Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Competition
Super-selective
Prism’s suggested target
88% 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
Aisha must be at the Library by 10:11. What is the latest bus Aisha can catch from the Station?
Bus 1
Bus 2
Bus 3
Bus 4
Station
08:10
08:39
09:18
09:46
Market
08:16
08:45
09:24
09:52
Library
08:27
08:56
09:35
10:03
Park
08:39
09:08
09:47
10:15
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 09:46
How to work it out
Look along the Library row for the last time at or before 10:11: 10:03, which is Bus 4.
That bus leaves the Station at 09:46.
Why the other options are wrong
A (09:51): Buses only leave at the times in the timetable.
B (09:54): Buses only leave at the times in the timetable.
C (10:03): This is when the bus reaches the Library, not when it leaves the Station.
E (09:18): This bus works, but a later one also arrives in time.
Tonbridge School 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 Tonbridge School?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 88% consistently in practice for a super-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 Tonbridge School?
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 Tonbridge School?
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.