Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
The ISEB Pre-Tests, formerly known as the Common Pre-Tests, is a widely used pre-entrance exam for independent schools across the country. CENTURY partnered with ISEB to create an innovative and user-friendly ISEB Pre-Tests platform, which has been in use since 2022.
Learn more about the test, including everything to expect and prepare for, in our ultimate parent guide to the ISEB Pre-Tests. This first part provides information about the test, scoring and registration, while the second part of our guide outlines the subjects, topics, and sample questions for the Pre-Tests.
What are the ISEB Pre-Tests?
The ISEB Pre-Tests are a set of online pre-entrance tests used by many independent schools in England in advance of their entrance exams. It is best to check entrance requirements directly with the school or schools your child is applying for. Students will usually take the test in Year 6 to enter senior school in Year 7, or in Year 7 to enter a school in Year 9.
These exams are shared between schools, which means your child will only have to take the test once even if they are applying to multiple senior schools. Their results will be shared with each of the schools that they are registered with. The test can only be taken once per academic year, so be sure to check directly with your senior school for the dates of their deadlines before registering.
The Pre-Tests are adaptive. In an adaptive test, the questions are tailored to match the specific skill level of the test-taker. This means that your child’s answers will be analysed in real time, and the next question will be selected at the appropriate difficulty to challenge them. Adaptive tests have extremely accurate results, pinpointing your child’s ability level. They are faster to complete than traditional assessments, and they are bespoke to each child.
Since 2022, CENTURY has been the technical provider of the ISEB Pre-Tests platform. The new platform provides parents and guardians with visibility of the entire application and test journey. The application process has been streamlined, so you can register for the tests directly with ISEB, instead of with each senior school. This also allows you to keep track of the application process at every stage.
What to expect from the ISEB Pre-Tests
Test preparation can be daunting for both you and your child. As the official test partner of ISEB, we have provided a complete parent guide on everything you should expect before and after taking the ISEB Pre-Tests.
Before the test: Registering for the ISEB Pre-Tests
To register for the tests, visit the ISEB Guardian Portal. Registering is free, but here is some key information to take note of before starting the registration process.
ISEB registration dates
If your child will be sitting the Common Pre-Tests in the 2024/25 academic year, registrations are now open on the ISEB website. Be sure to keep up to date with the latest registration information by joining ISEB’s mailing list or visiting ISEB’s website.
How to register for the ISEB Pre-Tests
Step 1: You will first need to confirm a professional test venue. The ISEB Common Pre-Tests cannot be taken at home. You will need approval from either your child’s current school or their chosen senior school for them to sit for the Pre-Tests there. This information is required before registering on the ISEB website.
Step 2: Once your child’s test centre is confirmed, use the ISEB Guardian Portal to begin registration. You will only need to register once, regardless of how many senior schools your child is applying to. If your child has SEND or EAL status, you are required to upload additional documentation.
Step 3: After registering and creating an Applicant Profile for your child, you will need to share their Applicant ID with your chosen senior schools. This is an important step to ensure that your child’s tests will be scheduled at the right time and so the schools will receive your child’s results afterwards. Contact each school for more information as they each might have different instructions on how to share the Applicant ID with them.
Note: The ISEB Pre-Tests could be one of several steps for admission into your chosen senior school. Be sure to check with the school for any additional steps, for example a second round of exams or interviews.
Preparing for the tests
Part 2 of our Ultimate Guide contains detailed information on subjects and topics covered in the Pre-Tests, along with sample questions and test preparation tips for your child to succeed in the test.
Bond Online Premium Plus is the only Pre-Tests preparation platform endorsed by ISEB, as it most accurately focuses on topics and content assessed in the tests. It includes a growing bank of 2,000 questions in all four subjects directly modelled on the ISEB Pre-Tests. Its AI-powered recommended path personalises learning by making recommendations on what to learn next based on your child’s learning behaviours, along with providing detailed insights into their performance. Learn more about the platform here.
After the test: Getting your results
Your child’s Applicant Profile should be updated, with each test status showing in green after completing them. As part of the testing process, your senior school will be in touch directly if your child has successfully entered the next stage of the enrolment process.
You will not receive your child’s Pre-Test results. Your senior school(s) will receive your child’s results directly. You can contact your senior school(s) for more information about your child’s results if you require.
What is the pass mark for the ISEB Pre-Tests?
There is no set pass mark for the ISEB Common Pre-Tests. Due to its adaptive nature, candidates will answer questions of varying difficulty to pinpoint their ability in each subject. Scores are calculated based on how accurately and consistently your child can answer questions of certain difficulties, and they are standardised by age. Depending on the number and ability of applicants, the pass mark can vary for each school - a high score alone may not guarantee progression for a particularly competitive school.
Accessibility guidance and extra support for applicants with identified SEND needs
The ISEB Pre-Tests platform has several in-built adjustments to make the tests more accessible and to improve the user experience for your child sitting the exam. This includes:
- Coloured overlays to support visibility
- Adjustable font sizes
- A timer which can be hidden
- A consistent multiple-choice format throughout
- Adaptive technology to adjust the difficulty as your child answers questions
Use the ISEB Test Walkthrough to try these features and improve your child’s test experience, or learn more in Part 2 of our Ultimate Guide.
Other accessibility adjustments can be made for the tests upon request, including 25 percent extra time, breaks in between tests, and/or a test reader. These arrangements require approval from your senior school beforehand.
Contact the senior school to also find out if any documents are required as evidence. These will most likely be a professional assessor’s report, proof of your child’s reading or handwriting speed, or a letter from your current school’s SENCO, although each school’s requirements can differ. This documentation will need to be uploaded in the Guardian Portal as part of the registration process for the Pre-Tests.
Extra support for applicants with EAL status
Children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) can request reasonable adjustments during the ISEB Pre-Tests, which may include a bilingual dictionary. There is no provision for extra time for EAL children.
These requests can be made during the application process, where you can provide more information on your child’s first language and English skills. Any arrangements are made at the discretion of your senior school(s).
ISEB Pre-Tests summary
If you are planning to enrol your child into an independent senior school, check whether the school uses the ISEB Common Pre-Tests as part of their admissions process. The test itself provides several benefits for you and your child:
- Your child will only need to register and take the test once (even if they are applying for multiple senior schools). Their results will be automatically shared with each of their chosen schools after the test.
- The test can be taken anywhere in the UK or overseas, as long as it is at a professional venue approved by your senior school.
- The Pre-Tests are flexible and can be taken at any time between September and May. However, be sure to follow the deadlines set by your senior school(s).
Learn more about the topics and content of the ISEB Pre-Tests in Part 2 of our Ultimate Guide. For more information on the Pre-Tests and independent schools, click here to read our FAQs.
Find out more about how Bond Online Premium Plus can help your child succeed in the Pre-Tests on our website.
