The School welcomes girls from age four and there are additional opportunities to join the Preparatory Department at ages 7, 8 and 9. We also assess girls for entry into other age groups where there are vacancies.

JUNIOR DEPARTMENT

Girls applying for entry into the Junior Department are required to sit an entrance examination. Applicants are tested in Mathematics and English and there is a short reasoning test for entry at 8+ and 9+. Papers set in previous examinations are not published as the form may vary from year to year, but guidelines indicating the kind of work with which applicants are expected to be familiar is sent to parents on receipt of a completed application form. A school report is requested from the Head Teacher of the applicant's present school. On the day of the examination each girl is met by a member of staff and every effort is made to make her feel welcome.

The results of the Junior entrance examination and the offer of places are posted to parents within two weeks of the examination.

INFANT DEPARTMENT

The Reception class provides a natural progression from Nursery to school. At first there is a strong emphasis on practical activities and discovery, based on early learning goals. This soon develops into a more structured day, when our aim is to provide a solid foundation in literacy and numeracy and also to stimulate an interest in scientific discovery, Art, Music and Drama.

For entry into the Reception class at 4+, girls are invited into school for a one-to-one assessment with the class teacher. In an informal and friendly atmosphere they take part in a series of activities and tasks, which establish whether they will be happy to settle into our school environment.

Each year a few places are available for entry into our Year 1 class. Applicants for admission at 5+ are invited to visit the school for a morning and to join their peers during their normal numeracy and literacy lessons. The girls are expected to read to the teacher and their ability in both numeracy and literacy is assessed. A school report is requested from the Head Teacher of the applicant's present school.

The results of the Infant assessments and the offer of places are posted to parents within two weeks of the assessment date.