Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
A rectangle is 11 cm long and 3 cm wide. What is its area?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, 33 cm²
How to work it out
Area = length × width = 11 × 3 = 33 cm².
Winchester College: 11 Plus entry
A independent school in Thames Valley & Home Counties for boys and girls, with entry at 13+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
At a glance
- Type
- Independent school
- Pupils
- Mixed
- Area
- Thames Valley & Home Counties, South East
- Entry
- 13+
- Entrance test
- ISEB Common Pre-Test
- Tested
- 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 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which word completes the sentence with the correct spelling?
Dad planned a _____ party for Mum’s birthday.
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, surprise
How to work it out
- Dad planned a surprise party for Mum’s birthday.
- There are two r: sur-prise.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word is closest in meaning to “grasp”?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, grip
How to work it out
“grip” has a similar meaning to “grasp”.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure is the odd one out?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B
How to work it out
- In each figure the number of dots matches the number of sides of the shape, except the odd one out.
- Shading and angle are distractors.
Other selective schools in Thames Valley & Home Counties
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does Winchester College use?
Winchester 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 Winchester College?
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 Winchester 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 Winchester 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.
Start the free assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with Winchester College. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.