# The ISEB Pre-Test.

Source: https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/guides/admissions/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.

## 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 |

The tests are taken online and are adaptive, so the questions respond to each answer. Current details are on the [ISEB](https://www.iseb.co.uk/) site.

## 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](https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/guides/admissions/application-timeline).

## Sitting it outside the UK.

How students living outside the UK take the Pre-Test: (to be confirmed).

## Getting ready.

1. **Reading widely**: Regular reading in English supports both the English and verbal reasoning sections.
2. **UK maths content**: Compare what your child's school has covered with the maths expected in the matching UK year group.
3. **Reasoning practice**: First the question types, then practice against the clock.

## 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)

- [ISEB — Independent Schools Examinations Board](https://www.iseb.co.uk/)

## Related

- [ISEB Pre-Test course](https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/courses/iseb-pre-test)
- [11+ and 13+](https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/courses/11-plus-13-plus)
- [What is UKiset?](https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/guides/admissions/ukiset)

## Plan the preparation.

Send us your child's date of birth, current school and the schools on your list.

- [Book a consultation](https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/trial)

Updated: 2026-10-31

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ELT School is operated by ELT Education Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) and ELT School of English Ltd. (London, United Kingdom). All lessons are contracted with ELT Education Inc.