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
A counter is taken from the bag without looking. What is the probability that it is green?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 16
How to work it out
There are 6 counters and 1 are green.
Probability = green counters ÷ all counters = 16.
Why the other options are wrong
A (15): This compares green with the other counters (a ratio). Probability is out of all 6 counters.
B (13): This treats each colour as equally likely, but there are different numbers of each.
D (56): This is the probability of NOT getting green.
E (27): Count again: 1 green out of 6 counters.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
In this sentence, what word class is “They”?
They quickly packed their bags before dawn.
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, pronoun
How to work it out
“They” is a pronoun.
Pronouns replace nouns (he, she, they, it…).
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Find the next pair of letters in the series.
BO DM FK HI ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, JG
How to work it out
Follow each letter on its own.
The first letters move forward 2 each time; the second letters move back 2.
So the next pair is JG.
Tip: write the alphabet with numbers above it.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure completes the grid?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D
How to work it out
Each row keeps the same shape; each column keeps the same shading.
Combine the bottom row’s shape with the right column’s shading.
Why the other options are wrong
A: Right shape, but the shading comes from the middle column.
B: Right shape, but a shading that is not in the grid.
C: Right shading, but the shape comes from the middle row.
E: Right shading, but a shape that is not in the grid.
What entrance test does The King’s School, Canterbury use?
The King’s School, Canterbury 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 King’s School, Canterbury?
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 King’s School, Canterbury?
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 King’s School, Canterbury?
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.