Guide · Entrance tests
The ISEB
Pre-Test.
The ISEB Pre-Test is a group of online tests in English, maths, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Some UK senior schools use it at an early stage of admissions, mostly for 13+ entry. This guide explains what it covers and when a student living abroad would usually take it.
On this page
01 / What it covers
Four areas.
| Area | What it looks at |
|---|---|
| English | Understanding of written texts |
| Mathematics | Number work and solving problems |
| Verbal reasoning | Reasoning with words |
| Non-verbal reasoning | Reasoning with shapes and patterns |
English
- What it looks at
- Understanding of written texts
Mathematics
- What it looks at
- Number work and solving problems
Verbal reasoning
- What it looks at
- Reasoning with words
Non-verbal reasoning
- What it looks at
- Reasoning with shapes and patterns
The tests are taken online and are adaptive, so the questions respond to each answer. Current details are on the ISEB (opens in a new tab) site.
02 / When
Earlier than you might expect.
Schools that use the Pre-Test generally ask for it in UK Year 6 or Year 7, roughly two years ahead of 13+ entry （to be confirmed）. Each school sets its own window, and results are shared with the schools where the family has registered.
If your child's school uses a different calendar, start from the UK year group their date of birth places them in — see the application timeline.
03 / Applying from abroad
Sitting it outside the UK.
How students living outside the UK take the Pre-Test: （to be confirmed）.
04 / Preparing
Getting ready.
- Reading widelyRegular reading in English supports both the English and verbal reasoning sections.
- UK maths contentCompare what your child's school has covered with the maths expected in the matching UK year group.
- Reasoning practiceFirst the question types, then practice against the clock.
05 / Questions
About the Pre-Test.
Is the Pre-Test the same thing as Common Entrance?
No. The Pre-Test is taken earlier and online. Common Entrance at 13+ is a separate set of exams, and some schools set their own exams instead.
Can it be retaken?
（to be confirmed）
About this article
- Written by
- （to be confirmed）
- Reviewed by
- （to be confirmed）
- Last updated
- 2026-10-31
Sources
Plan the preparation.
Send us your child's date of birth, current school and the schools on your list.