*This is a collaborative post.
Entrance exams are exams that your child must sit to ensure they can progress to the next stage of their education, especially for students in private schools. It is imperative that your child prepares for these tests and learns early on how they work. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what these exams cover and what they look like.
What are these tests?
The Common Entrance Examination consists of only Independent Institute students in the UK. This is part of the school-specific admissions process, usually when your child is 11 or 13, depending on the school’s specific requirements.
What will these exams test for?
They want to make sure your child is ready for the private school curriculum. For the 11+ entry exam, your child must sit a comprehensive exam in English, creative writing, science and maths.
For the 13+ exam, the pattern is much the same. Students will be tested on the same skills as the 11+ exam, English, Maths and Science, but they will also be tested in school-specific areas. For example, the high school your child is applying to will teach other subjects such as modern foreign languages, history, geography, etc.
know which exams to take
Not knowing what test to take can be confusing at times. It is important to speak with the school concerned to ensure your child takes the time to practice correctly for the exam and to avoid confusion and upset later on. If your child is applying for a scholarship, these exams will also be taken at the same time of year, so your child may need additional support in this regard.
Registering for these tests will be simple if your child is already in prep school, but if they are transferring to another high school or middle school then you will have to do your prior research.
