Common Entrance Exam: A Parent’s Guide to 11+ and 13+ Entry

The Common Entrance exam is an important milestone for many children applying to independent schools in the UK. However, if your family is preparing for the process for the first time, it can be difficult to know what to expect. Questions about eligibility, exam formats and preparation often leave parents feeling uncertain.

This guide explains the Common Entrance exam, who takes it, how 11+ and 13+ entry differ, which subjects children study and how schools mark the exam. You’ll also find practical preparation tips, revision advice and guidance on when additional support may benefit your child.

What Is the Common Entrance Exam?

If you’re wondering what the Common Entrance exam is, it is an assessment used by many independent schools to help determine whether a pupil is ready for the next stage of their education. It is most commonly taken for entry into senior schools at 11+ or 13+, although schools decide individually whether to use it as part of their admissions process.

The Common Entrance exam is developed by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB). Rather than using a single national pass mark, schools use the results alongside their own admissions criteria. Some schools also consider interviews, school reports or other assessments when making offers.

The aim of the Common Entrance exam is to assess a child’s academic knowledge and ability across a range of subjects. However, the exact requirements vary between schools. For this reason, parents should always check the admissions guidance for their chosen schools before beginning preparation.

Who Takes the Common Entrance Exam?

The Common Entrance exam is mainly taken by pupils applying to independent senior schools. Children usually sit the exam at either 11+ or 13+, depending on the entry point offered by their chosen school.

Pupils taking the 11+ Common Entrance exam are typically in Year 6 and preparing to start senior school the following September. Those sitting the 13+ Common Entrance exam are usually in Year 8 and transfer to senior school after completing their prep school education.

Not every independent school uses the Common Entrance exam. Some schools set their own entrance tests or use alternative assessments as part of their admissions process. Therefore, it is important to check the admissions requirements for each school before planning your child’s preparation.

If your child is approaching Year 6, understanding the admissions timeline early can help you prepare for entrance exams, interviews and school application deadlines without unnecessary pressure.

11+ vs 13+ Common Entrance Exam

Although both routes use the Common Entrance exam, they are designed for different stages of a child’s education. The right entry point depends on the admissions policy of the independent school and the year group your child is joining.

The 11+ Common Entrance exam is usually taken by pupils in Year 6 before they move directly to senior school. In contrast, the 13+ Common Entrance exam is generally sat by pupils in Year 8 who have completed their education at a prep school before transferring to senior school.

The content and level of difficulty can also differ. While both exams assess core academic skills, the 13+ papers are typically more demanding because they are designed for older pupils who have covered a broader curriculum.

Some schools offer both entry routes, while others accept applications at only one stage. Therefore, it is worth checking your chosen school’s admissions policy early so you understand which route applies and how your child should prepare for the Common Entrance exam.

Common Entrance Exam Subjects and Format

The subjects included in the Common Entrance exam depend on your child’s age, the school’s admissions requirements and whether they are applying at 11+ or 13+. Some schools assess only the core subjects, while others require pupils to sit a broader range of papers.

Core subjects often include:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science

For 13+ entry, schools may also assess subjects such as History, Geography, Religious Studies, French, Spanish or Latin. The exact combination varies, so it is important to check your chosen school’s admissions guidance before your child begins preparing.

Most papers are completed under timed exam conditions. Depending on the subject, questions may include multiple choice, short-answer and extended written responses. Some assessments focus on knowledge of the curriculum, while others test problem-solving, comprehension and written communication.

How Are the Exams Marked?

Each paper is marked separately, and schools use the results as part of their admissions process. Rather than relying on a single overall score, many independent schools review performance across different subjects alongside other factors such as interviews, school reports or references.

Because every school sets its own entry requirements, there is no universal pass mark for the Common Entrance exam. Parents should check the admissions criteria for their chosen schools to understand how results are used when making offers.

How to Prepare for the Common Entrance Exam

Many parents ask how to prepare for the Common Entrance exam without adding unnecessary pressure. The key is to start early and build a steady routine. Regular practice helps children gain confidence and improve their skills over time.

Begin by identifying your child’s strengths and the subjects that need more attention. Then create a simple revision plan with short, focused study sessions. This approach keeps learning manageable and helps children stay motivated.

Muhammad Ali O.

History | Physics | English Language Tutor

Student at University College London (UCL)

£24 Per session

Book Free Trial

As the exam gets closer, introduce timed practice. Encourage your child to read each question carefully and manage their time well. After every practice paper, review the answers together. Focus on understanding mistakes instead of simply counting marks.

Keep preparation balanced. Make time for hobbies, exercise and rest alongside revision. Children often perform better when they feel confident and well supported rather than overwhelmed.

Common Entrance Exam Revision Tips

Good Common Entrance exam revision focuses on quality rather than quantity. A clear plan will usually achieve more than hours of last-minute study.

Here are a few practical tips:

• Create a weekly revision timetable.
• Revise one subject at a time.
• Practise under timed conditions.
• Review mistakes after every paper.
• Take regular breaks to stay focused.
• Celebrate progress, even if it is small.

Small improvements each week can build confidence and help your child feel ready for exam day.

Using Common Entrance Exam Past Papers

Working through common entrance exam past papers helps children understand the format and level of difficulty before the real exam. It also builds confidence by making the exam feel more familiar.

Start using past papers only after your child has covered the main topics. Otherwise, they may become discouraged by questions they have not yet learned.

When your child completes a paper, treat it like the real exam. Set a timer, remove distractions and encourage them to work independently. Afterwards, go through every answer together. Spend more time discussing mistakes than celebrating correct answers. This helps children understand where they need to improve.

Remember that past papers are only one part of effective preparation. Combine them with regular revision, reading and targeted practice in weaker subjects to give your child a well-rounded approach.

13 Plus Common Entrance Exam Papers

13 Plus Common Entrance exam papers are generally more challenging than those used for 11+ entry. They cover a wider range of subjects and expect a deeper understanding of the curriculum.

Choose papers that match your child’s target school and current level. Practising papers that are too easy or too difficult is less helpful than using materials that reflect the actual exam.

As your child improves, increase the number of timed practice sessions. This will strengthen both their subject knowledge and their exam technique, helping them feel more confident on the day of the Common Entrance exam.

When Common Entrance Exam Support Can Help

Some children prepare well on their own. Others benefit from extra guidance. Common Entrance exam support can help if your child struggles with certain subjects, lacks confidence or feels anxious about exams.

Support does not always mean studying for longer. Often, it means studying more effectively. A clear revision plan, regular feedback and focused practice can help children make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Parents can also play an important role. Encourage your child, celebrate small improvements and keep a consistent routine. Try not to focus only on scores. Confidence often grows when children see their own progress over time.

Common Entrance Exam Tutors

Working with common entrance exam tutors provides children with personalised support tailored to their strengths and goals. 11 Plus tutors can build a clear study plan, improve exam technique and adapt lessons to suit each child’s pace.

Edumentors connects families with tutors from top UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Imperial. 11 Plus English tutors can support comprehension and writing. In contrast, 11 Plus Maths tutors can strengthen problem-solving and accuracy. Children who struggle with language-based reasoning may also benefit from 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning tutors.

With focused one-to-one support and regular feedback, children can build confidence and approach the Common Entrance exam feeling better prepared.

FAQs