Admissions 4+

How does registration work at Bute House for entry into Reception?

Entry into our Reception class is by ballot, which is drawn two years in advance of the year of entry. The ballot for the 22-24 places available is drawn by the Chair of Governors with the Head, Registrar and a representative from the school’s audit firm. All the registered girls’ names are put into a ballot box and then drawn by the Chair as described above.

For enquiries please contact our Registrar on 020 7603 7381 x202 or email admissions@butehouse.co.uk

When do I register my daughter for the ballot?

The deadlines for application are according to your child’s date of birth, and are as follows:

Is there a sibling policy for 4+ entry?

There is a sibling policy. The sisters of children already at the school are automatically offered places; therefore it is only for the remaining places that names are taken from the ballot. In addition, a waiting list is drawn at the same time as the main ballot draw. These children are offered places should anybody be unable to take up the place offered in the main draw.

What happens if my daughter is unsuccessful in the ballot?

The girls who are unsuccessful at the ballot stage are registered, if their parents wish, for 7+ entry in the appropriate year.  Parents must reconfirm their interest in taking part in the 7+ assessment by completing a 7+ Assessment Confirmation Form and returning this with their £125 assessment fee by the closing date for 7+ registrations (31st October of the year preceding entry).  These confirmation forms are sent out to parents early in the summer term.

If my daughter gains a place through the 7+ assessment can her younger sibling get a place in Reception?

The younger sisters of any children gaining places at 7+ will only gain automatic places in our Reception class under our sibling policy if the ballot for their year group has not yet been drawn. If the relevant ballot has already been drawn the younger sisters of successful 7+ candidates will be put on the waiting list, but if there is no movement on that list they will have to sit the 7+ assessment in the appropriate year, when no sibling priority is given.