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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.