or about girls who have already mastered algebra. The 4 plus assessment takes about an hour. We create a relaxed and cosy atmosphere (rather like a small nursery) and see the girls in small groups. The girls are given a number of short play-based tasks and we observe how they interact, explore and explain what they are doing.

Offers are based on an assessment of your daughter’s academic potential, ability and attitude – regardless of her religion, ethnic background or beliefs. We are looking for girls – no matter what their personality, introvert or extrovert – who are alert and curious with an enthusiasm to learn.

Notification and acceptance of places

Following your daughter’s 4 plus assessment we will write to notify parents of places (see timetable above). We require a £5,000 deposit to secure the place which must be accepted by the deadline given. The deposit is non-refundable in the event the place is not taken up.

If and when a place is offered and accepted, you will be required to complete and sign the Girl Days School Trust’s (GDST) official agreement which will constitute a contract between yourselves and the Trust.

Siblings

We would expect most siblings to join us at Kensington Prep School, as long as we feel they would thrive. Admission is not automatic, and we may not offer places to siblings if the play-based assessment indicates that they would suit an alternative educational environment.