Class Placement
Students are placed according to the year level that corresponds to their age. To qualify for a specific year group, students must reach the required age by 1 September of the academic year. Placement guidelines and age tables are provided below.
While age is the main placement criterion, the school may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis in situations such as:
- Completion of a full academic year at a previous school.
- Mid-year transfers or cases where additional time is needed to master year-level expectations.
- Children born between September and December who demonstrate readiness in physical, social-emotional, and academic development.
Where needed, the Head of School may request additional information (e.g. previous school reports, teacher recommendations, or a trial day) to determine the most suitable placement. Reports must be original or legally verified copies.
Class placement will only be confirmed when the school is confident that the student’s learning needs can be supported. Factors considered include academic ability, English proficiency, social-emotional development, and other relevant information. The admissions process is carried out fairly and without discrimination.
If there are concerns regarding a student’s learning needs, families may be asked to complete a Student Information Request Form (SIRF) or provide further assessments before a decision is made.
Assessment
All applicants complete a placement interview with a member of the Academic Leadership Team. Additional assessments vary by age:
Preschool (Early Years)
A play-based, interactive assessment focusing on observations of children’s communication, social interaction, early learning skills, and readiness.
Year 1
An individual school-based assessment and interview reviewing early literacy, numeracy, and developmental readiness.
Year 2 and Above
Students will sit the Cambridge Primary Insights (CPI) adaptive assessment, which evaluates:
- Reading (word recognition, decoding, comprehension)
- Mathematics (numbers, measures, shape & space, data handling)
- Developed Ability (picture vocabulary, non-verbal reasoning)
English Language Assessment
Students whose first language is not English—or who come from non-English medium schools—will complete an English Proficiency Assessment. Results determine whether the student requires support through the English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programme.