Preparing for 13+ common entrance exams
ISEB was created in 1903 to run Britain’s oldest exam, the Common Entrance (CE). For 120 years, we have been the examination board that has sat at the heart of the UK’s independent and international schools. Our long and respected heritage means we are trusted by schools, teachers, pupils and families, and our independence means we are able to continue to innovate in assessment design.
ISEB well-known and highly-respected CE assessments are designed to give pupils transitioning from prep and junior schools to senior schools the chance to demonstrate what they know, understand and can achieve when they arrive at their new school.
Visit ISEB dedicated support Website for information, guidance and advice on Common Entrance examinations and assessments, tailored to schools, teachers and families.
Pupils sit the CE assessment at 11+ when they are in Year 6, mainly for entrance to senior independent girls’ schools. There are two examination sessions each year, in November and January, however most pupils sit the examination in January. The assessment consists of three papers; for English, mathematics and science.
Covering a wide set of subjects, our rigorous specifications provide a clear academic focus for pupils in Years 7 and 8, and great preparation for GCSEs. Pupils sit the CE assessment at 13+ when they are in Year 8, and there are three examination sessions each year; in November, January and May/June.
All pupils sit three compulsory papers; English, mathematics and science, and they may be required to sit additional papers in a wide range of subjects including geography, history, classics, modern foreign languages, and theology, philosophy and religion.
