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The gateway to Eton, Harrow, Winchester, and 70+ selective independent schools. How the adaptive test works, what it tests, and how to prepare without over-tutoring.
Key facts
75+
Schools use the ISEB Pre-Test
2h 15m
Total test time (4 papers)
1
Test, multiple school applications
Adaptive
Questions adjust to your child’s level
The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, computer-adaptive test. That means the questions change based on your child's answers — getting harder when they answer correctly and easier when they don't. Every child gets a different test.
Total test time: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. All four papers are completed in one sitting.
Approximately 75 independent schools use the ISEB Common Pre-Test. Here are some of the most well-known, grouped by category.
Always check directly with each school. Some schools that previously used the ISEB Pre-Test now set their own papers, and new schools join the system each year. The definitive list is on the ISEB website.
For families targeting 13+ entry, the pre-test happens in Year 6 — three years before your child actually starts at the senior school. Here's the typical timeline.
Year 5 (age 9–10)
Research target senior schools. Check which ones use the ISEB Pre-Test. Register with ISEB (£80–£100 fee). Register with individual senior schools (£100–£500 each).
Autumn term, Year 6
ISEB Pre-Test window opens. Test is sat at your child’s current school (prep or primary), not at the senior school. Your school coordinates the timing.
Within 2–4 weeks
Results sent directly to the senior schools you registered with. You do NOT receive a score — you only hear from the senior schools.
Spring/Summer, Year 6
Senior schools invite shortlisted candidates for interview and/or further assessment. Some schools interview all applicants; others use Pre-Test scores to create a shortlist.
Autumn, Year 7
Conditional offers made by senior schools (for 13+ entry in Year 9). Offer is conditional on Common Entrance performance in Year 8.
Summer, Year 8
Common Entrance exams sat. Senior school confirms or (rarely) withdraws the offer based on CE results.
The adaptive format is specifically designed to minimise the advantage of intensive coaching. Here's what actually helps.
Sources
This guide draws on ISEB published guidance for families, ISEB admissions toolkit documentation, school-specific admissions pages for listed schools, and the Good Schools Guide. This guide is for general information only. Admissions policies, inspection frameworks, and school structures change regularly — always verify current details with the relevant school, local authority, or official body. Last reviewed April 2026.
Research schools that use the Pre-Test
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