What is the 13+ Common Entrance Examination?
The 13+ Common Entrance (CE) examination is a standardised assessment taken by pupils typically in Year 8, designed to evaluate their readiness for entry into independent senior schools at age 13. Administered by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB), this suite of examinations serves as the primary gateway for students transitioning from preparatory schools to leading independent secondary schools across the UK.
Unlike the 11+ examination, which focuses on aptitude testing, the 13+ CE assesses students' knowledge and understanding of the curriculum they have studied throughout their preparatory school years. The examination is not a pass-or-fail assessment in the traditional sense; rather, each senior school sets its own entry requirements and grade thresholds based on their specific academic expectations.
Who Takes the 13+ Common Entrance and Why?
The 13+ CE is primarily taken by pupils who:
- Are currently attending independent preparatory schools
- Have secured a conditional offer from an independent senior school
- Wish to enter top-tier boarding or day schools at Year 9
- Are transitioning from the maintained sector to independent education at age 13
Senior schools use these examinations to ensure incoming pupils have achieved the necessary academic foundation to thrive in their more challenging curricula. Many prestigious institutions, including Eton College, Harrow School, and Winchester College, require candidates to sit the 13+ CE as part of their admissions process.
The Importance of 13+ Common Entrance for Academic Progression
The 13+ CE represents a crucial milestone in a student's educational journey. Performance in these examinations directly influences which senior school a pupil will attend, setting the trajectory for their GCSE and A-Level studies. Strong results can open doors to schools with exceptional academic records, outstanding facilities, and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
Moreover, the preparation process itself develops essential study skills, time management abilities, and exam technique that will benefit students throughout their academic career. The rigorous nature of the CE curriculum ensures pupils develop a comprehensive understanding of core subjects, providing a solid foundation for future learning.
Exam Format and Structure
The 13+ Common Entrance encompasses examinations across multiple subjects, with students typically sitting between seven and nine papers depending on their chosen senior school's requirements.
Core Subjects and Papers
English: Two papers totalling 2 hours and 10 minutes. Paper 1 (1 hour 20 minutes) tests reading comprehension and analysis, whilst Paper 2 (50 minutes) assesses creative and reflective writing skills.
Mathematics: Two papers totalling 2 hours. Both papers cover the full range of mathematical topics, including number, algebra, geometry, statistics, and problem-solving. Calculators are permitted for Paper 2 but not for Paper 1.
Science: Three separate papers for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, each lasting 1 hour. Students may take a combined Science paper (1 hour) instead, though most competitive schools require the separate sciences.
Modern Foreign Languages: French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin are available. Each language examination consists of two papers: a Listening and Reading paper (1 hour) and a Writing paper (1 hour).
Latin and Classical Greek: Each comprises two papers testing translation, grammar, and comprehension skills.
Additional subjects: Geography, History, and Religious Studies are each assessed through a single 1-hour paper.
Scoring and Grade Boundaries
The 13+ CE uses a percentage marking system, with papers marked out of 100. Senior schools typically convert these raw scores into grades or set specific percentage thresholds for entry. Common grade boundaries include:
- Level 1 (75%+): Exceptional performance
- Level 2 (65-74%): Very strong performance
- Level 3 (55-64%): Good performance
- Level 4 (45-54%): Satisfactory performance
- Level 5 (35-44%): Pass
- Below 35%: Below pass standard
However, requirements vary significantly between schools. Highly selective institutions may require 70%+ across most subjects, whilst others may accept students who achieve 55-60%. Schools communicate their specific requirements when making conditional offers.
Assessment Timeline
When Students Sit the Examination
The 13+ Common Entrance examinations are offered three times annually:
November session: For candidates applying to schools with Autumn term entry (rare) or those requiring early assessment.
January session: Becoming increasingly popular for pupils entering senior schools the following September, allowing for earlier results and additional preparation time if needed.
May/June session: The traditional sitting for the majority of candidates entering Year 9 in September. Examinations typically take place over a two-week period in late May and early June.
Registration and Administration
Registration deadlines occur approximately 12 weeks before each examination session. Prep schools typically handle the registration process on behalf of their pupils, coordinating directly with senior schools to ensure students sit the appropriate papers.
For pupils not attending a registered prep school, parents must contact ISEB directly to arrange examination centres and registration, though this is less common.
Results Release
Results are typically released 3-4 weeks after the examination session concludes. Senior schools receive results directly and communicate outcomes to families. Most schools provide detailed feedback on performance across different subjects, helping pupils understand their strengths and areas for development.
