T he Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) provides the most well-known and respected examinations and assessments for pupils transitioning from prep and junior schools to senior schools in the UK, designing and setting the Common Entrance assessments, and the online, adaptive ISEB Pre-Tests. Used by the UK's leading schools, our assessments are designed to help pupils demonstrate their potential across a wide range of subjects at 11+ and 13+. We also offer the innovative ISEB Project Qualification (iPQ), a programme for schools that focuses on pupil-led, project-based learning.
Information for parents and guardians with a child preparing for the ISEB Pre-Tests, the online admissions tests used by leading senior schools at 11+.
Go to: Pre-Tests for Families
Information for schools and test venues acting as invigilation centres for the ISEB Pre-Tests, the online admissions test used by leading senior schools at 11+.
Go to: Pre-Tests for Invigilation Centres
Information for senior schools working with, or looking to work with, the ISEB Pre-Tests, the leading online 11+ admissions tests.
Go to: Pre-Tests for Senior Schools
Last academic year, 2023-24, ISEB marked 120 years at the heart of the independent education sector with our engaging and thought-provoking conference for schools and an exciting, tech-led creative writing competition, Time to Write, click below to find out more and explore our history.
The ISEB and IAPS Time to Write 2025 creative writing competition for schools is now closed.
The competition winners will be announced on World Book Day, 6 March 2025.
The winning writers in each category will see themselves in print, as each will have their story turned into an illustrated book. Prizes will also be awarded to the winning writers’ schools, and further awards will be available for the runners-up in each category.
Visit the Time to Write website for information on the judging and shortlisting process, and to view the 2024 winners’ illustrated books.
Examination papers taken by candidates in the last 5 years.
Prep, junior and senior schools who have used our examinations.
Countries around the world in which pupils have sat our examinations.
Our Common Entrance (CE) examinations are taken by pupils at either 11+ or 13+, as part of their application to some of the leading senior schools in the UK. We also provide Common Academic Scholarship (CASE) examinations at 13+.
Our online and adaptive Common Pre-Tests (CPT) are taken by pupils in Year 6 or 7, and provide an age-standardised measure of ability.
Our project qualification, the iPQ, is available for Years 5 to 6 and 7 to 8, and offers a skills-based learning journey for children. Pupils develop a wide range of 21st century skills through a self-defined project that can play to their strengths, spark their imagination and tackle real-world issues.
Visit our dedicated support hubs for information, guidance and advice on our examinations and assessments, tailored to schools, teachers and families.
W e provide a suite of robust assessments, supported by world-leading academic research and designed to support pupils with their transition to senior school. Whether they are at an independent, international or state school and whatever their background, culture or experience, our easy-to-use Common Entrance (CE) and Common Pre-Tests (CPT) examinations provide an opportunity for all pupils to show their potential, and our ISEB Project Qualification (iPQ) encourages pupils to explore and communicate their personal interests through self-defined and pupil-led projects. Through our website, in-person and online events and industry connections, we now provide more information to support schools, teachers, pupils and families with preparation and development than ever before.
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Following its success in 2024, our Time to Write creative writing competition is back for the 2025 edition! This exciting contest, open to pupils aged 7-16 across the UK, offers
