Entrance Assessments
How will my child be assessed?
Pre-school
Pre-school is all about happy beginnings. We want children to feel safe, settled and excited to learn – and we know that starts with a gentle introduction. Before joining us, we invite each child to a relaxed ‘Stay and Play’ session. This is a lovely opportunity for them to meet the teachers, make new friends and explore the classroom through play. It’s informal chance for us to see how they settle in, and for you to see how comfortable they feel in our caring environment.
We warmly welcome children into our Pre-school from the age of 3 where they can attend on a full-time or on a part-time basis (3 or 4 days a week), during term time, depending on availability.
Children move into Reception in the September following their 4th birthday.
Moving into Reception
aGED 4+
Reception marks an exciting new chapter in your child’s school journey, and we aim to make the transition as smooth and supportive as possible.
Children who have been with us in Kindergarten since the first half of the Autumn term will move seamlessly into Reception in the September following their 4th birthday, there’s no need for a formal assessment. They already know the environment, our routines, and the friendly faces of staff and classmates, so it’s a natural next step.
For children joining us a little later, in the second half of the Autumn term or beyond, take part in a short informal assessment. This takes place here at school in a relaxed, welcoming setting. It’s designed to be enjoyable and informal, with a mix of individual and group activities. We’re simply looking to understand how your child engages with others, how they approach tasks, and whether they’re ready to make the most of what our Reception year has to offer.
Children looking to join us in Years 1 or 2 are invited to spend a morning at the school. It’s a chance for them to get a feel for the environment, meet their potential classmates and enjoy some time in the classroom.
During their visit, we carry out some gentle assessments in literacy and numeracy, appropriate for their age and stage. We’re also looking for signs of curiosity and a readiness to learn – not just what they know, but how they think. Our aim is to ensure they’ll thrive and be happy here.
For entry into Years 3 to 6, children are invited to take part in our Entrance Assessment. This typically includes short papers in Maths, English (including reading comprehension and creative writing), and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Everything is set at a level that’s suitable for their age group, and we aim to make the experience feel calm and encouraging. We understand that each child is unique, and we’re not looking just at academic ability, but also at potential and how they approach tasks.
At Fairfield, we offer a supportive and well-prepared route into senior school life. All pupils who joined us before the start of Year 4 are guaranteed a place at either Loughborough Grammar School or Loughborough High School, by the end of Year 5.
Throughout your child’s time with us, their class teacher will regularly discuss progress with you. In the summer term of Year 5, using a combination of teacher assessment and continuous tracking, we confirm senior school offers in line with each child’s strengths and development.
We’re happy to consider children for places throughout the year, subject to availability. If you’re thinking about a mid-year move, do get in touch, we’re here to help guide you through the process and make your child’s transition as smooth as possible.