Subject Breakdown: What's Actually Tested
English
The English examination assesses literary analysis, comprehension, and written expression. Students encounter unseen prose and poetry extracts, requiring them to analyse language, structure, themes, and authorial technique. The writing paper demands both creative storytelling and reflective composition, testing imagination, technical accuracy, and stylistic awareness. Examiners look for sophisticated vocabulary, varied sentence structures, and the ability to engage readers through compelling narratives or thoughtful personal reflection.
Mathematics
Mathematical content spans number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion, algebra, geometry, statistics, and problem-solving. Questions progress from straightforward calculations to multi-step problems requiring logical reasoning and mathematical insight. Particular emphasis is placed on interpreting data, manipulating algebraic expressions, understanding geometric properties, and applying mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. Mental arithmetic skills remain essential despite calculator availability in Paper 2.
Science
Biology: Covers cells and organisation, life processes, genetics, ecology, and human biology. Students must understand biological concepts, interpret experimental data, and apply knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios.
Chemistry: Tests understanding of matter, chemical reactions, atomic structure, the periodic table, acids and bases, and environmental chemistry. Practical skills, equation balancing, and quantitative calculations feature prominently.
Physics: Encompasses forces and motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, and space. Students must demonstrate understanding of physical principles, perform calculations, and interpret graphs and diagrams.
Modern Foreign Languages
Language examinations assess listening comprehension, reading understanding, grammatical accuracy, and written expression. Students encounter authentic texts, recorded dialogues, and scenarios requiring accurate translation and original composition. Vocabulary breadth, grammatical precision, and cultural knowledge are all evaluated. Examiners expect students to manipulate tenses confidently, use appropriate idiomatic expressions, and communicate clearly in the target language.
Humanities Subjects
History: Typically covers topics from ancient civilisations through to modern history, requiring students to analyse sources, understand causation, evaluate significance, and construct coherent historical arguments.
Geography: Tests both physical and human geography, including landforms, weather and climate, economic development, and environmental issues. Map skills, data interpretation, and case study knowledge are essential.
Effective Preparation Strategy
When to Begin Preparation
Whilst prep schools integrate CE preparation throughout Year 7 and 8, focused revision should intensify approximately 6-9 months before the examination date. This timeline allows for comprehensive content coverage, ample practice, and consolidation of weaker areas without causing burnout.
Students sitting examinations in January should begin intensive preparation by the start of Year 8, whilst those sitting in May/June can commence structured revision after the autumn half-term of Year 8.
Creating an Effective Study Schedule
A balanced preparation programme should incorporate:
- Regular, focused sessions: 45-60 minute study periods with short breaks prevent fatigue and maintain concentration
- Subject rotation: Alternating between subjects keeps revision engaging and ensures all areas receive attention
- Increasing intensity: Gradually extend study time as examinations approach, reaching 2-3 hours daily in the final month
- Strategic prioritisation: Allocate additional time to weaker subjects whilst maintaining strength areas
- Regular consolidation: Schedule periodic review sessions to revisit previously covered material
Weekends should include longer revision sessions alongside practice papers under timed conditions, but must also preserve time for rest, physical activity, and enjoyment to maintain wellbeing and motivation.
Essential Skills Development
Beyond content knowledge, successful CE candidates develop:
- Time management: Practising under timed conditions builds speed and helps students allocate time appropriately across questions
- Exam technique: Understanding mark schemes, identifying command words, and structuring answers effectively
- Analytical thinking: Moving beyond memorisation to demonstrate understanding, application, and evaluation
- Written clarity: Expressing ideas precisely and coherently under time pressure
- Resilience: Maintaining composure when encountering difficult questions and moving forward productively
Practise Requirements
Completing past papers is indispensable. Students should aim to complete:
- 5-8 full past papers per subject under timed conditions
- Numerous individual paper sections for targeted practice
- Additional topic-specific questions for areas requiring reinforcement
- Papers from multiple years to experience different question styles
Each practice paper should be marked carefully, with incorrect answers analysed to understand misconceptions and gaps in knowledge. Simply completing papers without thorough review provides limited benefit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Neglecting Weaker Subjects
Many students focus disproportionately on subjects they enjoy whilst avoiding those they find challenging. This approach often results in uneven performance. Senior schools typically expect consistent achievement across all subjects, so addressing weaknesses is crucial. Dedicated time for challenging subjects, ideally with expert support, prevents last-minute panic and builds confidence.
