A GUIDE TO OUR ENTRANCE ASSESSMENTS
We are looking forward to welcoming you and your child to Dollar Academy as part of our Entrance Assessment process on Saturday 24 January 2026.
We know this time of year can bring lots of questions from parents and children alike and we hope this booklet will provide the answers.
Our assessments are age-appropriate and designed to bring out the best in each child. We take a holistic view of each child, and we want to ensure our environment is the right fit for them, and that they’ll thrive here as they progress through the school.
WHEN ARE THE ASSESSMENTS?
Entrance Assessment Day is on Saturday 24 January 2026.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS
ILL
OR UNAVAILABLE ON THE DAY?
Please contact Amanda via Registrar@dollaracademy.org.uk email or call the main school number 01259 742511. Don’t worry, we can easily arrange another time for your child to sit the assessment.
The Entrance Assessments are not designed to trip children up, our aim is to make it a friendly, child-focused day. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to meet future classmates and for parents to get to know one another.
WHAT TIME SHOULD WE ARRIVE?
For entry to Prep 1 and Prep 2 your child will be allocated a one-hour slot
from 9:00am.
For entry to Prep 3 children should arrive at 9:15am.
For entry to Prep 4 and 5 should register at the Prep School at 9:00am.
For entry to Junior 1, Junior 2 and Form I children should register in the
Library at 9:00am.
We know everyone will be eager to get started, and we kindly ask that you
follow the scheduled timings. Due essential assessment preparations we will
not be able to open the buildings any earlier. Thank you so much for your understanding.
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR?
We want children to feel relaxed and at ease, we would recommend wearing comfortable clothing such as tracksuits, leggings, sweatshirts, hoodies and trainers. There is no need to come in school uniform or smart clothing.
WHAT DO I BRING ON THE DAY?
Just a water bottle and snacks. We’ll provide everything else.
WHERE SHOULD WE PARK?
Parking will be available at the front of the Playfair Building. Our Grounds
team will be on hand to direct you.
WHAT DO PARENTS DO DURING THE ASSESSMENTS?
Prep 1 & 2 parents are welcome to stay in the Prep School for tea, coffee, and a conversation with other Prep 1 & 2 parents and staff.
Parents of children in Prep 3 and above are invited to a Q&A session at
9:30am in the Assembly Hall, featuring current pupils. You can submit
questions in advance or ask on the day.
Dollar Academy Entrance Assessment - Q&A Session
Following the Q&A Sessions refreshments will be available in the Library.
After the session, we encourage you to watch any sports fixtures taking
place, explore our beautiful grounds, and even take a stroll through Dollar
Village to get a feel for the local community.
WILL LUNCH BE PROVIDED FOR CHILDREN?
Prep pupils finish before lunch but should bring snacks and a water bottle.
Junior and Form I pupils will be provided a light lunch, please click here to let us know about your child’s dietary requirements.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I COLLECT MY CHILD?
For pupils entering Prep 1 and Prep 2: You are free to leave once your child has completed their assessment.
For pupils entering Prep 3: Collection from the Prep School at 10:45am.
For pupils entering Prep 4 and Prep 5: Collection from the Prep School
at 11:45am.
For pupils entering Junior 1, Junior 2 and Form I: Collection from the
Dining Hall at 12:30pm.
PREPARATION AHEAD OF THE DAY
Assessments are age-appropriate and designed to bring out the best in each child. They are not the style of assessment that require any formal
preparation or revision. For entry into Prep 4 and above, the only thing we
would advise is for your child to look at verbal and non-verbal reasoning
examples beforehand as these can be unfamiliar.
Staff will be on hand during the assessment to provide support if children come across something they have not covered before.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD REQUIRES SUPPORT FOR LEARNING?
If your child has a support plan or any additional needs, please contact Amanda on Registrar@dollaracademy.org.uk in advance.
This allows us to make sure your child feels relaxed and supported
throughout the day. Our Support for Learning team will also be available to
help during the assessment.
WHEN WILL WE HEAR IF MY CHILD HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL?
We aim to send out offers via email by mid-February.
WILL WE GET FEEDBACK ON THE ASSESSMENTS?
We don’t share scores or specific feedback, however, if necessary, we may include suggestions for some next steps before pupils join us in August.
HOW ARE RESULTS USED?
Assessment results help us understand each child’s strengths and needs.
They are part of a broader picture which also includes school reports. All our current pupils in Prep and Junior sit the assessment in January too as this
allows us to compare and contrast results.
Entrance Assessments at Dollar Academy
We hope this booklet has answered your questions, but if there’s anything we haven’t covered, please don’t hesitate to contact Amanda on registrar@dollaracademy.org.uk.
We look forward to welcoming you on Saturday 24 January.