Nearly all private schools admitting students into Year 9 use the 13 Plus exam (often called "Common Entrance") as part of their admissions process. The exam’s format, content, and expectations can vary widely between schools, making it important to understand the nuances. This guide breaks down the entire journey - from selecting schools to pre-testing, interviews, and the exam itself - to help you navigate the process with ease.
The 13+ exam is a selection tool used by many independent and public schools to assess candidates for Year 9 entry. Typically, students sit papers in Mathematics, English, and Science. Additional papers may include Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, languages, and humanities subjects.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Registration | Students register 2–4 years before entry with preferred schools. |
| Pre-Testing | Computer-based tests conducted 2–3 years before entry to shortlist applicants. |
| Conditional Offers | Offers made to shortlisted students, subject to final 13+ exam success. |
| Final Exams | Main exams usually taken in Year 8 in required subjects. |
Note: Requirements vary between schools—always check their admissions pages.
Most 13+ exams are conducted in June, though some schools offer January or November sittings. Here’s an overview of the core and optional subjects:
| Subject Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Core Subjects | Mathematics, English, Science |
| Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| Languages | French, Latin, Spanish |
| Humanities | History, Geography, Religious Studies |
While the 13+ exam is selective, most candidates who reach the exam stage and have been approved by their current and prospective schools generally succeed in gaining admission. Rejections at this point are rare and usually linked to administrative or application issues. Early preparation, practice with past papers, and understanding exam expectations are key to success.
Start early, stay informed, and give your child the best chance to thrive in the 13+ exam journey.
Success in the 13 Plus Common Entrance exam comes from a combination of early preparation, targeted practice, and a deep understanding of each subject’s demands. Here’s how to approach English and Maths for the 13+ in a way that builds confidence and exam skill.
| Event | Details | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation Phase | Begin preparing for the 13+ exam, focusing on core subjects and optional subjects as required. | 1–2 years before exam (usually starts in Year 7) |
| Register for 13+ Exam | Register with chosen school or exam board (e.g., ISEB or school-specific exams). | Late Year 7 / Early Year 8 |
| Start of Year 8 | Intensive preparation, including practice papers, revision sessions, and mock exams. | Start of Year 8 |
| Mock Exams & Revision | Take mock exams to assess progress (arranged by schools or tutors). | Term 1 & Term 2 of Year 8 |
| Finalize Subjects | Confirm final choice of subjects (English, Maths, Science, and optionals). | Term 2 of Year 8 (around January) |
| Register for Scholarship Exams | Register for academic, sports, art, music, or drama scholarships if applicable. | Early Year 8 (Jan/Feb) |
| Revision Intensifies | Begin focused revision, addressing strengths and weaknesses; extra prep courses may be offered. | Term 3 & Summer Term of Year 8 |
| 13+ Exam | Common Entrance or school-specific exams (English, Maths, Science, and others). | Late May or June of Year 8 (some in September) |
| Scholarship Exam | Separate scholarship exam if applying for a scholarship (academic/talent-based). | May or June of Year 8 |
| Results Released | Exam results and feedback provided. | July (after exams) |
| Offer of Admission | Conditional or unconditional offers for the next academic year. | Late July or August |
| Scholarship Results | Scholarship results and awards released. | July or August |
| Acceptance of Place | Final school decision and acceptance. | August / September (before Year 9) |
| Transition to Senior School | Students start at their new senior school. | Start of Year 9 (September) |
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Subjects | English, Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), French/Spanish/Latin/German (optional), Geography, History, Religious Studies (optional), ICT (optional) |
| Types of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Short Answer, Essays, Problem-solving tasks, Practical components (Science) |
| Duration | Each subject: 1–2 hours; Full exam: several days, depending on subjects and school |
| Marks | Each exam usually out of 100 marks; Combined score determines eligibility |
| Grading | Pass, Pass with Merit, Pass with Distinction (some schools may use additional criteria) |
| Interview | Some schools require an interview in addition to the written exam |
| Subject | Topics/Content | Types of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| English | Comprehension, Writing (essays/stories/formal), Literary analysis | Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Essays |
| Mathematics | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics & Probability, Measurement | Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Problem-solving |
| Science | Physics (forces, energy, electricity, sound, light), Chemistry (matter, reactions, periodic table), Biology (cells, anatomy, ecosystems, reproduction) | Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Practical tasks |
| Modern Languages (Optional) | Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence structure, Translation, Listening/Reading comprehension | Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Translation |
| Geography | Physical Geography, Human Geography, Environmental Issues | Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Data interpretation |
| History | British History, World History, Historical enquiry | Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Essay |
| Religious Studies (Optional) | Major World Religions, Ethical and Moral Issues | Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Essay |
| ICT (Optional) | Basic Computing, Microsoft Office, Programming concepts, Digital Literacy | Multiple Choice, Practical tasks |
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