Unlocking Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for the ISEB Common Pre-Test
The ISEB Common Pre-Test is a standardised assessment used by many independent schools in the UK to evaluate the academic potential of students aged 10-12. The test assesses students' proficiency in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. In this guide, we'll provide you with all the information you need to know about the ISEB Common Pre-Test, including its format, content, and how to prepare for it.
What is the Format of the ISEB Common Pre-Test
The ISEB Common Pre-Test is a computer-based test that is administered online. The test is divided into four sections, each lasting between 20-30 minutes. The sections are:
English: The English section of the test evaluates students' reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.
Mathematics: The Mathematics section of the test assesses students' problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning.
Verbal Reasoning: The Verbal Reasoning section of the test evaluates students' ability to understand and analyse written information.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: The Non-Verbal Reasoning section of the test assesses students' ability to analyse and solve problems using visual cues.
Content of the ISEB Common Pre-Test
The ISEB Common Pre-Test tests a range of skills and abilities that are essential for success in secondary school. Here's a breakdown of the content of each section:
English: The English section of the test includes multiple-choice questions that assess students' reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills. Students will be asked to read passages and answer questions about the content, structure, and meaning of the text. N.B. The content for the English section changed slightly in 2022 - Notably, the comprehension section is now split up into a few short extracts with questions for each passage, rather than more questions on one text. This change is most likely for examiners to test students’ ability to analyse different themes, genre, forms of texts, so practice should involve giving students exposure to a variety of different literary forms etc.
Mathematics: The Mathematics section of the test includes multiple-choice questions that assess students' problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning. Students will be asked to solve a variety of mathematical problems, including word problems and multiple-step problems.
Verbal Reasoning: The Verbal Reasoning section of the test includes multiple-choice questions that assess students' ability to understand and analyse written information. Students will be asked to read passages and answer questions based on that information. This section also tests students' vocabulary and language skills.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: The Non-Verbal Reasoning section of the test includes multiple-choice questions that assess students' ability to analyse and solve problems using visual cues. Students will be asked to identify patterns, shapes, and symbols, and solve puzzles and riddles.
How to Prepare for the ISEB Common Pre-Test
Preparing for the ISEB Common Pre-Test is best started as early as possible! Here are some general tips to help you prepare effectively:
Start Early: Students should begin preparing for the test at least six months in advance to give themselves enough time to cover all the content and practice effectively. N.B. Many students begin test preparation a year or even two years ahead, it depends on the particular student and how much support may be required
Understand the Format: Make sure your child understands the format of the test, including the number of sections, time limit, and type of questions they can expect in each section. This will help your child to manage their time and focus on areas where they need the most practice.
Practice Regularly: Practice is key to success in any test, and the ISEB Common Pre-Test is no exception. Students should set aside regular study time and use practice materials such as past papers and practice books to familiarise themselves with the test and its content. Closer to the time of the test, they should practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy. More information on useful ISEB preparation resources can be found below!
Develop Test-Taking Strategies: Students can develop test-taking strategies to help them answer questions effectively and efficiently. For example, they can learn how to skim read passages to quickly identify key information, or how to eliminate obviously incorrect answer choices to increase their chances of guessing correctly.
Work on Weak Areas: Identify your child’s weak areas and focus on them. If they struggle with mathematics, for example, they should spend more time practising mathematical problems and working on improving problem-solving skills. There are plenty of resources available online to help students improve in specific target areas, or you can engage a tutor to help your child advance more quickly
Seek Professional Support: Consider getting a tutor or enrolling in an 11+ test preparation course to receive personalised guidance and support. A tutor can help your child to identify weak areas and work on them effectively, while a test preparation course can provide the student with an extra intensive boost to their preparation!
