13+ Common Entrance

Help to give your child the best chance of success at 13+. Hodder Education's ISEB-endorsed revision guides and Common Entrance past papers provide ideal exam preparation for 13+ Common Entrance exams.

This rigorous range is available across English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, French, Latin, and Theology, Philosophy and Religion.

13 plus
13+ Revision Guides

13+ Revision Guide Covers

Consolidate knowledge and revisit content covered as part of the specification which could be tested at 13+ Common Entrance.

  • Clear explanations, summaries and topic-based exercises
  • Prepare for the exam with tips and revision guidance
  • Test Yourself questions to identify knowledge gaps.
Exam Practice Questions and Answers

13+ Exam Practice and Answer Guide Covers

Apply knowledge learned in the Revision Guide with a wealth of exam-style questions and sample answers.

  • Realistic practice with questions in the style of the ISEB Common Entrance 13+ examinations
  • Embed understanding and improve exam technique with extensive exam practice
  • Identify strengths and weaknesses using the sample answers provided.
13+ Study Skills

13+ Study Skills Cover

Age appropriate resources developed exclusively for independent school exam preparation.

These books will help support children in overcoming exam stress and reaching their full potential, and will set the foundations for a positive and holistic learning attitude that will last throughout their learning career.
 

The ISEB 13+ Common Entrance Exam

The 13+ Common Entrance exam is used by independent senior schools as part of the process for assessing candidates for entry into their schools. Pupils will sit the 13+ exam in either the Spring or, more commonly, the Summer term during Year 8. Papers are also produced in the Autumn term, although these are generally used for practice or mock exams.

Common Entrance 13+ assessments contain three compulsory papers: English, Mathematics and Science. In addition, it is hoped that candidates will attempt papers in a wide range of subjects chosen from French, Geography, German, Classical Greek, History, Latin, TPR and Spanish.

Pre-Tests

What are pre-tests?

Pre-tests are set by some independent senior schools to help determine a pupil's suitability for entry, ahead of the 13+ Common Entrance exam. The tests can be computerised, multiple-choice exams in English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning and may sometimes also include an interview with the child.

Success in pre-tests doesn't necesarily guarantee entry, as pupils will also need to pass the Common Entrance exam at 13+. Those who fail the pre-test are unlikely to be accepted at the school, even if they are successful in the 13+ Common Entrance exam. 

Pre-tests can be helpful in that they can help to focus pupils' study, particularly if there are areas where improvement is required to pass Common Entrance. For parents, pre-tests can help to guide more realistic expectaions of their child's likelihood of gaining entry into their preferred school at 13+ and, if necessary, to widen the choice to include schools which are more suited to their ability. 
 

The 13+ Common Entrance exam is used by independent senior schools as part of the process for assessing candidates for entry into their schools. Pupils will sit the 13+ exam in either the Spring or, more commonly, the Summer term during Year 8. Papers are also produced in the Autumn term, although these are generally used for practice or mock exams.

Common Entrance 13+ assessments contain three compulsory papers: English, Mathematics and Science. In addition, it is hoped that candidates will attempt papers in a wide range of subjects chosen from French, Geography, German, Classical Greek, History, Latin, TPR and Spanish.

What are pre-tests?

Pre-tests are set by some independent senior schools to help determine a pupil's suitability for entry, ahead of the 13+ Common Entrance exam. The tests can be computerised, multiple-choice exams in English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning and may sometimes also include an interview with the child.

Success in pre-tests doesn't necesarily guarantee entry, as pupils will also need to pass the Common Entrance exam at 13+. Those who fail the pre-test are unlikely to be accepted at the school, even if they are successful in the 13+ Common Entrance exam. 

Pre-tests can be helpful in that they can help to focus pupils' study, particularly if there are areas where improvement is required to pass Common Entrance. For parents, pre-tests can help to guide more realistic expectaions of their child's likelihood of gaining entry into their preferred school at 13+ and, if necessary, to widen the choice to include schools which are more suited to their ability. 
 

The 11+ and 13+ Parent Guide

The 11+ and 13+ Parent Guide

We have created a handy guide for parents and carers, containing useful facts and information about the Pre-Test, 11+ and 13+ entrance exams.

Download the Parent Guide

ISEB Endorsed

Our 13+ Common Entrance textbook and revision resources are endorsed by ISEB, meaning they have been approved by a member of the ISEB Editorial Endorsement Committee.

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