Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Competition
Highly selective
Prism’s suggested target
80% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the 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.
Stage
Paper
Questions
Time
Pre-Test
Maths
36
50 minutes
Pre-Test
English
30
25 minutes
Pre-Test
Verbal Reasoning
40
36 minutes
Pre-Test
Non-verbal Reasoning
36
32 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
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.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Work out the subtraction:
8 − 14
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 734
How to work it out
Take 14 from one of the wholes: 1 − 14 = 34.
That leaves 7 wholes and 34: 734.
Why the other options are wrong
B (714): This takes 1 whole away but keeps 14. What is left of that whole is 34.
C (814): This adds the fraction on instead of taking it away.
D (112): This adds the whole number to the bottom; the bottom number names the size of the parts and does not change.
E (74): This takes the top number from the whole number, mixing wholes and parts.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “fatigue” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, great tiredness
How to work it out
“Fatigue” (noun) means great tiredness.
For example: Fatigue set in after hours of walking.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word can go after “grass” to make a new word?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, hopper
How to work it out
grass + hopper = grasshopper.
Say each option after “grass” and check it makes a real word.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
The first figure changes into the second. Which option changes the third figure in the same way?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D
How to work it out
The figure is reflected (mirrored), and then becomes shaded solid.
Cheltenham College uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test, which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Cheltenham College?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 80% consistently in practice for a highly selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Cheltenham College?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in November.
Preparing for Cheltenham College?
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.