ISEB Common Pre-Test Assessments

Here we have compiled admissions information about the schools that are using the ISEB Common Pre-Test Assessment for entrance to their school. (List updated for 2026 entry)

The ISEB Pre-Test is take during either the Autumn Term or Spring Term. Many schools prefer pupils to sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test exam in the Autumn Term.

The ISEB assessments provide an age standardised score to measure ability, meaning appropriate comparisons can be made between younger and older applicants and between dates of testing. The tests contain Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning sections and take 2 hours 15 minutes to complete.

The English - 40 minutes (including time to read the comprehension passage).

The Maths - 40 minutes.

The Verbal Reasoning - 25 minutes.

The Non-Verbal Reasoning - 30 minutes.

In terms of practice, prep schools generally start getting pupils ready for these exams 2 years in advance. The taking of the tests will usually be arranged by the prep school, and the administration is dealt with by the senior schools. However as of 2022 parents/guardians (rather than schools) are required to register their children with ISEB for the new Common Pre-Tests.

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Click on your target school below for further details of their admissions process.

For information about our bespoke Schools Mock Tests and the London 11+ Consortium click on the links below.

If you would like more information about the tests taken at this age, feel free to browse our 11+ information page, or our FAQ section.