The ISEB Pre-Tests are shared, online, adaptive tests, which means that each child only has to take the test once, no matter how many schools they are applying for.
Multiple-choice tests are an accessible format for all pupils, especially those with SEND as there is no writing element. It also means the format of the questions and answer options remains consistent throughout the test, reducing the stress of anticipating the next question.
An adaptive test is one where the questions are chosen to be the most suitable for each pupil. The system assesses the pupil’s ability after each response and selects the next question to have the most appropriate level of difficulty. This means that a pupil does not need to spend time answering questions that are too hard or too easy for them, and the whole test can be shorter, whilst still providing an accurate score.
In an adaptive test, each pupil receives a path through the questions that is unique to them and pupils may be presented with a differing number of questions. The system does not allow them to go back and change previous answers, for example, if they think they have made a mistake. We ensure that the length of the test is optimised to provide an accurate score for every pupil and can anticipate when an answer might have been selected at random and is not characteristic of the child’s general ability.
There are three features built into the online testing platform, specifically to support pupils with SEND:
In addition, where possible, onscreen instructions are written in plain English with icons for visual stimulus.
All questions have been extensively reviewed to ensure that instructions and the questions are simple and straight-forward to follow. Reading ability should not limit understanding of questions in tests.
For example, in the Grammar section of the English test, where a pupil is asked to identify a correct spelling from a sentence with a missing word, the sentence is written using easier vocabulary.
The design of the reading comprehension section of the English test has been made more accessible.
Access arrangements allow applicants with special educational needs or disabilities to access the assessment, based on evidence of need and normal way of working.
For the ISEB Common Pre-Tests an access arrangement could be:
Senior schools must approve the access arrangements before the tests are scheduled.
As part of creating the applicant record in the ISEB Guardian Portal, a parent/guardian will have to complete the SEND section.
If a parent/guardian is registering an applicant with SEND, they should first check with their current school’s SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) which access arrangements should be requested based on what ‘normal ways of working’ the school currently provides and if they believe 25% extra time will be suitable for their child when taking this type of test.
Parents and guardians should then check with the senior schools (to which they are applying) what documentation is required as proof of SEND status.
In most cases, it will be an Educational Psychologist’s report (or other suitably qualified professional) and a letter from the current school which outlines normal ways of working.
If a parent/guardian wants to request 25% extra time it is likely the school will request proof that the applicant’s reading speed or cognitive processing is less than average (ie, a standardised score below 85).
They will have to upload evidence of SEND status before they will be able to complete their requests. However, they can continue with other aspects of the registration and return to the form once they have the necessary documents.
Parents/guardians will have to approve the sharing of this documentation to the senior schools by ticking a box. Invigilation centres will be able to see that a document has been uploaded but they will not have access to the content. ISEB will also have access to the document in case of any mediation (in cases of appeal).
When the senior school uploads the ISEB Applicant IDs into their system, they will be able to filter by those records with SEND status in order to review the requests for access arrangements.
Each senior school is responsible for checking the SEND requests for applicants. The senior school will need to check both the description of the access arrangements and if extra time is required.
If the senior school agrees that 25% extra time should be added to the tests, then no further action is required. The 25% extra time will be built into the applicant record so that when they log in to the tests, it is automatically applied.
If the senior school does not agree with the request for 25% extra time (or any other access arrangement), they will need to begin an appeal process.
In the Senior School Portal, schools will be able to inform ISEB that they are going to appeal the request for extra time.
Once this appeal has been initiated, the senior school will then need to carry out their investigation into the SEND status request. They should:
Once the senior school has made their final decision, they will need to let the parent/guardian and ISEB know.
If the request for extra time is upheld, the applicant record will reflect a 25% extra time addition to the test. This will be applied through the system. The pupil will log on with their access code and the test will have 25% extra time automatically added.
If the request for extra time is not approved, ISEB will remove the 25% extra time status from the applicant record.
If there is a situation where more than one senior school has been applied to, and there is disagreement between the schools on the SEND status, ISEB will mediate between the schools to find the best solution for the pupil.
The senior school will contact the current school to discuss the provision and normal ways of working in school for the pupil. They may request further evidence, either from the current school or parent/guardian. Parents/guardians should seek support from their current school’s SENCO if they have any questions. If parents/guardians are not satisfied with the senior school’s decision, this should be addressed through the school.
As parents will upload the documentation that will be viewed by senior schools, the current school should ensure that the parents/guardians have the most up-to-date information and/or test scores (e.g. Reading Speed test or Working Memory standardised tests).
The current school is also able to contact ISEB if they believe that the access arrangements requested by the parents are not aligned with the normal way of working.
If the current school is also the Invigilation Centre, you will be able to see the applicant profile in the Invigilation Centre Portal. You will be able to view which pupils have SEND status, but you cannot view the documents (for GDPR reasons).
If a senior school appeals any SEND requests, they will contact the current school to discuss the pupil’s needs. They may want to understand more information about the pupil and their normal ways of working. The SENCO may have to provide additional evidence and a supporting statement.
The applicant record will show if the parent/guardian has indicated that their child has SEND status.
If they have uploaded documentation and completed the access arrangements request, the invigilation centre will be able to approve the applicant.
If the parent/guardian has indicated SEND status but has not uploaded any documentation, the invigilation centre will see the applicant record as pending. It is at this stage that they will be able to assist the parent/guardian if necessary.
It is important that the access arrangements are viewed ahead of the test sittings to ensure that the access arrangements can be provided, for example, does the applicant need rest breaks, or a separate room?
If an applicant requires a separate room, this will need its own invigilator. Refer to the Invigilation Centre Guidance for further information about preparation ahead of the tests and setting up the test environment.
When the access codes for the tests are downloaded from the Invigilation Centre Portal, any applicants with 25% extra time will automatically have this time added to their tests. ISEB recommends that pupils with extra time sit their tests in a separate room to avoid disturbance when other pupils finish the tests.
There is no need to time these tests manually, and the timer for the test will be visible on screen. If this is a distraction for applicants, they can hide the timer by clicking on it.
A centre declaration form must be completed at the end of each test for all pupils. This can be completed online in the Invigilation Centre Portal. For pupils with SEND, ISEB recommends completing the centre declaration form with information about the access arrangements that were provided during the tests, and any other information that may be relevant to the senior school.
ISEB Pre-Tests: SEND Guidance
ISEB has produced this guidance documentation to support parents, guardians, and schools in navigating the ISEB Common Pre-Tests when supporting candidates with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND or SEN). This guidance is not intended to replace any junior, preparatory or senior school policies and is exclusively applicable to the ISEB Pre-Tests at 11+.
Parents, guardians, and families can find an ever-growing resource of information and support by visiting the ISEB Families Hub. For specific information about the ISEB Pre-Tests, visit the ISEB Pre-Tests Information for Families page on our website, where you will find exam resources, information and FAQs, as well as important news and updates.