What are the ISEB Pre-Tests?

The ISEB Pre-Tests are a set of online entrance assessments used by many independent senior schools as part of their admissions process.

They are commonly taken by pupils in Year 6 for entry at 11+ or for deferred entry at 13+, although individual schools may use them differently.

One of the advantages of the ISEB Pre-Tests is that they are shared between schools. If your child is applying to several schools that use the tests, they normally only need to sit them once in an academic year, with their results then made available to the relevant senior schools.

What is the structure of the ISEB Pre-Tests?

 There are four tests:

• English – approximately 40 minutes
• Mathematics – approximately 40 minutes
• Verbal reasoning – approximately 25 minutes
• Non-verbal reasoning – approximately 30 minutes

Together, the tests take up to 2 hours and 15 minutes. They can be taken on the same day or split across different days, depending on the arrangements made by the school or test centre.

How do the ISEB Pre-Tests work?

All four tests are online, multiple-choice and adaptive.

An adaptive test changes the level of difficulty according to the answers a pupil gives. After each response, the system selects a question at an appropriate level for that child.

This means pupils may see different questions and may answer a different number of questions. Answering more questions does not result in a higher score – accuracy and consistency are what matter.

Once an answer has been submitted, pupils cannot return to change it.

Topics covered in the ISEB Pre-Tests

English

The English test assesses reading comprehension and grammar.Pupils may be asked to read fiction, non-fiction or poetry passages and answer questions about areas such as meaning, inference, vocabulary and the use of language.

Mathematics

The mathematics test assesses knowledge and skills based broadly on the National Curriculum up to the end of Year 5.

Topics can include:

• Number and place value
• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
• Fractions, decimals and percentages
• Measurement and geometry
• Statistics and data. 

Verbal reasoning

Verbal reasoning assesses a pupil's ability to think and solve problems using words and language. Questions can involve vocabulary, word relationships, patterns, sequences and logical reasoning.

Non-verbal reasoning

Non-verbal reasoning assesses logic and problem-solving using shapes, diagrams and visual information rather than words. Pupils may be asked to identify patterns, similarities and differences or visualise how shapes change and relate to one another.

Where do pupils take the ISEB Pre-Tests?

The tests can be taken at approved invigilation centres in the UK or overseas.

ISEB recommends that, where possible, pupils sit the tests at their current school, as this can provide a familiar environment. Individual senior schools will set their own deadlines, so families should always check the requirements of each school to which they are applying.

How are the ISEB Pre-Tests scored?

Results are age-standardised, helping senior schools compare applicants of different ages and pupils who sit the assessment at different points during the testing period.

There is no universal pass mark. Each senior school decides how it uses the results within its own admissions process and may consider them alongside interviews, school reports, references and other assessments.

Parents do not normally receive the scores directly. The results are shared with the senior schools to which the pupil has applied.

How applicants can prepare for the ISEB Pre-Test

Preparation should focus on helping your child understand the format and feel comfortable with the style of assessment rather than trying to memorise particular questions.

ISEB provides a free Pre-Tests Admissions Toolkit and Test Walkthrough which families can use to become familiar with how the tests work.

It can also be helpful to:

• Encourage regular reading
• Practise mental mathematics and problem-solving
• Develop vocabulary
• Play word, logic and pattern-based games
• Spend additional time on areas your child finds more challenging
• Make sure your child is comfortable completing questions on a computer

ISEB does not publish past papers, so extensive drilling with supposed past questions is neither necessary nor recommended.

The aim should be for your child to approach the assessment feeling familiar with the format, rested and ready to demonstrate their ability.

If your child is applying to Brighton College, you can find details of our admissions process and assessment requirements for the relevant entry point.