An in depth look at the Haberdashers' Boys' School 4+ Assessment

There have always been mixed opinions about the 4+ Assessments at this very popular boys’ school in Borehamwood. I have personally prepared hundreds of boys to sit Assessment at this school at 4+, 7+, 11+ and occasional places. I have had incredible success. As in many of my students have been offered a place at this school.

In this blog, I am going to focus on the 4+.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to sitting Assessment at this school.

1. There is no need for much preparation as it is only a ‘play based Assessment’ and

2. Rigorous preparation is needed because of the over subscription to this school at 4+.

I agree with opinion 2.

Please don’t be naive and believe that you can send your son to sit his 4+ Assessment here with little or no preparation and expect him to be successful. Sorry it that’s harsh, but that’s what I firmly believe.

I have a two year old son and never in my wildest dreams would I sit him to be assessed at Habs’ Boys’ School without at least 9 months of formal preparation.

Having sent hundreds of boys to this school over the last nearly 15 years, I know exactly what this school is looking for. Therefore, I know exactly how to prepare my boys to go in and thrive in their 4+ Assessment at this school.

Round 1 at Habs’ Boys’ School is a ‘Play based Assessment’. When some parents read this, they immediately think that their son will go in and ‘play’.

Absolutely not.

And if you think that, you are wrong.

Why do do the Habs’ Boys’ School teachers want to see your child ‘playing’?

So many parents over the years have said to me, ‘Why prepare him? He is just going to go in and play?’ Do you think these parents were successful in getting their son in at 4+? I’ll let you answer that one!

There is a lot of information about the first round on the schools’ website but the most important sentence to look at is this one - They will take part in a range of individual and small group activities.

So even in the first round, your child will be assessed individually for some of the Assessment.

Round 1 at this school is far from easy. Yes, your child will be ‘playing’ but so much will be being observed whilst they are ‘playing’. To give you a few example of things that are observed, here you go!

How they listen to other children

How they listen to adults

How they respond

How they answer questions

How they follow instructions

How they solve problems

There are hundreds of other early years components being observed.

Your son will be grouped with peers of similar age group but this 100% doesn’t mean that if your child is summer born, that he will be assessed differently to someone who is Autumn/Winter born.

Round 2 is a 1:1 Assessment. This round is far more formal. My students last year went in and were observed by 2-3 members of staff. Very overwhelming, I think you would agree!

My students were thoroughly prepared to be able to handle this and to be able to go in and show them exactly what they were looking for. Round two is a 60 minute 1:1 Assessment.

Prepare your son for it. Prepare him well and if you need help doing it, get in touch.

One place remaining to work with me personally for 2025 entry. Book your Sample Lesson today.