10 things you need to know about the 4+ Assessments at UCS
/There are only 32 places available to start Reception at UCS. At least 500 boys will apply to sit their Assessment at UCS every single year.
It is encouraged that you book a tour of the school via the school office. I encourage all parents to always visit the schools that they intend to send their children to. This seems obvious but I’ve spoken to many parents who send their nannies or assistants on the school tours.
Assessments for UCS are held in January (the year of your child starting Reception)
Your child will be assessed using 3 criteria
How ready they are for school
Sibling already at the school (note that just because there is a sibling already at the school, that you child is not guaranteed a place). They still need to pass the assessments! Again, seems obvious but many of you think that the sibling policy is strong at UCS and that’s not the case.
Nursery report requested
5. Application deadline is Friday 10th October 2025. Registering early makes no difference.
6. UCS will tell you that ‘preparation is not needed.’ This is not the case.
7. UCS will tell you that it is a ‘playdate assessment’. It’s up to you what you make this mean. Your child will go in and ‘play’ sure but they will most definitely not be going on a playdate.
8. You have a registration fee of £180 to pay to apply for the UCS 4+ Assessment.
9. Boys who demonstrate calm and maturity are the boys who are usually successful.
10. Boys who have strong fine motor control, are able to write and colour in and have a strong mathematical foundation are usually successful.
