Complete Guide to 13+ Admissions: Navigating 13 Plus Entrance and Selecting Independent Schools
Understanding the 13+ Admissions Process
The 13+ admissions process can be complicated to get your head around. It requires a lot of advanced organisation (some schools require registration four years prior to entry!) and an understanding of the different exam requirements and process. This guide is designed to outline the 13+ admissions process, giving you a general timeline, explaining how everything works and how to help your child prepare. With a 13+ admissions timeline, tips for selecting 13 plus schools and some strategies for success in the 13+ admissions process, this guide will help clarify the whole process and give you clear next steps.
13+ Admissions Timeline
The 13+ admissions process inevitably has some variation according to the school you’re applying to. Note that some students may sit the ISEB pre-test in year 6 as a first stage of application. We have a whole separate guide dedicated to explaining the pre-test and helping you prepare, here.
Student registration: Students must register for application for their desired school anywhere between one to four years prior to entry, according to the school’s requirements. The most competitive 13 plus independent schools will have much earlier registration deadlines; Sevenoaks school, for example, requires 13 plus entrance applications two years prior to the year of entry.
Pre-testing: Students must take the ISEB pre-test in year 6 or 7. We have a whole separate guide dedicated to explaining the pre-test and helping you prepare, here but essentially this test is designed to reduce the number of prospective applicants who go on to sit the 13 plus entrance exams.
Reports requested: In Year 7, 13 plus schools will request school reports from the student’s current school
Entrance exams sat: Entrance exams are generally sat in year 8. Students will be assessed in English, Maths and Science. They may also be required to take Verbal/ Non-verbal reasoning and other subject papers. While lots of schools use the standardised Common Entrance test, others have their own unique entrance exams. London independent schools tend to host exams in mid to late January, while for schools using ISEB Common Entrance, exams are normally sat in the first week of June.
Interview: Lots of schools will host a whole examination day where interviews will also take place. Here’s a full guide to the 13+ interview process and the kinds of questions asked.
How hard is 13 plus Entrance?
13 plus entrance is designed to challenge students and to select only those with a strong academic performance. There is no pass mark or a standard score that guarantees entry. Schools all have a different entry requirement; however, generally a pass mark of 60% is considered selective and 70% highly selective. Note that ISEB criteria is quite vague and schools often mark 13 plus entrance papers in their own way.
Are You Looking for 13+ Admissions Tutoring and Support?
We have an exceptional team of 13+ tutors, many of whom are alumni of top independent schools and experts in the 13+ application process. Our tutors specialise in all aspects of the 13+ admissions process, offering personalised support tailored to each student’s needs.
From one-on-one exam preparation to interview coaching, our tutors focus on refining exam techniques and boosting students' confidence. With their deep understanding of the entrance criteria and a strong track record of success, our tutors have consistently helped students secure coveted places at leading independent schools.
Choose 13 Plus Independent Schools: Factors to Consider
The choice of which 13 plus independent schools to apply to is a difficult decision to make. You’re choosing a school to carry your child through their GCSEs and A-Levels; you want it to be a good fit academically and pastorally, and you want to make sure it opens the right doors for their future studies and beyond. Here are some key things to consider when making the selection process for 13 plus schools:
Academic Reputation: While most schools which offer the 13+ admissions process tend to be academically rigorous, they are not all equally academically challenging. Some schools might place a stronger emphasis on extracurriculars, which might be a good fit for your child, others might really go deep into pushing beyond the syllabus learning and have high rates of acceptance into top UK and US universities. This is important to take into account.
Curriculum: Take a look at the curriculum offerings of your 13 plus independent school choices. Perhaps there’s a particular niche subject your child is keen to study, or maybe you’d really like your child to study the IB curriculum to prepare them for US applications. Make sure your choice of 13 plus school matches these requirements.
School Culture and Values: Every school has its own unique culture and set of values. It’s important to choose a 13 plus school that aligns with your child’s interests and life approach. The best way to get a sense of this is to visit 13 plus independent school open days. There, you and your child can get a feel for the school environment and speak to current teachers and staff to ask your questions.
Extracurricular Opportunities: Beyond academics, you may also want to think about what extracurricular facilities the school has and what activities they offer to students. Whether your child is interested in sports, music, drama, or coding, ensure the school provides ample opportunities to explore these areas. These activities not only enrich the school experience but are also vital if you’re looking to apply to the US.
Remember that each 13 plus independent school is likely to have its own assessment timeline and its own entrance exams. Read through the individual school websites in detail to gain a greater sense of each school’s offerings and ethos and to make sure you know the key dates and assessment process criteria.
You may be interested in our comprehensive guide to the Sevenoaks Admissions Process which includes a breakdown of their 13+ entrance exam. Take a look here.
How to Prepare for 13 Plus Entrance: Accessing 13 Plus Past Papers
While it’s hard to offer generalised advice for 13 Plus preparation due to the great variety in entrance procedures between schools, our guide to the Common Entrance exam, offering preparation guidance and tips, is a great place to start. The Common Entrance past papers are also a useful way to gain a sense of 13 plus abilities and requirements.
It’s important to make sure your preparation is tailored to the 13 plus independent schools your child is sitting the 13 plus entrance exam for. Each school has their own exam format and challenges and the easiest way to get a sense of these is by looking at the 13 plus past papers available on their website. Some schools that make their 13 plus past papers easily accessible are:
Note that we also have a comprehensive guide to Sevenoaks School Admissions, including tailored advice for 13+, here.
Tips for Success in 13 Plus Entrance
The most effective way you to ensure 13 plus entrance success is starting your child’s preparation early. It’s important to start researching 13 plus schools far in advance of registration and application deadlines so you are not rushed to make a decision. Equally, 13 plus entrance is a challenging exam which it isn’t possible to cram revision for. It requires gradual, consistent preparation to ensure the student is ready to sit the ISEB pre-test and to expand their knowledge of topics beyond the traditional year 7 and 8 syllabus and to hone their technique in order to perform well in the 13 plus entrance exams.
Working with a 13 plus tutor is a great way to support your child throughout the 13 plus admissions process. U2’s team of 13 plus tutors provide comprehensive preparation and support, equipping students to confidently face the various challenges of the 13+ entrance exam. With a deep understanding of exam criteria, U2’s 13 plus tutors are expertly positioned to teach students the strategies and techniques that can help them excel and provide personalised feedback and tailored study plans.
Tutors provide free supplementary resources and 13 plus exam papers specialised in the style of the school(s) the student is applying for, giving them extra opportunities to practise and get ahead. In preparation for interview, a tutor can really grow a student’s confidence, helping them anticipate likely questions and improve their communication skills.
You can view our 13+ Tutoring Page for more information.