13+: What you need to know
What you need to know
- The 13+ exams will take place in the spring or summer of Year 8 (a November examination is available but is usually only used for practice purposes)
- All candidates will sit exams in English, Maths and Science.
- Most candidates will sit exams in French, Geography, History and Religious Studies.
- Optional papers are also set in Latin, Classical Greek, German and Spanish.
- Papers are set at different levels according to the ability of the candidate.
- Candidates will sit two English papers, each with a reading and writing section.
- Candidates will sit three Mathematics papers: a calculator, non-calculator and mental arithmetic paper.
- Candidates may either sit one Science exam which combines all three disciplines, or three separate papers in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Candidates will sit three French papers which test listening, speaking, and reading and writing.
- All candidates sit the one Geography examination, which tests map-reading skills, global location knowledge and understanding of geographical themes.
- All candidates sit the same History exam, which tests evidence and essay writing skills.
- The Religious Studies exam depends on the syllabus your child has studied at school.
- Details of what is required for all subjects at Common Entrance is available at www.iseb.co.uk.
What can you do
- You can make a real difference by ensuring your child knows what they will be tested on.
- You can download some past exam papers to help your child practise.
- You can use specialist textbooks to revisit the topics with which your child might be less familiar.
- You can utilise Galore Park revision materials which have been updated to the new ISEB syllabuses – all of which consolidate revision in digestible chunks.
- You can use Galore Park Practice Questions to improve technique, and familiarise your child with the style and format of the relevant exam.