Our entrance test for Year 2 to UFP students is designed to fairly assess each applicant’s abilities. Designed to identify the strengths, challenges, and learning preferences of a student. Read below to learn more about the CAT4 test and how to apply.
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) is a suite of diagnostic assessments of developed ability and likely academic potential. By measuring a student’s ability to reason with different types of material, CAT4 assesses how students think and how they will learn best. The test is not based on any curriculum or dependent on prior learning, offering a fair assessment of ability regardless of a student’s previous schooling. Because three of the four batteries are not reliant on English language knowledge, the test is ideal for students who speak English as an additional language.
The ability to express ideas and reason through words is essential to subjects with high language content. And the most obvious skill picked up by traditional assessment.
Problem-solving using pictures and diagrams skills which are important in a wide range of school subjects. This will include maths and science-based subjects.
The ability to use numerical skills to solve problems, applicable well beyond mathematics.
The capacity to think and draw conclusions in three dimensions, needed for many STEM subjects. However, it is not easily measured by other datasets.
The data can identify specific groups of students, including special educational needs and gifted and talented. Students with high spatial scores are likely to be strong in STEM subjects.
There is no formal academic testing; instead, we observe key developmental areas through play and interaction.
Children should demonstrate basic communication skills in any language and show a readiness to participate in group activities.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, children will be invited for a 1-hour visit, where they will participate in a relaxed, play-based session. Activities may include:
• Small group play to observe social interactions
• Storytime or a short session in our secondary library to see how they engage with a story
• Simple games and puzzles to observe problem-solving skills
• Teddy Bear Picnic (held during school hours or on a Saturday morning) to encourage natural interactions in an informal setting.
Our staff will gently guide the children, ensuring that their experience is positive and enjoyable while gathering insights into their readiness for school life
For Year 2, we assess academic preparedness and school readiness to ensure a smooth transition into Year 3.
Assessment
While there is no formal heavy academic testing, students will be assessed through basic English and Maths tasks. This process allows us to evaluate each child’s foundational knowledge, communication skills, and readiness to engage in structured learning. Observations of key developmental areas will also take place through play and interaction.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, children will be invited for a 1-hour visit, where they will participate in a relaxed, play-based session.
Activities may include:
• Mathematical Development – Basic number recognition, counting, sequencing, and problem-solving appropriate for Year
2 entry.
• Literacy & Language Skills – Letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and early reading comprehension skills.
• Classroom Readiness – Ability to follow instructions, participate in group activities, and demonstrate focus and
engagement in learning tasks.
• Social & Emotional Development – Interaction with peers, ability to adapt to a structured classroom environment, and
confidence in expressing ideas.
Observations will continue into Year 3 to ensure that students receive the right level of support for their development.
CAT4 test is required
There is no specific preparation required for the entrance test.
Year 1 & Year 2 students are also required to complete a paper-based test on numeracy and literacy.
For all Year 6 students, a successful CAT4 test is required to progress to Year 7.
The CAT4 test is for all Junior and Senior School applicants.
Our Junior School Entrance Test will consist of the following subjects:
English; Reading Comprehension reflecting the National Curriculum KS2.
Maths; It is based on the National Curriculum KS2. Maths test takes place for that designated year that the pupil is sitting for.
For more information about the test, please click here.
If you have any further questions, please email a.patel@northlondongrammar.com
Please note this is an admissions test. The result of the Entrance Test, interview results and analysis of the previous school’s reports will determine whether we can offer your child a place or not. This is NOT a scholarship test The test fee is non-refundable.
Please fill out the form below to apply:
Address: 110 Colindeep Lane, Hendon, London, NW9 6HB, United Kingdom
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At NLGS, we take pride in knowing each and every one of our students. We put our students at the centre of all we do, and promote a clear set of values, which underpin the NLGS culture. Our values are based on three pillars: ‘Bonitas, Scientia, Disciplina’, which is Latin for ‘Goodness, Knowledge, and Instruction’.
