FAQs about the ISEB Common Pre-test
When exactly do Cothill pupils take the pre-test?
We think the best time is after half-term in early November. This means there has been a good amount of time to hone skills and do some final practice after the summer break and ahead of the first senior school deadlines. The test itself is age-standardised so there are no statistical benefits to taking it earlier or later. The same applies to pupils who take a test in year 7.
What does an age-adjusted Standardised Age Score (SAS) mean?
The SAS allows for results to be compared across all applicants and is based on the number of questions answered correctly. A child’s score is adjusted for age and placed on a scale which makes a comparison with a standardisation sample taken from the independent schools sector; the average is 100.
Where are the tests taken?
We set up a quiet zone in the Cothill computer room and pupils sit them here over the course of a couple of days. We spread them out so that they are fresh for each set.
If my child is down for more than one school, does he need to take more than one pre-test?
A pupil only takes one ISEB digital test in any academic year. The result will be shared by the ISEB with any senior schools to which the child has applied. Many senior schools also then have a second stage of Pre-test which is particular to them.
Is extra time available for pupils with any EAL or other special educational needs?
Extra time up to 25% can be granted to a pupil with a specific difficulty, provided there is an educational psychologist's report available or other formal test results have been provided by Cothill which would qualify. An extra time application needs to be requested by a pupil's parent at the time of registration and needs to be confirmed beforehand by any senior school that will receive the test results.
No extra time provision is made for pupils with EAL, but they can be allowed to have access to a bilingual paper dictionary, if they have been learning in English for less than three years.
Can you really prepare for the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
It is evident that familiarity with the different question types, experience of the computerised interface and some knowledge of what to expect can significantly help. If a child is confident and not fazed by the process, they stand a better chance of performing to their maximum potential. Beware, however, of overdoing it! A balance needs to be found. Remember, underpinning the familiarity with the question types, is a sound knowledge of the curriculum.
Do we have to practise with ATOM or can we use other platforms?
We use the ATOM Learning platform at Cothill as it is extremely effective and well-designed. We have previously also used Keystone and BOFA and there are others also out there. We think that children will get sufficient practice via ATOM but see no reason why they cannot use alternatives for sake of variety if nothing else.
How can my child best prepare for the English and Maths sections?
The English and Maths elements are based on the National Curriculum to the end of Year 5. This forms the basis of the schemes of work in these subjects at Cothill. To support what your child is doing at Cothill, we strongly encourage you to show an interest in his reading (see the FAQ on reading) and to try to find time to support his numeracy skills also. This means times tables and general numeracy skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentages.
How can my child best prepare for the Verbal and Non-verbal sections?
The verbal section requires a good level of vocabulary and literacy much like the English section. In addition, there are some specific skills which we focus on at Cothill to assist pupils in this section. The same goes for the non-verbal section. Practising questions using ATOM, for example, is certainly wise.
When should children begin doing some extra practice in the holidays?
It is appropriate to invest some time doing specific pre-test practice (using ATOM or an equivalent platform) during each of the Year 5 holidays. We allocate lesson and prep time to pre-test practice at Cothill.
How important is reading?
This is the single most important, ongoing activity that any child can do to become well prepared for the English and Verbal elements of the test. Most of the maths questions are word problems therefore requiring a certain standard of literacy and of numeracy. Reading builds vocabulary (the breadth of written language far outstrips what we use orally), develops children’s imagination, their ability to empathise with characters and situations and to absorb grammar and syntax merely through frequent exposure to the written word. As parents, you can assist by showing an interest in what your child is reading, reading books together, asking him to read aloud and modelling reading yourself as it is a habit that is catching!
When do interviews and school reports take place in the cycle?
These begin from November in Year 5, although most happen in Year 6; timings vary from senior school to senior school.
Unfortunately, at this time a child's score is not made available either to us at Cothill or to parents. Results go only to the senior school who may, or may not, choose to share this information.
How do we know what a good score is?
The sort of scores that senior schools will be looking for will vary from school to school so there is no one ‘pass mark’. Again, it should be remembered that the pre-test forms only one part of the entry process, alongside our detailed Cothill report and the child’s interview at the senior school (please see our separate section on preparing for the interview).