2. Over-Reliance on Memorisation
Whilst factual knowledge is important, CE examinations increasingly test understanding, application, and analysis. Students who simply memorise information without developing genuine comprehension struggle with unfamiliar question formats. Effective preparation emphasises understanding concepts deeply, making connections between topics, and practising applying knowledge to novel scenarios.
3. Inadequate Practise Under Timed Conditions
Many well-prepared students underperform because they haven't practised working within strict time constraints. Completing questions at leisure does not replicate examination pressure. Regular timed practice builds speed, helps students gauge appropriate time allocation, and develops the ability to think clearly under pressure.
4. Poor Exam Technique
Not reading questions carefully, failing to show working in mathematics, or writing excessively for low-mark questions wastes precious time and costs marks. Understanding mark schemes, recognising what examiners seek, and practising concise, relevant answers significantly improves performance. Students should analyse mark schemes alongside past papers to understand assessment criteria.
5. Burnout Through Over-Preparation
Excessive revision in the final weeks can be counterproductive. Students who study intensively without adequate rest, sleep, or recreation often experience diminished concentration, increased anxiety, and reduced performance. A balanced approach incorporating regular breaks, physical activity, and sufficient sleep produces better results than relentless cramming.
Resources and Practise Materials
Official Past Papers
Past papers are available through Galore Park, the official ISEB publisher. These authentic examination papers provide the most accurate preparation materials. Most prep schools provide past papers, but families can also purchase them directly. Aim to access papers from at least the previous five years across all subjects.
Recommended Books and Study Guides
Galore Park publishes comprehensive revision guides and practice books specifically aligned to the CE curriculum for all subjects. These materials include:
- Subject-specific textbooks covering the entire syllabus
- Answer books providing detailed solutions
- Revision guides with topic summaries and practice questions
- Topic-based practice papers for focused preparation
CGP also produces supplementary materials that some students find helpful for additional practice, particularly in Science and Mathematics.
Online Resources
Several online platforms offer CE preparation materials:
- ISEB website: Provides specimen papers, syllabuses, and examination information
- Atom Learning: Offers online CE preparation courses with adaptive learning technology
- Educational YouTube channels: Provide explanations of tricky topics, though content should be verified against CE specifications
- School-specific resources: Many prep schools provide access to online learning platforms with CE materials
Additional Practise Sources
Students seeking extra challenge can explore:
- Scholarship papers from previous years (significantly more demanding than standard CE)
- GCSE materials for early introduction to advanced concepts
- Subject-specific competitions and challenges that develop deeper understanding
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
At Taylor Tuition, we understand that 13+ Common Entrance preparation requires expert guidance, personalised attention, and strategic planning. Our structured preparation programmes are designed to build both knowledge and confidence, ensuring students approach their examinations thoroughly prepared.
Our Structured Preparation Programmes
We offer comprehensive 13+ CE preparation across all subjects, with programmes tailored to each student's timeline, target school requirements, and current performance level. Our structured approach includes:
- Initial diagnostic assessment to identify strengths and areas requiring development
- Customised study plans aligned to examination dates and school requirements
- Systematic coverage of all syllabus content with regular progress monitoring
- Intensive practice using authentic past papers and mark schemes
- Exam technique training to optimise performance under timed conditions
- Regular communication with families regarding progress and next steps
Expert Tutors Who Understand the Process
Our 13+ specialists bring extensive experience of the Common Entrance curriculum and a deep understanding of what selective senior schools expect. Many have taught at leading independent schools or have direct experience of the admissions process. This expertise enables them to:
- Identify and address specific misconceptions efficiently
- Teach effective exam strategies proven to improve results
- Provide realistic assessment of readiness and predicted performance
- Adapt teaching approaches to suit individual learning styles
- Build confidence alongside competence
Our Teaching Approach
We believe effective 13+ preparation balances rigorous academic preparation with maintaining student wellbeing and enthusiasm for learning. Our tutors create supportive, encouraging environments where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. Sessions focus on developing genuine understanding rather than superficial memorisation, ensuring knowledge is retained and can be applied flexibly.
We work collaboratively with families and prep schools, complementing classroom teaching whilst addressing individual needs. Regular progress reviews ensure programmes remain on track and can be adjusted as needed.
Begin Your 13+ Preparation Journey
Whether you're starting early or need intensive support approaching examinations, we're here to help. Our expert tutors are ready to design a preparation programme that addresses your child's specific needs and target school requirements.
To discuss how we can support your child's 13+ Common Entrance preparation, please visit our enquiry page or contact us directly. We'll arrange an initial consultation to understand your requirements and recommend the most effective preparation approach for your circumstances.