School Entrance Exams

As a leading UK education consultancy and tutoring centre, we are proud to serve as an approved test centre for entry exams for major independent schools across Britain. Our Hyde Academy’s specialist tutors have expert knowledge of UK’s most complicated entrance exams and curricula. Students benefit from our large database of exam preparation materials and papers on all entry points.

Exam types 
7/8+

The 7+ 8+ examination is used to select students for Year 3 and Year 4 entry into top prep schools across the country. English and Mathematics tests are required by virtually all schools, whilst many now also test Reasoning. Once paper assessments passed, your child will be invited to interviews.

11+

The 11+ examination is used to select students for Year 7 entry into schools across the country, taken usually at beginning of Year 6. 11+ exams generally focus on a combination of the four subjects: English, Maths, Verbal reasoning, Non-verbal reasoning. Although the content of the English and maths tests tend to follow the National Curriculum, verbal, and non-verbal reasoning are not subjects that are taught as part of the curriculum in schools.

13+

The 13+ examination is used to select students for Year 9 entry into schools across the country. It can be taken as early as the beginning of Year 6, through to Year 8. For international students who are not following Common Entrance, 13+ exam papers are designed by individual independent schools to assess the academic levels of the students. Apart from English, Maths, Verbal reasoning, Non-verbal reasoning, more and more schools test Science as well in 13+ exams.  

16+

16+ exams are set by Independent schools to allow them to select pupils for intake into Year 12. Prospective pupils sit papers in all the As-levels they are applying to take. For international students, English is also assessed. As with Common Entrance there is no standardised process for 16+. These exams are designed in-house by schools, and are normally based on a GCSE or As-Level syllabus.

16+ exams normally take place in Autumn of the school year before entry, in October or November. Schools normally only take small numbers of new students into Sixth Form. They are looking for students with high potential to achieve top grades at A-Level and go on to a top University.


UKiset

UKiset is a computerised assessment designed for international students aged between 9 and 18 years old who are planning for entry into UK schools. The test includes assessments of academic potential and English language skills, and the results compare candidates against British students of the same age.

The test has 3 distinct parts and takes 2.5 hours to complete. The reasoning section of the exam is a computerised multiple-choice test, testing Verbal reasoning, Non verbal reasoning, Mathematical reasoning. The reading and listening section is based on the Cambridge English Test. The results of this section determine the student’s English CEFR level, from A1 to C2, which is also aligned with the IELTS score. Writing is the third section, which requires students to write a short essay. The essay is not scored, but to sent to UK schools for assessment if necessary. 

ISEB

The ISEB sets a range of tests that are used by hundreds of independent schools, including Common Entrance examinations at 11+ and 13+.

Most children transfer from independent prep school to senior school at the age of 13 (the start of Year 9). Common Entrance at 13+ is taken by pupils during Year 8.

Traditionally, girls move to independent senior schools at the age of 11 (the beginning of Year 7). Schools admitting children at 11+ can use Common Entrance at 11+ assessments as part of the process. Common Entrance at 11+ is similar to the 13+ assessments, although pupils only take the core subjects: English, maths and science.

The ISEB also provides Common Pre-Tests in conjunction with assessment provider GL Assessment.They are taken by pupils in Year 6 or Year 7. Pupils sit the tests once, and can apply for as many senior schools as they wish. The Common Pre-Tests include English, Maths, Verbal reasoning and Non-verbal reasoning. They are online tests, which adapt to each pupil’s ability, so that those who answer correctly can be given more challenging questions.


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