Tailored 4 Plus Tuition for School Entry Success
Here at U2 Tuition, we understand that starting school is a huge milestone. We use our experience and expertise to ensure the 4+ admissions journey feels smooth, supported, and enjoyable. We design our personalised 4 Plus preparation programme to gently build your child's confidence, social skills, and readiness for the informal assessment sessions used by leading London prep schools and beyond.
Why Choose a 4 Plus Tutor From U2 Tuition?
Personalised Guidance for Your Child’s First Step into School
Following an initial diagnostic session, your child's 4 Plus tutor will create a bespoke learning plan tailored to their unique personality, strengths, and developmental stage.
We align this plan with the requirements of your target schools, whether that's Westminster Under School, Thomas's London Day Schools, Garden House Chelsea, or elsewhere.
Coverage of Skills Looked for at Four Plus
Knowing the skills that top schools look for, we gently introduce and strengthen children's performance in these areas:
Communication: Can your child describe pictures, share thoughts, or answer questions?
Social skills: Do they take turns, listen, share, and play cooperatively?
Listening & focus: Can they follow short instructions or attend to a story?
Motor & practical skills: From pencil grip to scissor use and tidying up.
Emotional readiness: Are they happy to separate briefly and interact with adults they don't know well?
Experienced, Kind and Engaging 4 Plus Tutors
Our tutors are hand-picked for their expertise in the early years of education and warm, child-centred approach. Most are Oxbridge-educated and trained in working with children aged 3–5.
They understand that the 4+ assessment isn't about academic ability; it's about gauging school readiness, sociability, and confidence.
Fostering Confidence through Play
At U2 Tuition, learning is play-based, dynamic and joyful. We help children express themselves, interact positively with adults and peers, and become comfortable with short separations from parents, all essential elements of the 4+ process.
We also simulate relaxed play-based classroom activities which mirror assessment day scenarios.
School-Specific Preparation
We are well-versed in various 4+ assessment days and interview formats, from Thomas's Discovery Sessions to Garden House's short meetings with the Head.
Our tutors recreate the activities children will likely experience, including story time, imaginative play, puzzles, picture discussion, and show-and-tell.
Supporting You as Parents
Choosing the right school can feel overwhelming. Our team has helped many families navigate the 4+ process and make confident decisions about school choice. We offer guidance on:
Registration timelines and deadlines
Open mornings and school visits
Assessment formats for each school
Whether you're just beginning your school search or preparing for an upcoming assessment day, we're happy to help.
Key 4 Plus Dates
Registration Deadline:
Registration can open from anywhere between birth and September one year before entry.
It's important to check individual schools, as this varies a lot.
Registration typically closes in the Autumn of the year before entry.
Assessments and interviews:
Again, this varies greatly, but the typical timeline is October to January, the year before entry.
Application Outcome Notification:
Notice of outcome will depend on the assessment and Interview dates.
It may be anywhere from November to Easter, the year before entry.
For more information about 4+ assessment and interview preparations, check out our recent blog.
Looking for Early Years Support Beyond the 4 Plus?
We also offer tailored support across the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, helping children build strong early foundations in literacy, numeracy and confidence. Our experienced tutors create engaging and interactive learning environments, ensuring the consolidation of essential concepts.
Find out more about our KS1 tutoring or enquire here!
We also offer targeted admissions support at the 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, and 16+.
What is the 4 Plus exam, and why is it important?
The 4 Plus assessment is an informal school readiness evaluation used by competitive London prep schools to determine if a child is a good fit for Reception entry. These sessions typically include play-based activities to observe how children interact, communicate, and follow instructions. U2 Tuition helps children become comfortable and confident in these settings.
How does U2 Tuition personalise its 4+ tutoring approach?
At U2 Tuition, we understand that each child is unique. That's why we begin with a relaxed diagnostic session and create a tailored plan based on your child's strengths, interests, and areas for development. We also tailor our sessions to reflect the specific formats of your target schools.
What activities does U2 Tuition's 4+ preparation cover?
Our 4+ preparation focuses on communication, listening, attention, turn-taking, imaginative play, fine motor skills, and emotional readiness. Activities may include storytelling, picture discussions, puzzles, drawing, and interactive games.
Are U2 Tuition's tutors experienced with 4+ preparation?
Yes! Our 4+ tutors are specialists in early years education, and many are Oxbridge graduates with extensive experience preparing children for entry to top London schools. We choose our tutors for their ability to build rapport with young children and make learning feel like play.
Can you help my child get used to the 4 Plus assessment formats?
Absolutely! We simulate gentle, realistic versions of 4+ assessment activities so your child becomes familiar with the interactions they'll encounter, which builds confidence and helps reduce nerves.
How involved are parents in the 4+ process?
We work closely with you throughout the journey, sharing feedback after sessions, helping you choose the right schools, and offering advice on reinforcing skills at home. It's a team effort!
How do I get started with U2 Tuition's 4+ programme?
We make it straightforward:
Book a free consultation to discuss your child's unique learning needs and goals.
We'll recommend an ideal tutor and share their CV, detailing their academic background, teaching experience, and expertise in 4 Plus tuition.
You'll begin with a diagnostic session to assess strengths and areas for growth.
If it's a good fit, we'll build a bespoke preparation plan together.
Is U2 Tuition's 4 Plus tutoring online?
Yes! We offer highly engaging online sessions for families outside London, as well as in-person tuition in London, and sometimes other areas of the UK. Hybrid tuition is also an option. All of our sessions are interactive and adapted for young learners.
Can I find a 4+ tutor near me?
We offer face-to-face tutoring in London and other locations nationwide, such as Oxford and Cambridge. We will always endeavour to provide the specific support you seek. Our expert online 4+ tutors also offer fantastic support wherever you're based.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for 4 Plus Tutoring
Contact Us For a Complimentary 4 Plus Tuition Consultation.
We're here to help. Book a free 20-minute phone consultation with our team to ask questions, explore school options, and begin your child's 4+ journey with confidence. Enquire now!