Your child can sit the test anywhere in the UK or overseas, which appeals to both the school and child alike. Taken in either early November or the middle of January, it provides a universal and standardised measure of assessment of a child’s current academic level and potential. Students undertaking the test are not disadvantaged because of age, as there is an element of age-weighting in the examination, in which their results are adjusted and are given a standardised age score (SAS). The average score is around 100 but for the most competitive schools, a score of 120+ is considered a good number to aim for.

 

The Pre-test comprises of four separate components: English, Mathematics, Verbal reasoning and Non-verbal reasoning. The test should take two hours and fifteen minutes to complete: English and Mathematics will take 40 minutes each, Non-verbal reasoning will be 30 minutes long and Verbal reasoning 25 minutes.

 

However, a change in format at the beginning of the 2022 academic year has resulted in some confusion. At Think Tutors, we would like to shed some light on the significant changes, so that you and your child feel confident and equipped to complete the test with ease.

 

2022-2023 Format 

 

Firstly, your child now needs to be registered with ISEB rather than automatically registered by your chosen senior school. Whilst the registration process can be completed though the ISEB website, do get in touch if you would prefer guidance on the matter.

 

Children can now decide whether or not they prefer to see the timer or not, an accommodation which will reduce stress in some children immensely. Other adjustments which can be made is the change of colour and size of the font, along with the use of pencil and paper for notes and rough working throughout the whole test. No longer refined to the use in verbal reasoning and mathematics.

 

The 2022 update has seen that the test is now fully accessible to all children, with less reliance on short term memory and more emphasis on improving accessibility features. Children with SEND can be given: 25% more time within each test, a reader for the tests, supervised rest breaks and a separate exam room. Parents can apply for these arrangements when you register your child for the test though the ISEB website. Although, it is advisable to contact the school to discuss your child’s needs in advance also.

 

The format change has impacted the English component of the Pre-Test significantly. There are now two separate scores within English rather than just the one: a score for reading comprehension and one for SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar). The text that the child must read within the test has also changed from one long piece of information to several short passages. It can be read by simply scrolling rather than clicking through several pages to read the whole passage.

 

As the whole test is answerable by multiple choice questions only, the system now assess the pupils ability after each response and selects the subsequent questions level of difficulty based upon the previous answer. Mistakes are taken into consideration and therefore, the end result will still be representative of the child’s overall ability.

 

Which schools will this impact?

 

There are several schools who determine a child’s entry circumstantial upon their performance in the ISEB Pre-test. Most notably, but not exclusively: Charterhouse, City of London, Eton College, Harrow, St Paul’s, and Westminster. These highly selective and popular senior schools utilise the Pre-Test to select/de-select pupils from the entry process. If a child passes the Pre-Test, they will usually be offered a place contingent on them then passing Common Entrance at 13+.

 

How can Think Tutors help?

 

From the information provided above, there is no doubt that familiarity with the different question types, experience of the computerised interface and some knowledge of what to expect can significantly help. At Think Tutors, your child will become confident and unfazed by the process.

 

Moreover, with the assistance of the highly qualified tutors that we can offer, your child will reach success. A number of our tutors and mentors are vastly experienced within school entrance exams and have worked with children of all levels and ages. If you are interested in finding a tutor to ensure that your child excels within the ISEB Pre-test, please do get in touch.