What the Rise of Occasional Places Tells Us About the Sector
If you’ve been anywhere near the independent school world this year, you’ll have noticed a quiet but unmistakable shift: occasional places are on the rise. Schools that once had waiting lists so long they could have been bound and published are now contacting families mid‑year, mid‑term, and sometimes even mid‑week to offer unexpected openings.
For parents, this can feel surprising - even confusing. But for those of us who’ve worked inside the system, it’s one of the clearest indicators of how the sector is changing.
School Entrance Assessments and Children with SEN: What Parents Need to Know
Every year, families across the UK begin the journey toward independent school admissions, often starting as early as the 4+ assessment. For many parents, this process already feels daunting — but when a child has identified or emerging Special Educational Needs (SEN), the questions multiply. Should we apply? Will my child be at a disadvantage? How honest should we be? What are their real chances?
This Guide explores the pros and cons, what to expect, and how to give your child the best possible chance of success.
An insider’s guide to the 4+ Assessments!
Essential information for parents on the 4+ assessments from someone who was actually a 4+ assessor!