The Best Resources for ISEB Common Pre-Test Preparation
Preparing for the ISEB Common Pre-Test requires access to quality resources that can help your child to familiarise themselves with the test content and develop effective test-taking strategies. Here are some useful resources for ISEB Common Pre-Test preparation:
Past Papers: Practice materials such as past papers are a valuable resource for ISEB Common Pre-Test preparation. They allow the student to become familiar with the test format and the types of questions that they can expect to encounter. It could be useful to look at these at the earliest stage, so the student has an idea as to what to expect and you can effectively structure preparation around the key sections and question types
Study Guides: There are many study guides available that cover the content areas of the ISEB Common Pre-Test. These guides can provide you with detailed information on the topics you will be tested on and offer strategies for answering questions effectively. As a starting point, make sure to read ISEB’s own guide to preparing for the ISEB test.
Online Resources: There are numerous online resources available for ISEB Common Pre-Test preparation, including practice questions, quizzes, and sample tests. Many of these resources are free and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. See the following section for subject-specific online resource suggestions
Tutoring Services: If you feel that your child may need personalised guidance and support, consider hiring a tutor who specialises in ISEB Common Pre-Test preparation. A tutor can help you to identify your child’s weak areas, work on them effectively, and provide you with personalised feedback and guidance. U2 has multiple expert tutors that can help you achieve success in ISEB test. Contact us for more information.
Test Preparation Courses: Test preparation courses are also available that provide comprehensive instruction and practice materials for the ISEB Common Pre-Test. These courses are led by experienced instructors who can guide students through the test content and provide them with strategies for success. U2 Tuition provides subject specific group courses in Maths and English for 11+, including extension classes for students looking to push beyond their age level. Please contact U2 Tuition for more information on what is available at the time.
Subject-Specific ISEB Resources
English and Verbal Reasoning Resources
Expanding Vocabulary: Encouraging your children to read and develop their vocabulary is an important aspect of their education and will be invaluable English and Verbal Reasoning ISEB preparation. You can do this by reading to them, discussing the text with them, and encouraging them to read to you. You can also use books to create word lists, such as finding compound words or specific letter strings. Repetition is key for building vocabulary, and flashcards and post-it notes can be used to store and learn new words. You can create a points system to reward your children for learning new vocabulary, and family game nights with word-based games can make learning fun (e.g. Boggle, Scrabble, Word-Up, Bananagrams or Articulate)
Our Top Choice Resource Suggestion: Descriptosaurus book for vocabulary and creative writing
“Descriptosaurus is the first book for creative writing that is a thematic expansion of a dictionary and a thesaurus; it provides children with a comprehensive resource with which to expand their descriptive vocabulary, experiment with language and sentence structure and build up narratives based around settings, characters and creatures”.
Improving Comprehension Skills: The new ISEB English comprehension format presents students with a number of different passages to analyse/ answer questions on. It is therefore important for students to become accustomed to analysing a variety of different forms, genre etc.
Our Top Choice Resource Suggestion: As a primary port of call, we recommend students tackle practice papers not only specifically from the ISEB, but 11+ (or even 13+) school papers. Schools are adept at selecting interesting passages for students from a variety of texts and they will come ready made with practice questions! For example, Sevenoaks School publish English papers from 2010 for students to tackle
If needed, you can purchase further practice papers from Galore Park - you’ll also find Verbal Reasoning papers available
Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning Resources
Identifying/ Working on Maths Problem Areas: As above, we recommend starting with ISEB Maths practice papers, as well as Maths practice papers not only specifically from the ISEB, but 11+ (or even 13+) school papers published by academic schools such as Sevenoaks or Latymer. From there, work out which areas your child is struggling with and seek out specific resources to help improve performance
Our Top Choice Resource Suggestion: There are some fantastic online resources available to help your student advance their Maths level. We particularly recommend White Rose Maths, where you can access resources, including detailed guidance, high-quality worksheets and video lessons on specific concepts/ topics
Enhancing Non-Verbal Reasoning Skills: Aside from working from past papers, other strategies for students include practising with puzzles, building spatial awareness, and improving visual memory. We recommend looking to the popular Bond Assessment Papers, as well as GL Assessment
Top Choice Resource Suggestion: The CGP Non-Verbal Reasoning Preparation Guide is specific to CEM papers rather than ISEB, but will be very useful practice nonetheless. It contains study notes, step-by-step methods for answering questions accurately and round-up questions at the end of each topic (with answers)
Key dates for the ISEB Test
The ISEB Common Pre-Tests are taken by students in Year 6 or 7, and are an important part of the admissions process for many top independent schools in the UK. It's important to be aware of key dates, such as when schools require the test to be taken and when the results are released.
