The ISEB Common Pre-Test

Who uses it

Many independent senior schools, often alongside their own tests and an interview

When

Usually in Year 6, or Year 7 for 13+ entry; the testing window runs through the school year from September

Subjects

English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning

Format

On screen, multiple choice and adaptive; about two and a quarter hours in total

Scores

Age-standardised, and shared with every school that registers your child

What is the ISEB Common Pre-Test?

The Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) sets the Common Pre-Test. Independent schools use it to screen applicants early: rather than each school writing its own first-round test, many share this one. A school that uses it registers your child, and the child sits the test once. The result is then shared with every school on your list that uses the Pre-Test.

Children usually sit it at their own school if it is a test centre, or otherwise at one of the senior schools or another centre. It is usually taken only once in a school year, so a weak result cannot simply be retaken a week later.

The four sections

• English: reading comprehension, plus spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Maths: arithmetic and problem solving across the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
• Verbal reasoning: word and letter puzzles such as codes, analogies and odd words out.
• Non-verbal reasoning: shape and pattern puzzles.

The whole test takes about two and a quarter hours, split across the four sections. Each school decides how much weight to give the result, and most follow it with their own tests, an interview or a reference from the current school.

What makes it different: adaptive questions

The Pre-Test is adaptive. When your child answers correctly, the next question is harder; when they answer wrongly, it is easier. That has a few consequences:

• You cannot go back. Once an answer is submitted it is final, so check it before moving on.
• Hard questions are a good sign. Finding the test difficult usually means your child is doing well.
• Accuracy matters more than speed. Rushing early questions makes the test pick easier ones, which are worth less.

How to prepare for the ISEB Pre-Test

• Practise on a screen as well as on paper, so reading from a screen and clicking answers feel normal.
• Learn the verbal and non-verbal question types, as for any 11+ test.
• Practise committing to an answer: read carefully, check once, then move on without second-guessing.
• Look at ISEB's own familiarisation materials so the screens are not a surprise on the day.

Other 11+ tests

• GL AssessmentMost of EnglandEnglish, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning on paper.
• Quest AssessmentsGrowing; Kent from 2028Paper multiple-choice tests; Kent, Slough and Dorset switch to it for 2028 entry.
• FSCEAbout ten schoolsMaths, English and, at some schools, the wider curriculum and creative writing.
• CSSEEssexWritten maths and English papers, including a writing task.
• SEAGNorthern IrelandThe transfer test: two papers of English and maths in November.
• ISEB Pre-TestIndependent schoolsAn adaptive on-screen test, sat once a year.
• CEMSome independent schoolsShort timed sections. No longer used by grammar schools.

Read the full 11+ guide for parents