ISEB Common Pre-Test: a parent's guide
The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online assessment used by many UK independent senior schools, often for 13+ entry and sometimes for 11+. Children usually sit it in Year 6 or Year 7, at their current school or at a test centre.
It is adaptive: questions get harder or easier depending on answers, so children won't finish every question feeling confident. That is normal.
What it tests
Four multiple-choice sections: English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Each section is timed, and children can't go back to change earlier answers.
How to prepare
Secure Year 5–6 maths and reading, learn the reasoning question types so nothing is a surprise, and practise working on screen under time. Short, regular sessions beat last-minute cramming.
How Pass Masters helps
Adaptive topic practice in all four areas, weekly reasoning islands, and full ISEB-style timed papers for Year 5 to 7. Miss Obstein, our AI tutor, gives hints in practice and explains mistakes afterwards.
When do children take the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
Usually in Year 6 or Year 7. Each school tells you its window after you register.
Can my child resit it?
Typically the test is taken once per academic year, and the result is shared with every school you registered for.
Are Pass Masters tests official ISEB papers?
No. Our ISEB-style papers are original practice written to the same four areas. We are not affiliated with ISEB.
- Bedford School
- Benenden School
- Bradfield College
- Cranleigh School
- Downe House
- Epsom College
- Eton College
- Harrow School
- James Allen's Girls' School
- Lady Eleanor Holles
- Marlborough College
- Radley College
- Royal Grammar School Guildford
- Sevenoaks School
- Shrewsbury School
- St Paul's Girls' School
- St Paul's School
- Tonbridge School
- Wellington College
- Westminster School
Pass Masters is an independent practice platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to this school, ISEB, GL Assessment, CEM or any exam board. Our questions are original practice material, not past papers. Entry requirements change, so always check the school's own admissions page.