WHAT ARE THE ISEB PRE-TESTS (11+) AND HOW ARE THEY USED?

The ISEB 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. 

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. 

• Maths: 40 minutes
• English: 40 minutes
• Non-verbal reasoning: 30 minutes
• Verbal reasoning: 25 minutes

The Pre-Tests are adaptive tests, 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, meaning 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. 

Results are age-standardised so that appropriate comparisons can be made between younger and older applicants and between dates of testing.

You can see our breakdown of the content covered in each test in our Pre-Tests Test Framework resource. 

Explore our Pre-Tests Admissions Toolkit to access dedicated information and support for families working towards 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.