Introduction
The ISEB Common Pre-test is used by independent senior schools to assess a pupil's level of achievement and potential in advance of the Common Entrance exam taken in Year 8.
This guide will help you to better understand the purpose and requirements of the ISEB Common Pre-test.
Essential Information
- The test is taken by pupils aged between 10 and 12 years old, during Year 6 or 7.
- It comprises four individual tests of English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non Verbal Reasoning.
- The individual tests must be completed in one sitting, but each test can be taken separately.
- The tests are taken online with multiple choice answers.
- The tests are timed. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete all four tests.
- Pupils are registered for the test by the senior school for which they are entered.
- If a pupil is registered for multiple schools, the results of the test will be made available to all of the schools.
- The test can only be taken once. If a pupil takes multiple tests, the result of the first test will be used.
- The tests are usually taken at the pupil's current prep school. However, they can be taken on any computer with an internet connection.
- The senior school will usually handle registration and other administrative functions, whilst the prep school will be responsible for the taking of the test.
- Deadlines for applications and the age at which the pretest is taken may vary between schools. It is important to look up the individual requirements of the school you are applying to well in advance.
- The tests are created by GL Assessment for the UK independent sector.
Purpose of the ISEB Common Pre-test
The ISEB Common Pre-Test allows senior schools to assess in advance whether a pupil meets their academic standards. How the results of the Pretest are used will vary between schools.
Pupils who pass the ISEB Common Pre-test will most likely be offered a place at the senior school, on the condition that they also pass the Common Entrance at age 13+. Particularly competitive senior schools may use the Pretest to de-select pupils, meaning they are removed from the application process or placed on a reserve list.
Taking the ISEB Pre-test
The ISEB Common Pre-test comprises four individual tests. Each test must be completed in one sitting, but they can be taken separately and in any order.
Other than the English test, each assessment gives example and practice questions. The only additional materials allowed are a pen and paper for the Maths test.
Each assessment has a different time limit. The time remaining will be shown at the top of the screen during the test, as well as a progress bar which shows how many questions have been answered.
The time limit does not include the time taken to set up and log in to the test, but does include the time taken for the candidate to read the instructions for the test. Familiarity with the test in advance can therefore leave more time for completing the questions.
The candidate is given a choice of five different answers for each question. They must click on their chosen answer and click ‘Next’. Once they have clicked 'Next', they are unable to return to previous questions to change their answers.
The test will be taken under formal exam conditions. Candidates will be required to complete the test in silence. Teachers will help to ensure that the test is being completed correctly but will not be able to assist with answering the questions.
English | 25 minutes
This test assesses spelling, punctuation, comprehension, and sentence completion.
Some questions will refer to a passage of text. This will be visible for each question and can be navigated using scroll buttons on the screen. The candidate will need to refer to specific lines from the passage for some questions.
Example:
Maths | 50 minutes
This test assesses mathematical ability compared to the national curriculum.
Example:
Verbal Reasoning | 36 minutes
This test assesses thinking and problem-solving using words.
Two types of questions require multiple answers to be selected. In order to change one of the selected answers, it must first be de-selected before a new answer is chosen.
Example:
Non Verbal Reasoning | 32 minutes
This test assesses thinking with shapes, space, pictures, and diagrams.
Example:
Schools that use the ISEB Pre-test
The ISEB Common Pre-test is one of the most common pre-tests used by independent senior schools. It is currently used by the following schools:
Eaton Square Upper School Pretest
Francis Holland School Pretest
Godolphin and Latymer School Pretest
Haberdashers' Monmouth Schools Pretest
Harrodian Senior School Pretest
Hull Collegiate School Pretest
Hurstpierpoint College Pretest 11 Plus
Hurstpierpoint College Pretest 13 Plus
James Allen's Girls' School Pretest
King Edward's School Witley Pretest
King's College School, Taunton Pretest
King's School Rochester Pretest
Knightsbridge Senior School Pretest
Lord Wandsworth College Pretest
Notting Hill and Ealing School Pretest
Palmers Green High School Pretest
South Hampstead High School Pretest
St Albans High School for Girls Pretest
St Paul's School Pretest 11 Plus
St Paul's School Pretest 13 Plus
St Swithun's School Pretest 11 Plus
St Swithun's School Pretest 13 Plus
Streatham & Clapham High School Pretest
Sutton Valence School Pretest 11 Plus
Sutton Valence School Pretest 13 Plus
University College School Pretest
Westminster School Pretest 11 Plus
Westminster School Pretest 13 Plus
Wetherby Senior School Pretest
Pre-tests used by other schools
Schools use a variety of pre-tests during their selection processes. Some design their own pre-tests, whilst others commission them from providers such as GL Assessment.
These tests may be online or offline, or a combination of both. It is important to check the requirements of the school you are applying to.
Preparation for the ISEB Common Pre-test
Candidates for the ISEB Common Pre-Test are unlikely to have taken a test in this format before, so it essential that they prepare in advance.
Familiarity with the question types and computer interface will give candidates more time during the exam to focus on answering the questions. Our practice papers are designed to replicate the experience of taking the real test, including the timer and the process of submitting answers.
Completing our practice papers gives candidates a better understanding of what the questions are asking of them, and the best methods for approaching different types of questions. This familiarity means that candidates are more prepared and confident when they take the real ISEB Common Pre-test, allowing them to perform to the best of their ability.
The practice papers provide feedback on each question and allow you to compare progress with other candidates.
Our practice papers are available here. If you have any further questions, please do get in touch.