Common Entrance is the exam set by ISEB that many independent senior schools use to admit children, sat at 11+ and, most often, at 13+. It is different from the grammar school 11+: it is school-specific, run through the independent sector, and at 13+ it tests the prep school curriculum in English, maths and science, plus other subjects some schools choose.
- Common Entrance is set by ISEB (the Independent Schools Examinations Board) for independent senior schools.
- It is sat at 11+ and at 13+, and 13+ is the most common route.
- Many schools now use the ISEB Common Pre-Test earlier, with Common Entrance as confirmation or for scholarships.
- Details differ by school, so always check what yours requires.
What is Common Entrance?
Common Entrance (often shortened to CE) is a set of exams written by ISEB and used by independent senior schools to decide offers. The papers are sat at the child's prep school or the senior school, and at 13+ the senior school marks them.
11+ and 13+: how they differ
11+ Common Entrance is for entry to Year 7. 13+ Common Entrance is for entry to Year 9 and is usually sat in Year 8.
It is the older and more established route, and it tests what a child has been taught at prep school.
At 13+ the core subjects are English, maths and science, and schools can ask for others such as French, geography, history or religious studies. Which subjects count, and the grade a child needs, are set by the senior school.
Common Entrance and the ISEB Common Pre-Test
Many senior schools now use the online ISEB Common Pre-Test to assess children in Year 6 or Year 7, then make a conditional offer. The child may still sit Common Entrance later to confirm it, or sit scholarship papers.
Which route your school uses is on its admissions page, so check before planning.
How it differs from the grammar school 11+
The grammar school 11+ is a competitive selection test of maths, English and reasoning. Common Entrance is a curriculum-based exam used by independent schools, and independent schools often add interviews, references and their own assessments.
Our guides on 11+ exam types and private school vs grammar school set the routes side by side.
How to prepare
Start with the senior school's own requirements, then build secure maths, English and reasoning skills through short daily practice. For the reasoning side of pre-tests, see ISEB Common Pre-Test practice questions.
Past questions: practice material is available through ISEB, prep schools and publishers. Ask your child's school what they recommend, and use past-style questions for timing rather than guessing at topics.
Common Entrance requirements, subjects, dates and grades vary between senior schools and change from year to year. Use this guide for the overview and the school for the facts.
Build the skills every route needs
Whether your child faces the Pre-Test, Common Entrance or a grammar school 11+, Pip gives short daily practice that adapts as they improve.
Try ISEB Pre-Test style questions
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Entrance?+
Common Entrance is an exam set by ISEB, the Independent Schools Examinations Board, and used by many independent senior schools to decide offers. It is sat at 11+ and, most often, at 13+.
What is the difference between Common Entrance 11+ and 13+?+
The 11+ is for entry to Year 7 and the 13+ is for entry to Year 9, usually sat in Year 8. The 13+ is the more traditional route and tests the prep school curriculum.
What subjects are in Common Entrance 13+?+
English, maths and science are the core subjects. Schools may also require others, such as French, geography, history or religious studies.
The senior school decides.
Is Common Entrance the same as the 11+?+
No. The grammar school 11+ is a selection test run by grammar schools or councils.
Common Entrance is an independent school exam set by ISEB.
Where can I find Common Entrance past questions?+
Ask your child's prep school or the senior school, and check ISEB and publishers for practice material. Use past-style questions mainly to practise timing and format.
The Pip team builds Pip, the 11+ and KS2 practice app for children in years three to six. We write these guides from real exam formats and past papers.