11+ test provider guide
What are the ISEB Pre-Tests? Subjects, format and timing
The four adaptive online ISEB Pre-Tests independent schools use for Year 7 and early Year 9 entry: subjects, timing and how results are shared.
Provider guidance, not a school's admissions process
At a glance
Facts checked
- Who uses them
- Independent schools use them for Year 7 entry; some, such as Eton and Harrow, use them early for Year 9 entry.
- Source: ISEB
- Taken once
- A child usually sits them once, in Year 6 for Year 7 entry, and the results go to each school that requires them.
- Source: ISEB
- 2026–27 testing
- Live testing runs from 1 September 2026 to late May 2027, and each school sets its own deadline.
- Source: ISEB
The ISEB Common Pre-Tests are four online, adaptive, multiple-choice tests in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning used by independent senior schools. Together the four assessments take about 2 hours 15 minutes, and results are age-standardised across the cohort.[1]
When and where children sit them
Because the Pre-Tests are a shared assessment, a child usually takes them once in Year 6 and shares the Applicant ID with every senior school that requires them.[1] [2] The four tests can be taken on the same day or split across separate sessions at the child’s current prep or junior school, a senior school or an approved invigilation centre.[2]
For the 2026–27 academic year, live testing runs from 1 September 2026 to late May 2027.[1] Parents and guardians register their child through the ISEB Guardian Portal, and each senior school sets its own deadline for registration and completion within that window.[1] [2]
Pre-Tests for Year 9 entry
While many independent schools use the Pre-Tests for Year 7 (11+) entry, some senior schools—such as Eton and Harrow—use them in Year 6 as an early stage for Year 9 (13+) entry.[1] Our Eton College and Tonbridge School guides show how individual schools combine the Pre-Tests with their own interviews, school references and later stages.
Free ISEB familiarisation
ISEB recommends its free Pre-Tests Admissions Toolkit and parent guides, which explain registration, access arrangements, customisable test-player features (such as colour overlays and font options) and familiarisation before test day.[1] [2]
Choose relevant practice without pretending it is the real test
Plusling practice uses original questions written for Plusling. Fixed question sets cannot reproduce an adaptive test player, and Plusling is not affiliated with ISEB.
To build steady familiarity across the four subjects tested, explore Plusling’s English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning practice guides.
School guides that name this provider
Each school sets its own admissions process. Check the school's current page for dates and any extra assessments.
Explore the remaining 37 schools
What still needs a local check
- Each school's own Pre-Test deadline, which may be well before the end of ISEB's window.
- Whether your child sits the tests at their current school, the senior school or another test centre.
- Which further assessments the school adds, such as creative writing, an interview or a group task.
- Whether ISEB's arrangements have changed since this page was checked.
Frequently asked questions
What are the ISEB Pre-Tests?
Four online, multiple-choice, adaptive tests in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Independent schools use them for Year 7 entry, and some use them early for Year 9 entry.
How long do the ISEB Pre-Tests take?
ISEB gives about 2 hours 15 minutes for the four tests together.
Does my child sit the Pre-Tests for each school?
No. A child usually takes them once and the results are shared with each senior school that requires them. Each school still sets its own deadline and may add its own assessments.
How can my child prepare for the ISEB Pre-Tests?
ISEB provides free preparation and familiarisation in its Pre-Tests Admissions Toolkit. Steady practice in the four subjects builds confidence, and because the tests adapt, children should expect some questions to feel hard.
Primary sources
- ISEB Common Pre-Tests information for families ISEB
- ISEB Common Pre-Tests Independent Schools Examinations Board
