Introduction
School Name: The Perse Prep
Description: Co-ed; Day School
Acceptance Ages: 7+
Overview
The Perse Prep School is located in immense parkland in Trumpington Road in Cambridge. The school set out as a ‘alleviated yet motivated’ school, a Perse education is stimulating and inspiring.
Aiming for academic excellence is stabilized by an emphasis on developing breadth and depth through first-rate sport, clubs that have over 60, music, art, drama and outdoor pursuits.
The Prese Prep offered an ‘exceptional’ education according to the recent ISI inspection report.
The Perse Prep School 7 Plus (7+) Admissions
Around 30 external applicants join recent pupils from the nursery and pre-prep in Year 3, making a year group of about 60 in total and this is the main point of entry.
Spaces sometimes become available in Years 4 and 6 if a current pupil gives intention to leave; and there’s about 3 spaces available in Year 5. All entry points require applicants to sit an entrance exam.
Applications and Registration
Deadline for Perse Prep School 7+ applications is in December with the registration fee of £100.
Please click here for the Perse Prep’s 7+ downloadable registration form.
Also, please click here to order the prospectus.
Open Days/Visits
The Perse Prep Autumn term open day is in October, 9.30 am – 12 pm and booking not necessary.
On the other hand, the Head feels honored to give personal tours of the school. To schedule one of these, please fill in the form here and once submitted, the school will contact you with an available time. Alternatively, you can book by contacting the head’s PA direct on 01223 403922 or by email:prephmsec@perse.co.uk
Activity Mornings
These events are for children in Year 1 and their parents. Parents are encouraged to stay for the whole morning. Activities are focused on science, art, music, cookery, PE/games and drama, and outlined to enable children to be creative and have fun. This is the opportunity for parents to talk with the Head and staff and see some current Year 3 work.
The Activity Morning will usually be in June.
Taster Mornings
These events are for children in Year 2 and are held in November specifically for the prospective children who have the interest in joining the Prep in Year 3. The children work in groups and sample science, PE, art, music and drama activities. This is a great chance to know more about the School, meet some staff, and for parents to talk with the Head, Director of Admissions, Deputy Head and other current parents.
For more details about the Activity Mornings and/or Taster Mornings, contact the school on 01223 403922 or prephmsec@perse.co.uk
The Perse Prep School 7 Plus (7+) Exam Format
The 7+ entrance tests for entry to the Perse Prep will be in January, either as a morning or afternoon session. Children will be assessed in the following papers:
- English
- Maths
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
As an academically selective school, they will be eyeing for children to be working at least one year above the national average with the potential and general academic interest. During the testing, with no separate interview, children will casually meet with the Head.
Parents are welcomed to submit any special document that can support their child’s application, a reference is highly recommended from their current school. Applicants entering Year 3 are expected to have finished Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum and to be working at Level 3.
Applicants are tested in small groups, under test conditions, with appropriate help given if required. Applicants will be assigned with the same teacher and classroom for all sessions. Even if sessions are formal, the school is able to establish a relaxed environment and give an opportunity for the applicants to talk to each other and the staff. There will be breaks in between sessions and applicants are given refreshments and the opportunity to play.
- English test consists of a reading comprehension (accuracy and understanding in oral reading) and a short piece of creative writing based on the given pictures and written prompts.
- Mathematics test consists of mental arithmetic and a written test based on SATs format covering levels 2 and 3.
