Entry Assessments
Entry into Reception and Year 3 (7+) is subject to availability and assessment.
Children joining Reception are invited to attend a short, informal assessment session where we get to know them through play and gentle observation with an age-appropriate academic focus. We look at early communication skills, confidence, and how they interact with others in a warm and welcoming environment.
For entry at 7+, candidates take assessments in English, Comprehension, Mathematics and Reading. We also observe their communication skills, behaviour, and how they interact with peers and teaching staff throughout the morning.
Assessment sessions for Reception take place in November, and for 7+ they are held in early January each year. Please check our assessment dates and ensure your child is registered in order to receive an invitation.
Applications: Dates
Reception Entry
| Key Reception Dates | |
|---|---|
| Assessment week | w/c 9th November 2026 w/c 16th November 2026 |
| Offers to be sent from | Monday 23rd November 2026 |
7+ Entry
Early applications for 7+ entry are encouraged. If you would like your son or daughter to be assessed, please contact our Admissions Registrar, Mrs Lucy Greaves, by email at lucy.greaves@breaside.co.uk or by telephone on 020 8460 0916 (option 1), and she will be happy to assist you.
Entry is subject to assessment via a taster day, during which children are assessed in Mathematics, Reading, and writing. Our assessments are designed to evaluate numerical, language, and reading skills, which underpin a child's ability to manage the pace and level of our curriculum, as well as the demands of Breaside's busy curricular and co-curricular programme. In addition, children's communication skills, attitude to learning, behaviour, and how they interact with peers and teaching staff will be observed throughout the day.
We also encourage children to share their hobbies and interests, as it’s key for us to get an insight into each child as an individual. These qualities may also be taken into consideration when making final decisions regarding offers of places.
Generally, children who are successful tend to have a secure reading ability, are proficient in using different forms of language, including spelling, writing, as well as demonstrate aptitude for verbal and non-verbal reasoning. In addition to demonstrating a good grasp of age-appropriate core concepts and stage of schooling.
Whilst successful children are typically working securely within the expectations for their age and stage of education, above all we seek children who will thrive within the Breaside community and make the most of the opportunities we offer.
APPLICATIONS: HOW TO APPLY
We encourage all prospective families to visit us before registering, either by attending one of our Open Mornings or arranging a private tour.
To apply, please complete an online Registration Form and submit a non-refundable registration fee of £150. Please note that registration does not guarantee a place at the school, but secures your child’s name on the waiting list and makes them eligible for assessment.
Once registered, we will be in touch with full details about the assessment process. If your child is successful and a place is available, we will be delighted to offer them a place at Breaside.
To confirm acceptance, we ask families to pay a deposit of £1,500 and sign a parent contract outlining our standard terms and conditions. Offers may also be subject to a satisfactory reference from your child’s current school.