Short answer: Yes, Pip can help build skills used in CAT4. It is most useful for verbal, maths, non-verbal and pattern work. It is not an official CAT4 practice test. It does not copy CAT4 timing, scoring or every question type.
What is CAT4?
CAT4 is a reasoning test used by many schools. It looks at how a child works with words, numbers, shapes and space. It is not a school lesson test. A school may use it for entry, a class baseline, or to understand how a child learns.
| CAT4 area | What it looks at | Where Pip can help |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal | Words, links and meaning | Vocabulary, reading and verbal reasoning |
| Quantitative | Number links and number patterns | Maths facts, number thinking and problem solving |
| Non-verbal | Shape links and visual rules | Pattern and non-verbal reasoning practice |
| Spatial | Turning, folding and seeing shapes in space | Some visual reasoning foundations, but use CAT4 examples too |
How Pip helps
Pip is best used as a small daily skill habit. A child can practise a few questions, see the answer, and move on. That can help a child feel less worried when a school test includes unfamiliar reasoning work.
- Verbal: build word knowledge and spot word links.
- Quantitative: make number facts and maths methods feel quicker.
- Non-verbal: learn to look for a rule before choosing an answer.
- Test habits: read carefully, answer calmly, and learn from mistakes.
Try short Pip practice today
Free daily questions give children a simple place to work on 11+ building blocks. Parents can see which skills need more time.
Where Pip does not replace CAT4 practice
Do not tell a child that Pip is the CAT4 test. It is not. CAT4 uses its own screen layout, directions, time rules and question types. Spatial tasks can include folding and punching shapes. The official CAT4 sections include practice examples. Use those examples so your child knows how to use the test screen.
| Use Pip for | Use the school or official material for |
|---|---|
| Daily skill work | CAT4 instructions and screen practice |
| Word, number and pattern confidence | Exact question styles and time rules |
| Seeing gaps early | Any score report or school decision |
| Calm short practice | Access support or test-day arrangements |
A simple CAT4 plan
- Ask the school what test is being used. Check the year group, date and whether CAT4 affects entry.
- Use the official practice examples. These show the real screen and directions.
- Use Pip little and often. Choose the child’s weakest broad area. Keep sessions short.
- Do not chase a made-up pass mark. CAT4 reports are a profile, not one simple 11+ score.
- Keep test week calm. Sleep, food and clear travel plans matter more than one extra paper.
See what needs practice next
Pip gives instant feedback after each question. It is a useful way to build the basic skills that sit under many school entrance tests.
Questions parents ask
Is CAT4 an 11+ test?+
Not usually. CAT4 is a separate reasoning test. Some independent schools may use it in their admissions process.
Can Pip improve a CAT4 score?+
No app can promise that. Pip can help a child practise useful skills and become more comfortable with reasoning questions.
Should we do lots of CAT4 mocks?+
Usually no. First learn the screen and directions. Then use short, calm skill practice.
Sources checked
CAT4 has four batteries: verbal, quantitative, non-verbal and spatial. GL also says the on-screen sections include repeatable, untimed practice examples. Read GL’s CAT4 battery guide and GL’s CAT4 FAQs. Check the child’s own school for its rules.
Arielle handles SEO and AEO growth at Pip, with over 10 years in the digital marketing space working with brands and founding her own projects.