The ISEB Pre-Test (Independent Schools Examinations Board Pre-Test, sometimes also referred to as the ISEB Common Pre-Test), is an online assessment used by independent schools in the United Kingdom. The ISEB pre-test uses a standardised method to provide academic data on pupils looking to enter into Years 6 to 9. Whilst the tests are largely similar in terms of content, they differ in difficulty and are adaptive, meaning they can be used by schools for varying entry points and levels of ability.
The ISEB Pre-Test has four academic subjects: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English. There are four different sections corresponding to these subject areas, and the questions get more challenging as the student progresses with correct answers. Should there be an error in answering, the questions will get easier until a correct response is indicated. This means that students will find that the test suits their ability level, whatever that may be at the time.
Students can sit the ISEB Pre-Test either at their current prep school, or sometimes at the senior school to which they are applying, although this is more unusual and normally only provided for primary school applicants. International applicants are likely to sit the test at a testing centre close to their home. It is not possible to sit the test at home, as it is taken under exam conditions and schools must adhere to strict timings and invigilation processes.
Parents will indicate which senior schools they wish to apply to, and the ISEB test scores will be sent to those schools. In some cases, this will be alongside references or academic data. The ISEB pre-test is often the first stage of the application process for senior schools, so they will use this data to decide whether or not a child meets their criteria to move on to the second stage, usually involving school-based exams and an interview. Some schools, on the other hand, may make decisions based solely on the ISEB pre-test results.
The ISEB Pre-Test assesses different skills in different sections. For example, logic and problem-solving skills are evaluated through its verbal and non-verbal reasoning sections. As you would expect, the mathematics section asks questions on numeracy and mathematical thinking, while the English section not only involves comprehension but also language skills. The combination of these skills provides a well-rounded view of a student’s academic abilities.
The English section of the ISEB pre-test is split into comprehension and spelling, grammar and punctation questions. There is no creative writing element, as the test is computer-based. The questions will normally be in short sections, so there will be a non-fiction text with associated questions (usually multiple choice) followed by a fiction text with a similar number of questions (again, multiple-choice). This is likely to be followed by a section of close reading where students have to input a word into gaps in a passage using the keyboard. The final section will be a multiple-choice grammar or spelling section, possibly both.
The verbal reasoning section of the ISEB test will be split into three or four short sections. These will examine different question types based on a huge database of possible questions. Some examples might be letter codes, missing letters or anagrams. It is very difficult to predict which type of questions will come up, so it is really important for students to practise as many different types as possible. If students complete sections quickly, they may find themselves having to wait for a timer to countdown, so it is important to review and check answers, which will be multiple choice.
As with the verbal reasoning section, the non-verbal reasoning section of the ISEB test will also be split into three or four short sections. As with VR, these will examine different question types based on a huge database of possible questions. Some examples might be patterns, shapes or codes. It is, again, very difficult to predict which type of questions will come up, so it is really important for students to practise as many different types as possible. If students complete sections quickly, they may find themselves having to wait for a timer to countdown, so it is important to review and check answers, which will, as with VR, be multiple choice.
In terms of Maths and English, it is important to practise specific types of questions, primarily those which require careful responses but need to be multiple choice. This is a specific way of working which is often very different to what students are used to in school, when they are encouraged to show their working out or thought process. The ISEB pre-test does not allow for this and so timing and exam technique is very important. Equally, with VR and NVR, practising question types will be crucial so that students are not confused when they see them appearing on-screen in the exam.
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