Common Entrance (CE) has been part of the admissions processes of leading UK senior schools for over a century, created in 1903 by HMC, IAPS and GSA and administered by the Common Entrance Committee, later known as ISEB. CE exams are taken by children as part of their entrance applications to senior independent schools at 11+ or 13+.
In this toolkit, you will find a wide range of helpful information, guidance and resources about registering and preparing for CE and CASE exams directly from ISEB, the exam board behind the exams.
You can also explore our Official Guide to CE 13+ for Families, a comprehensive guide designed to demystify the CE 13+ exams, offering clear guidance and support to parents and guardians throughout the CE 13+ admissions journey.
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ISEB has created an Official Guide to Common Entrance (CE) at 13+ to support your family in preparing for these exams. In this one-stop guide, you will find clear insights into the exam structure, practical tips on supporting your child’s preparation, and expert advice on supporting your child’s well-being.
Plus, you’ll have access to comprehensive digital subject guides for CE 13+ English, maths, and science, along with free preparation activities to complete with your child at home.
Access 10 x CE 13+ Science Core Exam Packs and a guide to CE 13+ Science at a 10% discount.
£175.50
Access 10 x CE 13+ Mathematics Core Exam Packs and a guide to CE 13+ Mathematics at a 10% discount.
Access 10 x CE 13+ English Exam Packs and a guide to CE 13+ English at a 10% discount.
£121.50
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...
ISEB has launched The Official Guide to CE 13+ for Families, a dedicated platform to support families preparing for Common Entrance (CE) 13+ exams this summer. This comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the CE 13+ exams, offering clear guidance and support to parents, guardians, and pupils. The Official Guide to CE 13+ for Families
Following its success in 2024, our Time to Write creative writing competition is back for the 2025 edition! This exciting contest, open to pupils aged 7-16 across the UK, offers young writers the opportunity to share their creativity and see their stories brought to life through illustrated books. Entries open on 5 December 2024 and
In the lead-up to testing and admissions periods, there is much say about managing children’s stress and anxiety levels, with resources and articles focusing on the ways in which parents and guardians can approach revision and preparation in a holistic and responsible way. However, we know that as loving and conscientious parents, you can feel
Over the last 120 years, the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) has supported countless thousands of children to take admissions tests and gain entrance to leading independent senior schools across the UK. A lot has changed in this time, but we know that families still face many different decisions when selecting a school for their
ISEB is delighted to announce it’s new partnership with children’s mental wellbeing and resilience expert Dr Kathy Weston, founder and creator of Tooled Up Education. As renowned experts and providers of evidence-based resources for parents and teachers, Tooled Up is an ideal partner for the exam board of the independent sector and exemplifies ISEB’s commitment
In celebration of World Book Day, 2 March 2023, Product Executive Tamra has curated a collection of books suitable for children aged 11-13 years old. Continue to develop and support a love of reading with these imaginative and engaging titles for older children. Title Author ISBN Description Uglies Scott Westerfeld 978-1398524552 Is beauty skin-deep?
Head Jane Gandee and Head of Prep Jonathan Brough at St Swithun’s Girls’ boarding school in Winchester talk about the decision parents make as to the entry point their child will make into senior school. Why might parents choose 11+ or 13+ entry into schools? Where a senior school offers both 11+ and 13+ entry,
As the new Head of Dragon School in Oxford, and winner of ‘Best Head of a Prep School’ at the 2019 Tatler Awards, Emma Goldsmith is used to advising parents through the tricky process of 11+ and 13+ assessments and finding the right schools for the next stage in their child’s journey. Here she answers
Moving from a state school to an independent school can be fraught with worry and uncertainty for many parents and their children. David Goodhew, Head of Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith, offers an insider’s guide to leaving one world behind, and finding another. What do parents and children from the state sector need to know
Taking your child from preparatory or state school to private senior education via 11+ or 13+ assessments can be daunting for many parents. Ed Venables, Director of Admissions at Wellington College, sheds light on the process and answers the questions he gets most from parents. What advice would you give parents preparing their children to
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Explore the Official Guide to CE 13+ for Families.
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