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.
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.
Carolyn leads on all marketing and communications activities. Having joined ISEB at the beginning of the year, Carolyn brings a wealth of experience in the education and technology sectors.
Anna leads on the development of ISEB’s digital products, including the Common Pre-tests. Anna is responsible for streamlining administration processes and ensuring the academic validity of ISEB’s tests.
Ingrid is responsible for creating, developing and operationalising many of our assessments and resources, ensuring schools get specifications, exam papers and results on time.
Vikki supports schools and parents with registration and certification. Having worked for ISEB for over 25 years, she knows the sector inside out and ensures customers are always looked after.
Sophie supports all marketing and publishing activities across ISEB, and manages the day-to-day running of our website, social media channels and other marketing platforms.
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.
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 School in Oxfordshire. Wendy has been a member of the Executive of the Girls Schools Association, a team inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate and spent many years on the Executive Committee of the Boarding Schools Association (BSA). As BSA Chair, Wendy oversaw the appointment of the first CEO from outside of education, and a period of considerable development, diversification, and expansion. Wendy’s experience makes her uniquely placed to support ISEB’s vision to support schools, teachers, and families through impactful, equitable assessments, services, and resources.
Jane Gandee is the Headmistress of St Swithun’s School in Winchester. Prior to that she was Director of Studies at The City of London School for Girls and Head of Modern Languages at Queenswood School. Jane served on ISEB’s Academic Committee for Languages and Classics before being elected to her current post as Vice-Chair representing GSA.
Emma Goldsmith is Head of The Dragon, a co-educational day and boarding Prep School in Oxford. Emma was previously Head of Winchester House Prep School, where she won Head of the Year at the Tatler Awards in 2019. Prior to this, she was Deputy Head of Bloxham School, following teaching English at Oakham School and Rugby School. She is currently a governor at Cheltenham College having also governed an IAPS prep school and HMC senior school.
Alex Peterken is Vice-Chair of ISEB, a Governor at Lambrook School, a former Governor at Pinewood and Brambletye Schools, and a former member of the Guildford Diocesan Board of Education. Educated at Eton College, Alex read Theology at the University of Durham, and was also a Choral Scholar at Durham Cathedral. He holds an MA in Educational Management and a Doctorate in Education. Alex’s first teaching post was at Charterhouse where he spent 11 years in several posts including Head of Theology, Head of Higher Education & Careers Guidance and Housemaster of Saunderites. He joined Cheltenham College as Deputy Headmaster in 2008 and became Headmaster in September 2010. Alex returned to Charterhouse as Headmaster in January 2018.
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 enquiries@iseb.co.uk with information about your background, expertise and experience.
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