Log inGet started

ISEB Common Pre-Test

An online, adaptive test in maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning used by many senior independent schools, usually taken in Year 6 or 7.

At a glance

Subjects
Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Usually held
November
Set by
ISEB
Schools
10

The papers

StagePaperQuestionsTime
Pre-TestMaths3650 minutes
Pre-TestEnglish3025 minutes
Pre-TestVerbal Reasoning4036 minutes
Pre-TestNon-verbal Reasoning3632 minutes

Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.

How to prepare for the ISEB Pre-Test

The ISEB Common Pre-Test covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in November.

For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.

For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.

Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.

Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.

Schools that use the ISEB Pre-Test

Try some ISEB Pre-Test style questions

Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds

Layla and Musa share £55 in the ratio 1 : 4. How much does Musa get?

Show the worked answer

Answer: C, £44

How to work it out

  1. There are 1 + 4 = 5 parts.
  2. One part is £55 ÷ 5 = £11.
  3. Musa gets 4 parts: 4 × £11 = £44.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds

What does the word “despair” mean?

Show the worked answer

Answer: A, a feeling of having no hope

How to work it out

  1. “Despair” (noun) means a feeling of having no hope.
  2. For example: In despair, the lost boy sat down and cried.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds

Change one letter at a time to turn the first word into the last. Every step must be a real word. Which word goes in the middle?

NEST  →  ?  →  SEAT

Show the worked answer

Answer: E, NEAT

How to work it out

NEST → NEAT (one letter changed) → SEAT (one more letter changed).

Why the other options are wrong

  • A (BEST): BEST is one step from NEST, but it needs two more changes to reach SEAT.
  • B (NEXT): NEXT is one step from NEST, but it needs two more changes to reach SEAT.
  • C (TEST): TEST is one step from NEST, but it needs two more changes to reach SEAT.
  • D (REST): REST is one step from NEST, but it needs two more changes to reach SEAT.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds

Which of the shapes below could join this group?

The group

Show the worked answer

Answer: B

How to work it out

  1. Every shape in the group has the same number of dots as it has sides.
  2. Shading and rotation change freely, so they are distractors.

Questions parents ask

What subjects are in the ISEB Pre-Test?

The ISEB Pre-Test tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.

When is the ISEB Pre-Test?

The main test usually takes place in November. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.

How should my child prepare for the ISEB Pre-Test?

Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the ISEB Pre-Test format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.

Find out where your child stands today

Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.

Start the free assessment