The ISEB Common Pre-Test explained
Many independent schools use the ISEB Common Pre-Test as the first step of their entrance process.
What is it?
- An online, adaptive test: the questions get harder or easier depending on your child's answers.
- Four parts: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- About 2 hours 15 minutes in total. The parts can be taken on one day or over several days.
- Scores are age-standardised.
Who takes it and when?
Children usually sit it in Year 6 for entry in Year 7. Some schools use it earlier for 13+ entry. For this cycle, testing runs from 1 September 2026 to late May 2027. The school you apply to tells you when to book.
Where?
At an approved centre: often your child's current prep school, or a centre such as the British Council.
Only once
Your child sits it once a year. The results are shared with every senior school you have applied to that uses it.
How to prepare
- Practise on screen: typing answers, using a mouse and managing time without paper.
- Keep reading widely for vocabulary and comprehension.
- Learn the reasoning question types early, as many primary schools do not teach them.
- Do not panic if questions feel hard. In an adaptive test, harder questions often mean your child is doing well.
Source: ISEB, Common Pre-Tests (information for families).