The ISEB Common Entrance Exam is typically held twice a year, in January and June, and the exact dates may vary depending on the school. Students can register for the exams through their schools, and it's important to check with the school to confirm the registration deadline. The results for the January exams are usually released in late February or early March, while the results for the June exams are usually released in early July. It's important for students to plan their study schedule and exam preparation to ensure they are fully prepared for the exam dates.
Common Questions for the ISEB Test
Scoring the ISEB Pre-Test
Children taking the ISEB Pre-Test are assessed using a Standardised Age Score (SAS), which takes into account their age, their attainment level, and the difficulty of the questions they answer. The SAS is calculated relative to other children of the same age who have taken the same test. While you won't be able to see your child's SAS, you'll be informed of their overall score. The scoring system assigns an average score of 100, with 142 being the highest possible score. Scores below 80 are considered low, and a score of 115 or higher is a good aim for those applying to the most academic and competitive schools.
Applying for the ISEB Pre-Test
Registration for the ISEB Pre-Test is usually handled by the Senior School to which your child is applying. Once you've expressed an interest in taking the test, the school will contact you to confirm details and arrange a suitable testing date. It's worth noting that the ISEB Pre-Test can only be taken once per year, so it's important to choose a suitable date.
Taking the ISEB Pre-Test
The ISEB Pre-Test can be taken in one sitting or over two sittings, and it can be taken at your target school, your current school, or an independent test centre. Your Senior School will provide you with all the logistical information you need to prepare for the test, and they may also provide resources for familiarisation. We recommend starting your child's preparation early to give them the best chance of success.
Results and Next Steps
After your child takes the ISEB Pre-Test, the Senior School to which they are applying will receive their results. While they may not share these results with you directly, they will use them to determine whether or not to offer your child a place. If your child progresses to the next round of the admissions process, there may be an interview or a specific school exam to complete. Seeking resources and advice from educational organisations with strong school links can help you and your child prepare for these additional rounds.
ISEB Pre-Test and Special Educational Needs
The ISEB Pre-Test is accessible to pupils with a range of needs, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). If your child has SEND, it's important to inform the Senior School so that they can make reasonable adjustments to the test, such as providing additional time or enlarging text for visually impaired students.
ISEB Pre-Test and English as an Additional Language
The ISEB Pre-Test is also accessible to pupils who have English as an Additional Language (EAL). If your child falls into this category, you may be able to request adjustments such as additional time or the provision of a bilingual dictionary. Again, it's important to inform the Senior School so that they can make the necessary accommodations for your child.
In conclusion, preparing well for the ISEB Common Pre-Test is essential for students who are looking to gain admission to some of the top independent schools in the UK. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this blog, students can develop their skills in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-verbal Reasoning to maximize their chances of success on test day. Remember that preparation is key, so it's important to start early and practice regularly. Good luck!
Are You Looking For an ISEB Tutor For Your Child?
U2 Tuition specialises in 11+ preparation, with particular experience preparing students for the ISEB Common Pre-Test. Our experienced and highly qualified tutors are experts in their field and have a proven track record of success in helping students achieve their goals and gain admission to some of the top independent schools in the UK.
With a personalised approach to learning, we work closely with each student to identify their strengths and weaknesses and tailor our tutoring sessions to meet their individual needs. Our tutors use a range of proven strategies and techniques to develop students' skills in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-verbal Reasoning, while also teaching effective time management and test-taking strategies. With U2 Tuition, students can be confident that they are receiving the highest quality preparation for the ISEB Common Pre-Test and giving themselves the best chance of success.