In brief
Every prep school has its own admissions process, but most are designed to help both the school and the family decide whether it's the right fit.
Unlike grammar schools, where admission is often determined by performance in an entrance examination, most prep schools take a much broader view. They want to understand your child as an individual, ensuring they will be happy, supported and able to flourish within the school community.
The process is usually much more about getting to know one another than passing a test.
A closer look
Every school is slightly different
No two prep schools operate in exactly the same way. Some have waiting lists for certain year groups, while others have places available throughout the year. Some ask children to spend time in school before offering a place, while others may arrange a more informal visit or short activity session.
The best approach is always to contact the school directly and ask about availability and the admissions process for your child's year group.
Is there an entrance exam?
This is one of the questions parents ask most often. For most prep schools, the answer is no. Unlike grammar schools, where children are usually selected based on academic performance, prep schools generally look at the whole child.
Schools want to understand how your child learns, how they interact with others and whether they are likely to thrive within that particular environment.
Some schools may ask children to complete age-appropriate activities or spend time in the classroom, but these are rarely about achieving a particular score. Instead, they help teachers understand how they can support each child and whether the school is the right environment for them.
Is there an interview?
Some independent schools invite parents and children to meet members of staff as part of the admissions process. These conversations are usually informal rather than formal interviews. They're an opportunity to ask questions, understand what you're looking for in a school and begin building a relationship before your child joins.
What is a taster day?
Many prep schools offer a taster day, and for good reason. A taster day isn't simply an opportunity for the school to get to know your child. It's equally an opportunity for your child and your family to experience the school.
Children spend time in lessons, meet their potential classmates and experience everyday school life. Parents gain reassurance that the environment feels right. Teachers begin to understand your child's personality, interests and individual needs.
In many ways, it's beneficial for everyone involved.
What is the school looking for?
Parents sometimes worry that schools are looking for the "perfect" child. In reality, good schools are looking for something much simpler. They're asking:
Can we genuinely help this child flourish?
That means understanding whether the school can provide the right balance of challenge, encouragement and support. It also means recognising when another school may be better equipped to meet a child's specific needs.
For example, if a child has a particular learning need that the school isn't able to support appropriately, the most responsible decision may be to recommend a setting with the specialist expertise they deserve.
That isn't a reflection on the child. It's about ensuring every child receives the education that's right for them.
Similarly, schools also have a responsibility to protect the learning environment for every child already in their care. Behaviour, wellbeing and the ability to learn alongside others all form part of understanding whether a school is the right fit.
The admissions process should never be about filling places. Instead, it should be about making the right decision for the child, the family and the school community.
How long does the admissions process take?
This varies from school to school. If places are available, the process can sometimes move quite quickly. If a year group is full, you may be offered a place on a waiting list or invited to consider a later start date.
The school will normally explain the next steps clearly after your visit or taster day.
How The Mount Can Help
At The Mount, we believe admissions should never feel intimidating. Our process is designed to help everyone decide whether we're the right fit.
It usually begins with a visit to the school, where families can experience the atmosphere, meet our staff and ask as many questions as they like. Children are then invited to enjoy a taster day.
This isn't about sitting formal tests or trying to achieve a particular score. It's an opportunity for your child to experience a normal day at The Mount, spend time with their potential classmates and discover whether they feel happy and comfortable here.
It's equally valuable for parents and for our staff. We begin to understand your child's personality, interests and individual strengths, while you gain a genuine insight into everyday life at the school. Most importantly, we ask ourselves one question:
Can we help this child flourish?
If the answer is yes, and your family feels The Mount is the right place too, then we know we've found the right partnership.
We believe that's how admissions should work. It is the beginning of a relationship built around helping every child become the very best version of themselves.
Key takeaway
The admissions process at most prep schools is about finding the right fit, not simply selecting pupils based on academic performance. Visits, conversations and taster days help parents, children and schools decide whether they are the right match, creating the strongest possible foundation for a happy and successful school journey.
