T he Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) provides the most well-known and respected examinations and assessments for pupils transitioning from prep and junior schools to senior schools in the UK, designing and setting the Common Entrance assessments, which have been used since 1903. Written by teams of highly-qualified and experienced teachers from the UK’s leading schools, our assessments are designed to help pupils demonstrate their potential across a wide range of subjects at 11+ and 13+.
Having expanded our assessment portfolio in recent years, we now offer the innovative online and adaptive Common Pre-Tests for senior school entry and the iPQ, an exciting project-based qualification designed to support pupil-led, skills-based learning journeys for pupils in Years 5 to 6 and 7 to 8, and a perfect complement to our other assessments.
ISEB sits at the heart of the independent sector to deliver assessment innovation, always putting children first, whatever their background, interest and ability. We do this through open and constructive communication with schools and families and the provision of assessments and qualifications that support new generations to develop the creative and academic skills they need to succeed.
Examination papers taken by candidates in the last 5 years.
Prep, junior and senior schools who have used our examinations.
Countries around the world in which pupils have sat our examinations.
Our Common Entrance (CE) examinations are taken by pupils at either 11+ or 13+, as part of their application to some of the leading senior schools in the UK. We also provide Common Academic Scholarship (CASE) examinations at 13+.
Our online and adaptive Common Pre-Tests (CPT) are taken by pupils in Year 6 or 7, and provide an age-standardised measure of ability.
Our project qualification, the iPQ, is available for Years 5 to 6 and 7 to 8, and offers a skills-based learning journey for children. Pupils develop a wide range of 21st century skills through a self-defined project that can play to their strengths, spark their imagination and tackle real-world issues.
Visit our dedicated support hubs for information, guidance and advice on our examinations and assessments, tailored to schools, teachers and families.
W e provide a suite of robust assessments, supported by world-leading academic research and designed to support pupils with their transition to senior school. Whether they are at an independent, international or state school and whatever their background, culture or experience, our easy-to-use Common Entrance (CE) and Common Pre-Tests (CPT) examinations provide an opportunity for all pupils to show their potential, and our ISEB Project Qualification (iPQ) encourages pupils to explore and communicate their personal interests through self-defined and pupil-led projects. Through our website, in-person and online events and industry connections, we now provide more information to support schools, teachers, pupils and families with preparation and development than ever before.
We are delighted to announce the formation of a long-term strategic partnership with educational technology specialists CENTURY Tech. Comprised of an award-winning team of teachers, neuroscientists, and technologists, and led […]
Following our popular CPD webinars held last year, we are pleased to announce a new series of CPD Twilight Sessions for teachers, which will take place in March and June […]
The October edition of Tatler hit shelves yesterday and on page 25, you can find an article about ISEB. The iconic annual Tatler Schools Guide 2022 is packed with reviews […]
Those of you joining us at the GSA Summer Briefing in June may have seen our new CEO, Julia Martin, present ISEB’s aims for the future, where we teased our […]
ISEB is delighted to announce the appointment of Wendy Griffiths to be the new Chair of the Board of Directors after a wide-ranging search for a successor for Durell Barnes. […]
ISEB has been pleased to welcome many more schools to the Common Pre-Tests this year, with registrations continuing to rise. Some of this activity has arisen as a consequence […]