Primary 1 - 3 Entrance Assessments

Our P1 Entrance Assessment takes place in January 2025

Primary 1 Entrance Assessment, 10 - 17 January 2025

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The Primary 1 Entrance Assessment at ESMS Junior School is a 40 minute fun activity session. A friendly and experienced teacher will spend time with your child, getting to know them so we can gauge their educational needs. Please note that applications for P1-3 Assessments should be submitted by Monday 9 December 2024.

Whether your child is a curious scientist, a creative artist, a thoughtful philosopher or a reflective peacemaker, we will make sure they have a fun time during their time with us. 

What will we assess?
 

 

The assessment will not feel like a test. As they enjoy games, activities and puzzles, a member of staff will get to know your child whilst having fun together. We are not looking for children who can read or write. We are simply looking to see how they ask questions, follow instructions, listen carefully and communicate with us. Activities we use focus on the skills children will already be undertaking at home and Nursery such as:

  • Memory and recall
  • Sequencing, matching, counting and sorting
  • Vocabulary and comprehension
  • Fine motor skills, such as cutting, threading, building, drawing
What should I do to prepare my child?

Nothing! All we want to do is get to know your child and make sure there are no specific needs that we cannot meet. They will not be asked to read or write, so there really is nothing you need to do, except letting them know what will happen on the day, so they are not worried. Explaining that they will meet one of our teachers and play some games with them like the big boys and girls do should help put your child at ease and build some gentle excitement about the day.

Primary 2 and Primary 3 Assessments

Primary 2 and Primary 3 assessments are ongoing from November, and will take place one-to-one with one of our Teachers, and last between 45 minutes and 1 hour. Children will work on elements of Literacy and Numeracy, covering areas appropriate for each child’s age and stage. We recognise that children will be at different stages in their educational journey and the assessment will help us understand each child’s strengths, next steps and their educational needs.

How do I book a place?

If you have decided you would like your child to join our family of schools, please complete our online application form. Our Admissions Manager, Cally Graham, will then be in touch to find a time that suits you and your family best. If you have already applied, please contact Cally on jsadmissions@esms.org.uk to book a slot. You can also ask Cally any questions you might have at this stage.

On the day information 
Parents are welcome to park in our carpark at Craigleith Rise (EH4 3LF).
Parents should come to our purpose built Early Years centre at our Ravelston site where you will be met by Mrs Alison Lydon, our Senior Deputy Head of Early Education, responsible for all our Nursery, Primary 1, 2 and 3. You can see a map of the location below.
While your child is being assessed parents are invited to come and have a coffee with Mrs Lydon who would welcome any questions. You will also be able to pop along and have a look at what our Primary 1 children are up to.
Whilst your child is being assessed, parents are invited to have a coffee in our reception area if you wish.