UKiset
What is UKISET?
The UK Independent Schools’ Entry Test (UKiset) is an examination designed for overseas students who are non-native English speakers, wishing to gain entrance into British independent schools. The test includes assessments of pupils’ academic potential and English language skills. The results compare candidates’ academic skills against British students of the same age.
There are five elements to the UKiset test.
Verbal Reasoning (Language questions and problem solving with words)
Non-Verbal Reasoning (Solving problems using shapes, pictures and logic)
Mathematics (Looking at number, value, quantity and sequence concepts)
Spatial Reasoning (Ability to think about objects in both two and three dimensions, and draw conclusions to those objects from limited information)
English (Grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening and creative writing)
There is no pass or fail in the UKiset test and this assessment does not test what students have already learned.
With reference to Cambridge English assessment, the UKiset test uses CEFR’s (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) assessment standard to describe a candidate’s English language ability. The UKiset test describes English language ability on a seven-point scale, such as Pre-A1, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.
Apart from a computerised assessment, the UKiset test requires a candidate to produce a hand-written essay on a creative writing task given on the day. The essay topic is age appropriate, and candidates’ writing must reach the minimum word limit. Students’ written tasks won’t be graded but will be sent to their selected schools along with the results of their online tests.
Launched in September 2014, the UKiset has become one of the major entry tests for many top-ranking British independent schools to assess an overseas candidate’s application. Each UKiset test generates a result report which is sent to the candidate’s chosen schools. This report illustrates a detailed breakdown of each test taker’s performance against other students studying in UK schools including independent schools and state schools. Schools receive a comprehensive report on each UKiset, candidate’s CEFR result and expository essay.
The UKiset is currently used by approximately 180 British independent schools as one of their entry tests for selecting international students. Half of these schools require international applicants to submit their UKiset test report.
How can we help you?
Our UKiset tutors have extensive experience in training pupils of all ages to score well in questions on Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, English reading, listening and essay writing. We can tailor specific UKiset learning plans to match your academic goals of gaining entrance to certain schools. For more information, please contact us.