The ISEB Common Pre-Tests, sometimes referred to as ‘the 11+’, the ‘Pre-Tests’, or ‘the ISEB’ are a set of four multiple-choice, adaptive, online tests used by leading independent schools as part of the admissions process for Year 7, or delayed entry in Year 9.
What is covered in the tests?
The Pre-Tests are designed to enable pupils to demonstrate their ability and potential through four tests: English, mathematics, verbal reasoning (VR) and non-verbal reasoning (NVR). The tests can be taken together or over separate days and take a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete.
The Pre-Tests are based on the national curriculum, so your child will be learning all they need to at their current school. You can see our breakdown of the content covered in each test in our Pre-Tests Test Framework resource.
What is the format of the tests?
The Pre-Tests are multiple choice, online tests. They are adaptive, which means that the test algorithm will choose the most suitable questions for each pupil based on their previously answered questions. The test system will asses the pupil’s ability after each response and select the next question to have the most appropriate level of difficulty. This means that the pupil does not need to spend time answering questions that are too hard or too easy for them, and the whole test process can be shorter, simpler and more holistic while still providing an accurate score.
The Pre-Tests are shared tests, which means that pupils only need to sit the test once, and their results can be accessed by multiple senior schools when a pupil’s unique Applicant ID is shared with them. So, if your child is applying to more than one senior school that uses the Pre-Tests, each of those schools can access your child’s results, without your child having to sit individual tests for each school.
Results are age-standardised so that appropriate comparisons can be made between younger and older applicants and between dates of testing.
Where are the tests taken?
The Pre-Tests are usually taken at a child’s current school, or at the senior school to which they are applying. If you need help with finding an invigilation centre for your child, you can contact us via our Pre-Tests Support Portal and we will do our best to help.
You can see our breakdown of the content covered in each test in our Pre-Tests Test Framework resource.
How can parents support their children with preparation?
We provide a wide range of support materials for families preparing for the Pre-Tests. We recommend using our free test walkthrough to familiarise your child with the online test interface and the style and format of questions that might be asked, and to watch our webinar on preparing for the Pre-Tests. If you are looking for a test practice platform, we endorse Bond Online Premium Plus as it is the only platform that features mock tests and questions endorsed and written by us.
Explore our Pre-Tests Admissions Toolkit to access dedicated information and support for families working towards the ISEB Pre-Tests.
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.
Join our mailing list to get important Pre-Tests updates for parents and guardians.
Thank you for submitting the form
Explore Bond Online Premium Plus, the only ISEB-endorsed Pre-Tests practice platform.
Prepare for admissions interviews with ISEB and Oppidan Education. Access free resources including a video masterclass series.