5+ Assessments

An increasing number of independent schools in London now offer 5+ assessments to support entry into Year 1, bridging the gap between Reception and traditional 7+ entry points. These assessments are designed to provide schools with a broader picture of a child’s readiness for Year 1, covering early literacy, numeracy, communication, and how children engage with structured activities. Preparation focuses on helping children feel comfortable, confident and familiar with assessment-style tasks in an age-appropriate, positive way.

Popular schools in the London area that run 5+ entry assessments include Dulwich Prep London and schools that offer occasional 5+ or 6+ places such as Alleyn’s Oakfield (as part of occasional vacancies).

Tutoring Home

School Readiness

Phonics

Support focuses on ensuring Phase 2 and Phase 3 phonics knowledge is secure, including sound recognition, blending and early spelling. Sessions support children in applying these skills confidently, building reading fluency, and writing that feels familiar and achievable in a 5+ assessment context.

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Numeracy

Numeracy support develops a secure number sense, including understanding quantities, number relationships, and simple problem-solving. Children are supported to explain their thinking and confidently apply early maths skills in short, focused activities.

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Communication

Support focuses on developing clear verbal and non-verbal communication, including listening, understanding questions and expressing ideas confidently. Sessions help children respond thoughtfully, explain their reasoning and engage comfortably with adults.

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Motor Skills

Motor skills support recognises the link between physical development and classroom readiness. Sessions strengthen control, coordination and fine motor precision to support confident mark-making, drawing and early writing tasks often seen in 5+ assessments.

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Social Skills

Social skills support helps children feel confident working alongside others and interacting appropriately with adults. Sessions support turn-taking, cooperation and confidence in unfamiliar settings, helping children feel comfortable during assessment situations.

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Listening and Attention

Support focuses on developing sustained attention, careful listening and the ability to follow multi-step instructions. These skills help children approach assessment tasks calmly, remain focused and complete activities with confidence.

If you are considering 5+ preparation, support typically begins with a play-based assessment to understand your child’s current strengths and areas for development. This is followed by a short written summary and a personalised plan outlining how best to support your child in a gentle, age-appropriate way. Guidance is also provided for parents, with practical suggestions to support development at home. Where appropriate, ongoing tutoring sessions can be introduced gradually to ensure preparation remains calm, positive, and free of unnecessary pressure.

If you would like to discuss whether this approach is right for your child, please contact us to arrange an initial consultation.

1 - Initial Assessment

We would begin with a conversation to discuss your child, where you can share anything you have observed and your child's interests.

This would help your child settle before beginning an over-hour assessment of the key areas covered in the 4+ process. This would be completed playfully to help your child feel relaxed and confident as they try different activities.

2 - Written Report

After the assessment is complete, I will prepare a report on the process and highlight strengths and areas for development.

To begin, I will share tips on how you can support your child as they prepare for their 5+ assessment, drawing on my experience with tutoring agencies that have supported entries to independent schools.

Feedback will be shared immediately, and a report will be written within a week of the mock assessment.

3 - Tutoring if Needed

Some areas of development do benefit from consistent, structured support over time. Where this is agreed following discussion and shared observations, I am happy to offer weekly one-hour sessions or short intensive blocks during school holidays. This allows support to be carefully paced, responsive to your child’s needs and integrated smoothly alongside family routines.

Please Get in Touch

+44 7440 352669

katie@klwareeducation.com

If you are looking to begin the 5+ process within the next year, please get in contact below to arrange a free consultation to discuss how to best support your child's needs.