Guide · Entrance tests
The ISEB
Pre-Test.
The ISEB Pre-Test is a set of online tests in English, maths and verbal and non-verbal reasoning that some UK senior schools use early in their admissions process, usually for 13+ entry. This guide explains what it involves and when a student in Singapore would take it.
On this page
01 / What it measures
Four areas.
| Area | What it measures |
|---|---|
| English | Reading comprehension |
| Mathematics | Number and problem solving |
| Verbal reasoning | Thinking with words |
| Non-verbal reasoning | Thinking with shapes and patterns |
English
- What it measures
- Reading comprehension
Mathematics
- What it measures
- Number and problem solving
Verbal reasoning
- What it measures
- Thinking with words
Non-verbal reasoning
- What it measures
- Thinking with shapes and patterns
The tests are online and adaptive: questions adjust to the student's answers. Check the ISEB (opens in a new tab) for current details.
02 / When
Earlier than families expect.
Schools that use the Pre-Test usually ask for it in UK Year 6 or Year 7, around two years before 13+ entry （to be confirmed）. Each school sets its own window, and results are shared with the schools a family has registered with.
In Singapore terms, this is often around Primary 5 or Primary 6, depending on your child's date of birth — see the application timeline.
03 / From Singapore
Taking it overseas.
How students outside the UK sit the Pre-Test: （to be confirmed）.
04 / Preparing
How to prepare.
- Reading and vocabularyWide reading in English helps both the English and verbal reasoning sections.
- UK maths topicsCheck the maths expected in the UK year group, which may differ from your child's current school.
- Reasoning practiceFamiliar question types, then timed practice.
05 / Questions
About the Pre-Test.
Is the Pre-Test the same as Common Entrance?
No. The Pre-Test comes earlier and is a set of online tests. Common Entrance at 13+ is a separate set of exams; some schools use their own exams instead.
Can my child retake it?
（to be confirmed）
About this article
- Written by
- （to be confirmed）
- Reviewed by
- （to be confirmed）
- Last updated
- 2026-10-28
Sources
Plan your preparation.
Tell us your child's date of birth, school and the schools you are considering.