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 including at 7+. Entry at all levels is selective, and the offer of a place is based on assessment.
Closing date for registration for 4+ entry in September 2024 is 13 October 2023.
Please follow the steps below to apply for 4+ entry. For more details about applying for an occasional place click here.
Please note: Registration for 4+ entry in September 2023 is now closed.
Step 1
Register your daughter
The first step is to register your daughter for entry to the school. You can register your daughter online for entry at 4+ at any time from birth up to 12 months before the September she is due to start school.
Calculating Years of Entry*
| 4+ entry | Date of birth |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 01/09/2018 - 31/08/2019 |
| 2024 | 01/09/2019 - 31/08/2020 |
| 2025 | 01/09/2020 - 31/08/2021 |
| 2026 | 01/09/2021 - 31/08/2022 |
| 2027 | 01/09/2022 - 31/08/2023 |
Step 2
Open days and assessment application
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 2022 for entry in September 2023) with an invitation to reserve an Open Day place (Open Days take place in the Spring, Summer and Early Autumn). Parents are asked to confirm if they want their daughter to be assessed for entry and a complete an Entrance Assessment Application Form. Please see the timetable below for the full admissions timetable and deadline details.
Timetable for 4+ admissions and entry assessment 2023
| Open Day Booking Opens - parents of registered girls will receive an email inviting them to book a place. Advance booking is essential. | March 2023 |
| Open Days - Advance booking is essential. Please note, you must have a child registered for the 4+ 2024 admissions process at Kensington Prep to attend an open day. | April/May and September/October 2023 |
| CLOSING DATE FOR REGISTRATIONS/APPLICATIONS FOR 4+ ENTRY IN 2023 | 13 October 2023 |
| Play-based assessments | Mid-January 2024 |
| Outcomes of play-based assessments communicated to parents | End January 2024 |
| Deadline for acceptance of places (requiring £1000 deposit) | Noon on Wednesday 7 February 2024 |
Step 3
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 & 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 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.
Step 4
Notification and acceptance of places
Following your daughter’s assessment we will write to notify parents of places (see timetable above). We require a £1,000 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.
Ms Jeni Care
Our Registrar is happy to help with any queries you may have regarding available places at the school and registration and applications for 4+ and occasional places. Please contact her on: registrar@kenprep.gdst.net
Our school community is based on an ethos of mutual respect and consideration. We are committed to providing a safe and happy learning environment for all.
We do not tolerate racial discrimination, harassment or victimisation of any kind.
All GDST schools strive to be inclusive environments in which the wellbeing of every young person comes first, and where every girl – no matter her background – can learn without limits.
Coronavirus
Please note: The details outlined above are our usual admissions procedures. However any updates in government guidance may mean adjustments need to be made. Parents of registered girls will be notified of any changes.
