Reception Entry 2027

Your child’s first year at school

Reception is where children learn how to learn. We keep classes small so that every child is known, heard and stretched from the start.

• Small classes, real attention. Reception classes are capped at 12 pupils. Your child’s teacher has time to notice what interests them, where they need support, and when they are ready for more.
• 76 acres as a classroom. Our grounds are part of the Reception day, with regular time outdoors for exploring, building and learning about the natural world in Forest School classes and after school activities.
• Specialist teaching from the start. Music, Drama, French, PE, Swimming, Forest School
• One school, age 4 to 16. Children who join Reception can stay with us through to GCSE, without a further entrance test at 7+ or 11+.
• Co-educational from the start. Boys and girls have learned together in our Prep School since September 2025.

Your child’s path to a place in Reception

1. Visit us. Come to an Open Morning or book a personal tour. Meet the Reception team, see the classroom and walk the grounds.
2. Register. Complete the Registration Rorm below and pay the £120 Registration Fee. We will confirm your child’s place on an assessment day.
3. Assessment Morning. Your child spends up to an hour with our Early Years staff, playing and working in small groups. You will have the chance to meet the Deputy Head (Prep) while you wait.
4. Offer. We write to you within 2 days of the assessment.
5. Accept. Secure your child’s place by returning the acceptance form and deposit as soon as you can, to secure your place.

Register for the 4+ Assessment

It takes about five minutes for complete our Registration Form. Fields marked * are required. Once we receive your form and the registration fee, we will contact you to confirm your child’s place at our Assessment Morning.

Key Dates for September 2027 Entry

Registrations after the deadline are welcome where places remain.

What happens on assessment morning?

Our 4+ assessment is NOT a test, and there is nothing to revise. We want to see your child as they are: curious, chatty, shy or busy. Our experienced Early Years staff make sure every child feels at ease.

What your child will do

• Play and work in a small group of children the same age, for around an hour;
• Share books, toys and simple activities one-to-one with a member of staff.
• Join in with a story, a song and some time outdoors.

What we are looking for

We observe how your child listens, talks, plays with others and approaches something new. We also look at early fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil or building with blocks. We are not looking for reading, writing or counting at this age.

How to prepare

• Talk about the morning as a chance to play at a new school;
• Make sure your child has had breakfast and a good night’s sleep;
• Dress them comfortably, in clothes that can get a little muddy;
• Tell us in advance about any additional needs, allergies or anything that will help them settle. We will make reasonable adjustments.

While you wait

Parents are welcome to stay on site and there will be refreshments available and the chance to meet and chat with Mrs Lopez Bernal, Deputy Head (Prep).

Why Families Choose Abbot’s Hill

• An Award-Winning School:  in 2026, Abbot’s Hill was named as the Independent 11-16 School of the Year 2026 in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.  In 2025-26 the School was also recognised in a variety of prestigious awards for excellence in STEM Education, for Learning Support, Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and for Outstanding Educational Partnerships.
• A Seamless 3-16 Journey:  Abbot’s Hill is one warm, inclusive community, and now co-educational in prep and senior years
• Brilliance in Balance: Academic ambition is a given, but not at the expense of everything else
• Spectacular Grounds: Our 76 acre parkland location sets us apart from local town schools
• Part of The Mill Hill Education Group: Membership of the one of the country’s fastest growing school groups, gives students and staff access to a wider network of schools, shared expertise, and financial stability that a standalone school of our size couldn’t offer alone