13+ Common Entrance and Pre-Test Guide
A parent's guide to the two key assessments for independent senior school entry at 13+
If your child is aiming for a place at a leading independent senior school such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington, Tonbridge or any of the other schools that admit pupils at Year 9, you will almost certainly encounter two assessments: the ISEB Common Pre-Test and the 13+ Common Entrance examination. Understanding the difference between them, when they happen, and how to prepare is essential for a smooth admissions journey.
The ISEB Common Pre-Test: The First Hurdle
The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, computer-adaptive assessment developed by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB). It is typically sat by pupils in Year 6 or Year 7, when they are between 10 and 12 years old, and it is the first stage of the admissions process for many independent senior schools.
The pre-test covers four subjects: English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. All questions are multiple choice. The test is adaptive, meaning the difficulty of each question adjusts based on how the child performed on the previous one. This allows schools to build a detailed picture of a pupil's ability.
The total testing time is approximately two and a half hours. The test is sat under supervised conditions, usually at the child's current school, and the results are shared electronically with all the senior schools the family has registered with. Crucially, the pre-test can only be sat once. The score then follows the candidate to every school they apply to.
Schools use the pre-test result alongside school reports, references and interviews to decide which candidates to take further in their admissions process. The next step is usually a conditional offer, subject to performance in Common Entrance in Year 8.
13+ Common Entrance: The Confirmation Stage
Common Entrance (CE) at 13+ is a suite of subject-based examinations set by ISEB and taken by pupils in Year 8. First introduced in 1904, it has long been the traditional gateway into independent senior schools. However, the landscape has evolved in recent years. Many schools now use the ISEB Pre-Test as the primary admissions hurdle and treat Common Entrance as a confirmation stage rather than a competitive assessment. Some schools have replaced Common Entrance entirely with their own bespoke Year 8 assessments.
Understanding exactly how your target schools use Common Entrance is therefore the first and most important step in planning preparation.
The core Common Entrance subjects are English, mathematics and science, and strong performance in at least two of these is typically expected. Students may also be tested in up to five additional subjects including modern foreign languages, history, geography, classics and religious studies, though some schools allow exemptions from one or more of these.
Papers are set at three difficulty levels (1, 2 and 3), with most students sitting Level 2. The Common Academic Scholarship Examination (CASE) is a more challenging version for pupils seeking academic scholarships.
When Does Each Assessment Happen?
The ISEB Common Pre-Test can be sat from June of Year 5 through to December of Year 6, though some 13+ entry schools extend the window into Year 7. Registration is handled through the ISEB Guardian Portal, and parents should check the registration windows for their target schools as these vary. For example, Eton College requires registration by June of Year 5, while other schools may accept registrations later.
Common Entrance is sat in Year 8, typically in the spring or summer term. ISEB runs three sessions per year (autumn, spring and summer), and registration is handled either by the child's prep school or directly through ISEB for pupils at schools that do not offer the examination.
How to Prepare for the ISEB Common Pre-Test
Because the pre-test is adaptive and covers four subjects, preparation should focus on building strong underlying skills rather than cramming specific content. We recommend starting preparation around 12 to 18 months before the test.
English: The English section tests reading comprehension and grammar, including cloze sentences, shuffled sentences and spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG). Regular reading is the single most effective form of preparation. Encourage your child to read widely and discuss what they have read.
Mathematics: The maths section covers core concepts and reasoning aligned to the National Curriculum up to the end of Year 5. Regular practice with arithmetic, fractions, percentages and multi-step problems builds the fluency and confidence needed for an adaptive test.
Verbal reasoning: This tests vocabulary, word relationships and logical thinking with words. Practice papers are available through ISEB and other providers, and they are a valuable way to familiarise your child with the question types.
Non-verbal reasoning: This tests pattern recognition, spatial awareness and logical thinking with shapes and diagrams. Again, practice papers are the best way to build familiarity and confidence.
How to Prepare for 13+ Common Entrance
Preparation for Common Entrance is more straightforward in one sense: the syllabi are published openly by ISEB, and past papers are available through the ISEB shop. A good prep school will cover the required material as part of its curriculum, and many families supplement this with additional tutoring in areas where their child needs support.
We would normally recommend that targeted preparation begins around 12 to 18 months before the exams. This allows enough time to identify gaps, build confidence and complete timed practice papers without creating unnecessary pressure.
The key to strong Common Entrance performance is consistency. Regular, steady work over an extended period is far more effective than intensive cramming in the weeks before the exam.
How EducAd Consulting Can Help
At EducAd Consulting, we help families navigate the independent school admissions process from start to finish. Whether your child is preparing for the ISEB Common Pre-Test, Common Entrance, scholarship examinations or school interviews, we can connect you with the right tutors, advise on school selection, and ensure your family is prepared for every stage of the process.
We have particular expertise in supporting international families who are new to the UK education system and may find the admissions landscape unfamiliar. We also work with platforms such as Atom Learning, where our tutors can set tasks and customise homework for the pupils.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation.