Summer is a great time for children to relax, explore new interests and spend time with family. It can also be an ideal time for test preparation, helping children build confidence and develop key skills ahead of admissions assessments in the autumn. The good news is that effective preparation does not have to involve more screen time. Many of the skills assessed in online admissions tests can be strengthened through everyday activities.
Reading is one of the most effective ways to support test preparation. Novels, biographies, magazines and quality non-fiction can all help children develop vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills. Talking about books is equally valuable. Asking questions about characters, themes and plot developments encourages children to think more deeply about what they read and communicate their ideas clearly.
Reasoning and communication skills can be developed through simple discussions at home. Encourage your child to share opinions, explain their thinking and consider different perspectives. Conversations about books, films, current events and family experiences provide opportunities to practise the verbal and analytical skills often assessed in admissions testing.
Puzzles and games can make summer test preparation engaging and enjoyable. Activities such as Sudoku, crosswords, word games, card games and strategy board games encourage logical thinking, pattern recognition and problem-solving. These activities help children develop critical-thinking skills while having fun.
Everyday experiences can provide valuable opportunities to practise maths. Shopping, cooking, travel planning and budgeting all involve numerical reasoning and problem-solving. When children see how maths applies to real-life situations, they often become more confident in using their mathematical skills.
Writing regularly helps children organise their thoughts, communicate clearly and express ideas with confidence. Keeping a journal, writing short stories or reviewing books can all help strengthen written communication skills over the summer holidays.
Successful summer test preparation should never come at the expense of enjoying the holiday. Reading, outdoor activities, family experiences and time to relax all contribute to a child’s development. By focusing on the skills behind the test rather than the test itself, families can help children build confidence while maintaining a healthy balance between learning and leisure.
Alongside everyday activities, some families choose to use structured preparation resources before admissions assessments. ISEB offers a range of support, including the ISEB Admissions Toolkit for Families, ISEB Prep Pack and ISEB-Endorsed Test Practice. Used alongside a balanced summer of reading, discussion and practical learning, these resources can help pupils feel confident and familiar with the assessment experience.
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