Applying to become a Giraffe Girl

We use an Admissions software called Applicaa, which is where you will need to complete a form to enquire about visiting our school and, ultimately where you apply for a place.

We have a range of opportunities to explore our school, from our Whole School Saturday Open Morning, to ‘School in Action’ mornings where you see us on a normal day, Discovery & Exploration Sessions where your daughter can try out what it’s like to be at our school, as well as personal tours.

Once you decide that our school is the one for your daughter, you need to complete the application form that you started when making your initial enquiry. A fee is payable to apply for a place, unless you are in receipt of Universal Credit. You must apply by the following date:

4+ and 7+ Monday 1 December 2025

For chance vacancies, please email us and if there is a place available we will advise you when to apply.

Assessments for 4+ (Reception entry)
Your daughter will be invited to an Assessment Day on one of the following dates:
Friday 12 December, Monday 5 January or Tuesday 6 January.

Your daughter will be asked to take part in a playgroup session with the class teachers lasting approximately one hour. We will assess numeracy skills, early phonics awareness, handwriting, conversation skills and interaction with other pupils. We also request a report from your daughter’s nursery, and meet with parents to learn more about your daughter and her interests.

We select girls who we believe have the aptitude and potential to benefit from a Sydenham High School education.

Assessments for 7+ (Year 3 entry)
7+ applicants will be invited to an Assessment Day on one of the following dates:

Friday 9 January, Monday 12 January, Tuesday 13 January or Wednesday 14 January

Applicants are required to sit three forty-minute assessment papers: maths, reading and writing, followed by a team-building and collaboration exercise. Please note: we do not assess verbal or non-verbal reasoning. Offers will be made to applicants whose performance in the assessments indicates an ability to cope proficiently with the level, challenge and pace of our Prep School curriculum.

We send our offers out following all assessments. Our offer date for Prep is:

4+ and 7+ Friday 16 January 2026

Places must be accepted via Applicaa, and deposits of a term’s fees paid by:

4+ Thursday 29 January 2026

7+ Thursday 5 February 2026