First Form Entry

These are online assessments, designed to identify attainment and potential, consisting of four tests in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. They are age-standardised and adaptive tests in a multiple-choice format. An adaptive test selects the most appropriate questions by assessing the pupil’s ability after each response. The results can be shared with all schools to which the pupil has applied so that they only need to take the tests once.

We will be holding our sitting of the ISEB Common Pre-Tests on Saturday 18th November 2023. For those candidates who require examination concessions the tests will be administered on Tuesday 21st November 2023. If you would like your child to take the tests at another school this should be with their permission before selecting them as the Invigilation Centre. If taking the tests at another school, the date of the tests will be set by them. The tests need to be completed at any other invigilation centre by Friday 24th November 2023.

It is possible for candidates to take the Common Pre-Tests if you live overseas. Your child’s current school will need to be registered with ISEB as an Invigilation Centre. If your child cannot sit the ISEB Common Pre-Tests at their current school, we will make alternative arrangements with you.

If your child requires examination concessions such as extra time, a copy of a current Educational Psychologist Report or other relevant assessment must be uploaded when registering with ISEB. Other adjustments for access arrangements can also be requested. Speak to your child’s current school if you are not sure which concessions you should request to avoid any delay. If supporting information cannot be provided, we will not be able to approve the request. Accessibility features are built into the testing platform. Applicants may select a coloured overlay, if they are used to working with such an aid to improve the visibility of questions. The font size can be adjusted to suit visually impaired candidates. A timer can be visible or it can be hidden from view, if this may cause anxiety.

Parents/guardians can register their child for the Common Pre-Tests from Monday 7th August 2023 on the ISEB Guardian Portal. Pupils applying to more than one senior school only need to register with ISEB once and results are shared with all schools. When registering with ISEB an account will be created so that you may return to the registration and add to or amend it, if necessary. There is no charge to parents/guardians to register their child for the Common Pre-Tests.

ISEB state that no special preparation is required. However, an ISEB Test Walkthrough is available on the ISEB website. This is recommended to familiarise pupils with the test platform, explore the accessibility features and see the style of questions which may be asked during the tests. Other resources can be found on the ISEB website, including the document, Preparing your child for the ISEB Common Pre-Tests which has ideas for practical activities and games.

All candidates must be registered with the School before submitting a Scholarship Application Form. Please also note the closing dates shown in the table below.

We do recommend that applications have the support of your child’s current Headteacher or Head of Department. Just before the assessment date, we will write to your child’s school for a reference.

Candidates can apply for a maximum of two assessments (from Art, Design and Technology, Drama, Music and Sport). Any candidate applying for more than one scholarship may need to return to the School on more than one occasion to complete the assessment criteria.

No. Prospective parents are not able to apply for Academic Scholarships at First Form entry. Pupils who perform exceptionally well in their ISEB Common Pre-Tests will be invited to an Academic Scholarship interview with the Headmaster and Head of Academic Scholars on Saturday 9th December 2023. Should they be successful at that interview, they may then be offered an Academic Scholarship.

No. The only requirement is that a pupil is registered prior to submitting a scholarship application. In order to be registered, the standard £100.00 Registration Fee is due.

Individual subject awards are generous. The value of each scholarship is at the discretion of the Headmaster with the percentage offered being applicable to either day, full or part boarding fees. Holders of an Academic Scholarship who also gain an individual subject award may have their total percentage increased to up to twice the value of the individual subject award. Any further financial assistance may be obtained through means-tested bursary.

Scholarships will last for the duration of the pupil’s time at the School, provided they continue to fulfil the criteria of the award.