My child's chosen senior school uses the ISEB Pre-Tests. What do I need to know?

The ISEB Common Pre-Tests (also known as ‘the Pre-Tests’ or ‘the 11+’) are online, adaptive, age-standardised tests taken in Year 6 or 7 as part of the entry process to many independent senior schools. They include four subjects: English, mathematics, verbal reasoning (VR) and non-verbal reasoning (NVR). Pupils can sit the four tests on the same day or separately, and usually take them at their current school or the senior school to which they are applying.

The tests are popular with schools because they are academically robust and provide a reliable and accurate indication of a pupil’s ability and potential. The Pre-Tests are shared tests so pupils will only take the Pre-Tests once in an academic year. Their results can be shared with lots of different senior schools, which helps to reduce test fatigue and anxiety for children. 

How do I register my child for the ISEB Pre-Tests?

Registration is free, quick and easy. Parents and guardians register their children for the Pre-Tests via the Guardian Portal. As the parent or guardian, you will need to create an account on the Guardian Portal, enter all the required personal information about your child, such as their full name and date of birth, and select the invigilation centre that will host your child’s tests. It is at this stage that you can highlight any SEND or EAL requirements your child may have. It is important that the senior schools you are applying to are aware of any access requirements before your registration. It is best to speak to them directly to learn their processes to ensure you are following the right procedures for each school. 

You can find a complete, step-by-step guide to registering your child on the Pre-Tests Support Portal, along with other helpful support articles. You can also find a full guide to registration on our Pre-Tests Admissions Toolkit.

How accessible are the ISEB Pre-Tests?

The Pre-Tests are designed to be accessible to every pupil, including neurodiverse pupils, and those with SEND or for whom English is their second language (EAL). 

Accessibility features specifically designed to support children with SEND have been built into the application and online test process:

• Pupils will be able to select a coloured overlay to help improve the visibility of the questions, particularly for pupils who face visual discomfort and disturbance when reading.
• The font size can be adjusted to suit visually impaired applicants.
• The test timer will be visible to all applicants (even those awarded extra time). However, if the countdown makes a pupil anxious, the timer can be hidden from view.
• In addition, where possible, onscreen instructions are written in plain English with icons for visual stimulus.

The multiple-choice format also ensures the Pre-Tests are accessible for all pupils, especially those with SEND. The format of the questions and answer options remains consistent throughout the test, and there are minimal writing requirements, reducing overall stress for the test taker. 

Parents and guardians can also request additional access arrangements for a child with SEND, this must be agreed in advance by your chosen senior schools and invigilation centre. Access arrangements could include: 

• A request for 25% extra time and/or
• A request for other access arrangements, such as supervised rest breaks, prompters, a reader and/or a read-aloud provision, such as a separate room.

For more information on the kinds of access arrangements offered and how to request them, visit our Pre-Tests Admissions Toolkit or the Pre-Tests Knowledge Base. 

How can I help to prepare my child for the ISEB Pre-Tests? 

We recommend you use our online, free walkthrough of the Pre-Tests platform as a familiarisation tool. Pupils can explore the test platform and its accessibility features and see the types and formats of questions that may be asked during the tests. 

You can help your child develop verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills by reading aloud, playing visual memory games, and building and constructing toys and games like Spot the Difference and Q-Bitz. 

Additional test practice is not a requirement for the ISEB Pre-Tests, but we understand that many families may choose to engage in extra practice. The only premium test practice platform that is endorsed by ISEB for the Pre-Tests is Bond Online Premium Plus. Bond Online Premium Plus, which contains thousands of practice questions written by us in line with the current topics covered in the Pre-Tests. Bond Online Premium Plus also uses CENTURY’s award-winning AI technology to keep your child motivated and having fun on the platform. 

Read our preparation guide for more resources and recommendations on helping your child prepare for the ISEB Pre-Tests.

FURTHER SUPPORT

Visit the ISEB Families Hub to access an ever-growing resource of information, support and guidance for families. 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.