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.
View
The ISEB and IAPS Time to Write creative writing competition for schools is back for 2026.
The Time to Write competition is open to all schools and invites pupils aged 7 – 16 to showcase their talent. Winning stories will be transformed into beautifully illustrated books, created in collaboration with the wonderfully talented third-year illustration students from Arts University Bournemouth. View the previous winners’ books on the Time to Write website.
A range of other wonderful prizes will be available for both the winners and their schools. Download a poster to share with your child’s school.
Entries are open now and will close on 1 February 2026.
Access 10 x CE 13+ Science Core Exam Packs and a guide to CE 13+ Science
£156.00
Access 10 x CE 13+ Mathematics Core Exam Packs and a guide to CE 13+ Mathematics
Access 10 x CE 13+ English Exam Packs and a guide to CE 13+ English
£108.00
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Explore the Official Guide to CE 13+ for Families.
Boost your child's prep with The ISEB Pre-Tests (11+) Prep Pack. Premium resources for English, maths, VR and NVR.
