--- type: "Article" title: "What is Common Entrance? 11+ and 13+ explained" description: "What Common Entrance is, how the ISEB 11+ and 13+ differ, which subjects are tested, how it relates to the Common Pre-Test, and how to prepare." resource: https://pip11plus.com/common-entrance-explained tags: ["pip"] timestamp: 2026-10-13T19:50:09Z image: https://pip11plus.com/info-hub-cards/exam-types-pip.jpg --- 馃彨 Exams # What is Common Entrance? 11+ and 13+ explained ![Pip](https://pip11plus.com/media/pip-mark.png) **By the Pip team** Updated October 2026 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. **TL;DR** - 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. Set by ISEB Entry points 11+ and 13+ 13+ core English, maths, science Often first ISEB Common Pre-Test ## 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 in five lines. Each school sets its own subjects and grades._ [Pip 11+ Mock Tests: seven real exam formats including Kent, Buckinghamshire, CSSE, Medway, Sutton, ISEB and GL, with unlimited timed papers](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) Pip Mock Tests includes the **ISEB** format, alongside six other real exams. Real timings, the real subject mix and a fresh paper every sitting. [Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP) ## Common Entrance and the ISEB Common Pre-Test Many senior schools now use the online [ISEB Common Pre-Test](https://pip11plus.com/iseb-common-pre-test-explained) 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](https://pip11plus.com/11-plus-exam-types-explained) and [private school vs grammar school](https://pip11plus.com/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](https://pip11plus.com/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. **Always check the school** 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. Maths English Verbal Reasoning Non-Verbal Reasoning [Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP) [Try ISEB Pre-Test style questions](https://pip11plus.com/iseb-common-pre-test-practice-questions) iPhone, iPad and Android 路 No ads 路 Free daily practice ## 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. ![Pip](https://pip11plus.com/media/pip-mark.png) Written by **The Pip team** 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. ## Keep reading [ISEB Common Pre-Test explained](https://pip11plus.com/iseb-common-pre-test-explained): Exams What it covers and how it works. 6 min read 路 Exams [Private school vs grammar school](https://pip11plus.com/private-school-vs-grammar-school): Schools How the two routes compare. 6 min read 路 Schools [11+ exam types explained](https://pip11plus.com/11-plus-exam-types-explained): Exams GL, CEM, ISEB and more. 7 min read 路 Exams [12+ and 13+ transfer tests](https://pip11plus.com/what-is-the-12-plus-or-13-plus-transfer-test): Exams Later entry to grammar schools. 4 min read 路 Exams ## Build the skills every route needs Pip gives five calm minutes a day across maths, English and reasoning, adapting as your child improves. [Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP) [More 11+ guides](https://pip11plus.com/info-hub) Free forever 路 no sign-up