ISEB was created in 1903 to run Britain’s oldest exam, the Common Entrance (CE). For 120 years, we have been the examination board that has sat at the heart of the UK’s independent and international schools. Our long and respected heritage means we are trusted by schools, teachers, pupils and families, and our independence means we are able to continue to innovate in assessment design.
Building on the trusted foundation of our CE exams, we offer a growing range of diverse and flexible assessment options for schools located all over the world, whether independent, maintained or state-funded. All our assessments and qualifications are developed in collaboration with schools, teachers, pupils and families, through pilots and trials, and in response to feedback and consultation. With an unrivalled reputation for robust and bespoke assessments, we work with all the major UK education associations and the UK government to continually innovate, always putting pupil outcomes at the centre of what we do. ISEB is committed to evolving assessments for future generations.
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.
We place a set of four core principles at the centre of all our assessments. All our assessments are:
Our proven and trust-worthy expert assessment design is based on the highest quality academic research and data.
Our assessments are accessible to all pupils, regardless of their background, culture and individual needs.
We provide a wide range of free information, advice and support, tailored to the communities we work within.
Our user-friendly assessments and qualifications put pupils, families, teachers and schools first, and are informed by meaningful dialogue, feedback and consultation.
ISEB is led by CEO Julia Martin and Chair Wendy Griffiths, supported by three Vice-Chairs, one from each of our Patron Associations: HMC, IAPS and GSA. An ever-growing team of passionate and dedicated staff also drive us forward, supported by a wide range of education experts and consultants. Meet some of our customer-facing colleagues here.
Wendy Griffiths brings a wealth of experience in the independent school sector to ISEB, having served on five prep school governing bodies and, most recently, as Head of Tudor Hall
Julia leads ISEB and brings extensive experience in the education sector and assessment design, as well as specialist skills in product innovation and digital transformation to the role.
As Head of Qualifications & Delivery, Hayden is responsible for the operation of all ISEB assessments and qualifications, including managing customer experience and working with our team of setters and
Pilvi supports all aspects of our product, assessment and qualification portfolio as the Acting Qualifications and Delivery Manager, including responding to customer enquiries through our support portals.
Lisa supports ISEB’s accounts and finance processes, as well as the administration and operations of our exam sessions.
Sophie supports all marketing, publishing, and communications activities across ISEB, as well as the development and maintenance of our website and online shop.
We are guided by a supportive Board, made up of highly respected and experienced members from across the independent sector. The Board meets with our senior team regularly to assist and advise on our qualifications, products, and growth plans.
The Board is made up of Heads from ISEB's three Patron Associations:
The Board is led by a Chair, supported by three Vice-Chairs, one from each of our Patron Associations.
Our team is growing rapidly — visit our recruitment page to be kept up to date with employment opportunities. We are also always looking for examination setters to join our team. If you would like to find out more about this please email us at recruitment@iseb.co.uk with information about your background, expertise and experience.
The team at ISEB are on hand to support all schools in introducing, developing and delivering high-quality, academically robust qualifications and assessments for every school year. Whether your school currently uses ISEB or is interested in our exceptional products, please get in touch with the team who will be happy to help support your school in achieving excellence.
ISEB is among a growing collection of assessment and awarding bodies to sign the Federation of Awarding Bodies Equity, Diversity & Inclusion pledge signalling an organisational commitment to embedding the principles of EDI at all levels of practice.
The pledge comes at a particularly exciting time for ISEB as CEO Julia Martin highlights; “We have commissioned research that has already had an impact on the access and outcomes of many pupils’ assessments this year and have a number of really exciting projects ongoing as we speak, to ensure our provision for neurodiverse pupils grows substantially in line with our pledge.”
We are thrilled to announce that following the success of the ISEB and IAPS Time to Write 2025 creative writing competition, the exciting initiative has returned for 2026. The competition is open for entries now and will close on 1 February 2026. Visit the Time to Write website to access the entry form, terms and conditions, and guidance on how to enter. Time to Write is open to pupils in Years 3-11 and invites young writers to submit stories inspired by a given theme. The theme for 2026 is 'thread'. Winners in each of the four categories will see their stories transformed into beautifully illustrated books along with some other great prizes. Their schools will also win a set of books for their libraries. Runners-up will have illustrate...
Top Tips for 11+ Success from ISEB’s Head of Qualifications & Delivery We’re thrilled that ISEB is featured in the Autumn edition of Education Choices Magazine. In the article, Hayden Wood,
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