How to pass the UKISET test

What is UKISET?

The term UKISET stands for “UK Independent Schools’ Entry Test”. It is a test for entry to UK Independent schools for students from outside the UK, specifically those who do not have English as a first language. It is a standardised assessment that is designed to allow UK schools to assess academic ability of potential new students.

The UK Independent Schools Entry Test (UKISET) is a standardised assessment used by British independent schools to evaluate the academic aptitudes of prospective students. The test is designed to identify students who have the potential to excel in a challenging academic environment, ensuring they match the high standards set by these educational institutions.

History of UKISET

UKISET was founded in 2013 by the education consultancy Gabbitas. It is a commercial enterprise, formed to meet a demand. Prior to UKISET, students from outside the UK would have to sit different exams for each school they might hope to attend. UKISET tests allow students to sit one exam, and for all schools to access these results. UKISET tests are currently used by over 250 UK Independent Schools.

Who sits the UKISET test?

The UKISET test is most often sat by students from outside the UK, who do not speak English as a first language, who are looking to gain a place at an Independent school in the UK. The students who sit UKISET tests are typically between 9 and 16 years of age. The test is designed for students up to the age of 18, but few students transfer into UK schools after 16.

What subjects are assessed in UKISET?

The UKISET test consists of different exams across multiple subjects, specifically different types of reasoning and English. The reason for this choice of subjects is that the focus is on evaluating potential.

What is the structure and format of the UKISET test?

The UKISET test consists of three sections, as follows:

• Reasoning
• Reading and listening
• Essay writing

These sections are further outlined below.

What is the structure and format of the UKISET Reasoning test?

The UKISET Reasoning test takes between 30 and 45 minutes. It is sat online, and contains the following sub elements:

• a vocabulary test
• a Non-Verbal reasoning (NVR) test
• a test in Mathematical reasoning

This section is provided by CEM. Owl Tutors also offers support in CEM Tests – learn more here.

What is the structure and format of the UKISET Reading and Listening test?

The UKISET Reading and Listening test takes between 60 and 90 minutes. Like the reasoning test, it is also sat online, and contains the following sub elements:

• English reading
• English listening

This section is provided by Cambridge Assessment English, via a test called “Linguaskill”. Students will need headphones for this section.

What is the structure and format of the UKISET Essay Writing test?

The UKISET Reading and Listening test takes 30 minutes. Unlike the UKISET Reasoning and Reading & Listening tests, it is handwritten. Students are given an age-appropriate topic, which is “designed to demonstrate active use of the English language” Specifically, the test is an “expository handwritten essay, assessing expressive language skills in English”. This means students will be asked to explain, clarify, describe or provide more information about the topic given. Sample topics are not given, but some age -appropriate examples for 16 year olds might include the following:

• “The Role of Technology in Modern Education”
• “The Importance of Environmental Conservation”
• “The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health”

Unlike the other sections, this portion is marked by schools themselves.

What is a good UKISET score?

UKISET scores are graded in several ways:

• “Stanine Scores”. Here, students are graded from 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest, 5 the average score and 9 the highest.
• “National percentile ranking”. Here, students are placed on a percentage scale against UK students. The ranking slides from the 1st percentile to the 99th percentile, with the 99th percentile being the top score.
• “CEFR Score”. This refers to the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”. Students have language ability defined on a 6 point scale, which goes from “A1” for a beginner to “C2” for those who have total mastery of a language. Schools are looking for “B2” as a minimum score here.
• “Standard Age Score (SAS)”. This is the score from the reasoning section of the test, and represents the number of questions answered correctly in this section. This score is given twice, once with and once without the Verbal reasoning score.

What is the pass mark for UKISET?

There is no one pass mark for UKISET. Schools use it to compare students, and will have their own criteria as well. The closest thing to a stated pass mark will be to discuss matters with your target school.

Where can I find UKISET past papers?

As the test is administered by different providers, the closest thing to a publicly available past paper is to access relevant material for those providers.

UKISET Reasoning past papers

As above, the UKISET Reasoning test is administered by CEM. There are various ways to access CEM tests online, including with us! Access CEM tests here.

UKISET Reading and Listening past papers

The UKISET Reading and Listening tests are administered by Cambridge Assessment English, via their “Linguaskill” test. You can access practice tests here:

• UKISET reading and listening English elementary practice test 1 (A1 / A2 level)
• UKISET reading and listening English elementary practice test 2 (A1 / A2 level)
• UKISET reading and listening English intermediate practice test 1 (B1/ B2 level)
• UKISET reading and listening English intermediate practice test 2 (B1/ B2 level)
• UKISET reading and listening English advanced practice test 1 (C1 / C2 level)
• UKISET reading and listening English advanced practice test 2 (C1 / C2 level)

UKISET Essay Writing past papers

UKISET administer this section of the test themselves, and do not provide any past papers at the time of writing. We would advise working with an experienced UKISET English tutor to help you access relevant material.

Meet our UKISET tutors.

UKISET and 16+ / 16 Plus

UK Independent schools use the term “16 Plus / 16+” to refer to entrance to schools from 16 years of age. This really means entry into the start of their Sixth Forms, to attend the school for the last two years of education following an A-Level, IB or Pre-U course. Students using UKISET to transfer at 16 Plus will be required to quickly access high level content to keep up with these course.

We also offer a lot of information about the 16 plus, including a set of past papers. Learn more here.

Resources for Further Reading:

Website

1. UKISET
2. Linguaskill

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