ADMISSIONS PROCESS
We aim to make the admissions process as friendly and straightforward as possible.
Our Nursery has two classes: Little Acorns and Oaks. Many children start their school journey with us in our Nursery. We have a Little Acorns class for pupils aged 2-3 years and Oaks, our pre-school year, for 3-4 year olds. We have an intake for Reception (4+) and a small number join in Year 2 (7+) and Year 3 (8+). Children are very welcome to join us in other year groups, subject to availability. A number of children join us for Years 7 and 8 (11+) to prepare them for their next step up to senior school.
Visits
We welcome individual visits to the School. You will meet the Head of Pre-Prep, Abbey Fecher, the Headmaster, Andrew Harvey and finish with a tour of the Prep School with Rebecca Andreae, the Registrar. Visits can be arranged through the Registrar, Rebecca Andreae; 01962 712269 or registrar@twyfordschool.com.
Open Mornings are also a good opportunity to see the School in action in a relaxed and informal way and to meet with staff and pupils. Held termly in October, March and May, please look out for details on our website and register your interest.
Registration
We encourage families to register as soon as possible. Following a visit to the School, or upon request, parents are asked to complete a Registration form and kindly pay the registration fee, which is a non-refundable single payment of £100. Registration does not guarantee a place at the School but once received, your child can be placed on the appropriate admissions list.
As part of the Admissions process, all registered children will then be invited to a ‘play and stay’ session for Nursery and Reception entry or a Taster/assessment day date for Year 1 and above, usually in the Autumn term before starting. The Registrar will contact all registered families in the academic year prior to their year of entry.
Joining our Nursery or Reception
All pupils are invited to attend a ‘play and stay’ session, so that we are able to carry out observations within a play setting. Places are offered and/or guidance is given to parents after the taster session and a follow up discussion with the Head of Pre-Prep. A home visit and/or a visit to your child’s current setting may also be recommended as part of our admissions process. In the event that demand exceeds the number of Nursery spaces available, places are offered based on the date of registration, with priority given to siblings.
Joining Year 1 and Year 2
If places are available, children who wish to join in Year 1 or 2 are invited to spend a taster day with us. We keep the visit relaxed and friendly, joining a class for the day following their usual timetable of lessons, activities, sport and playtimes. During the course of the day, the children will engage in Maths and English activities and read with a teacher. We also ask to see their most recent school report and invite the parent to fill in a parent questionnaire. It is important to us that your child has a fun and enjoyable day with us and feels happy to participate in the range of activities which gives us an opportunity to see their full character, interests and behaviour.
Joining Years 3 – 8
Children wishing to join Twyford at Year 3 or above are invited to an assessment day once registered, usually in the Autumn term in the year prior to starting. The taster day is designed to be enjoyable, giving your child plenty of time to get to know the School. Your child will be met by a current pupil who will give them a friendly welcome and introduce them to their class for the day. Our aim is for children to experience a typical Twyford school day of exciting lessons, fun playtimes and a delicious lunch as well as to participate in sport and the other activities on offer.
In the course of the day, your child will work with a senior member of staff to complete a short English writing task, a Maths paper and a non-verbal reasoning test. There is no need to prepare your child for these entry tests. Before their visit, we ask for the child’s latest school report and for parents to complete a short questionnaire about their child, all of which is taken into consideration. We are looking for children whose character and personality will see them thrive here at Twyford.
Offer of a place
Offers are made in writing soon after the taster day. When a place is offered, a signed acceptance form and deposit of £1000 will be required to secure the place.
