Open Mornings

We release the dates for the upcoming Open Mornings early in the Spring Term. Parents with daughters registered for the 4+ ballot being drawn that year, or to take the 7+ assessment the following January, will be invited to attend one of these Open Mornings.

These are at 4+ via a ballot and at 7+ through an assessment. Occasional places do arise but this does not happen often. We do not take girls into Years 5 and 6.

The assessment takes place in January of the year of entry and is a very relaxed affair. The emphasis is on bringing out the best in your daughter, and seeing how she responds to a range of experiences. It is less about what your daughter already knows and more about how curious she is.

We want girls from all types of schools to apply to us. If your daughter is coping well with the curriculum at her current state school, she will be fine. The assessments are not formal exams – more like doing some fun lessons, and teachers are on hand to support and guide any applicant who is struggling in any way.

This is strongly discouraged and we ask you to tell us honestly if your daughter has been tutored. It may be there is a really good reason for this, but we do need to know. Please DO NOT send your daughter to any of the 7+ preparation sessions advertised by tutors or tutoring agencies – our assessments are carried out in a totally different way to these practice sessions.

Pastoral care at Bute House is central to all we do. Our Head of Pastoral Care oversees the well-being of the girls from a school-wide perspective, but every member of staff is committed to caring for the girls.  We have an excellent Wellbeing programme in place in school, a School Counsellor for any girls who need more specialist support and endless time for all aspects of the girls’ mental health. A girl may need regular sessions, or it may be that a girl wants to talk through a specific problem – whatever the case, the girls’ needs will be met. We know that happy girls are the ones who are able to enjoy school and so we are committed to ensuring every girl is looked after in order that she can run her own best race.

Bullying is rarely encountered at Bute House, but there is a fast response process in place if a girl is upset by others. Bullying is not tolerated in any form whatsoever and the girls will tell you themselves that it is a rare issue, but something everyone takes very seriously indeed, should it happen.

We welcome girls to Bute House no matter what their ethnicity, religion, creed, culture.
We are a diverse school where more than thirty different languages are spoken and children’s cultures, religions, ethnicities and backgrounds are celebrated. We have Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ambassadors, and a group of staff and parents are currently working with the Head on reviewing the curriculum, as well as the culture of the school, to ensure any unconscious bias is managed. At Bute, we look into these issues in depth and detail and respond in a fully rounded manner so that everyone is properly informed.

The School does not operate any sort of bus service or other transport. Often, parents organise themselves so that carpools and similar arrangements are quite common; however, this is arranged by the parents themselves. We ask parents to think carefully about the impact of a very long journey on a young child.

Wraparound care (from 7am – 8.15am and 3.30pm – 6.00 pm) is available at Bute House. This is provided by our own staff. A small charge is made for each session booked.  Sessions are booked directly with the school.

Open Mornings are held in spring and summer for already registered families and include school
presentations and guided tours.

1. Invitations Are Sent to Registered Families
Only families who have registered for Reception or 7+ are invited to attend.
2. Held During Spring and Summer Terms
These events are scheduled in spring and early summer, with dates released early in the spring term.
3. Includes Presentation by the Head and Senior Staff
Families hear about the school’s ethos from the Head and have a chance to meet senior staff.
4. Prepares for Exams
Visitors tour classrooms, facilities, and learning spaces to experience daily school life.
5. Individual Tours Not Available
Due to demand, one-to-one visits aren’t offered—Open Mornings are the sole opportunity for in-person visits.