The names can be confusing. “11+” often means an entrance test for a grammar school, but it can also describe admission to an independent school at age 11. Common Entrance is a named set of ISEB assessments. It can be taken at 11+ as well as 13+.

Grammar-school 11+

These tests help state-funded grammar schools select pupils. There is no single national paper: subjects, question styles, dates and scoring depend on the school or local area. English, maths and reasoning may feature, but check the exact specification. A qualifying result does not always secure a place because admission priorities also apply.

ISEB Common Entrance

Common Entrance is used by independent schools and follows published subject specifications. CE at 11+ includes English, mathematics and science. CE at 13+ has a wider subject range, with requirements agreed with the senior school. The ISEB family guide explains the two routes.

Ask the school which subjects and levels are needed and how it uses the results. Do not assume a familiar grammar-school practice paper matches Common Entrance, especially where written answers or science are required.

And the Common Pre-Tests?

These are another ISEB assessment: online adaptive multiple-choice tests in English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. They can be an earlier admissions stage. A school might use them before a later assessment, but this is not a universal sequence. Read our Common Pre-Test guide for the basics.

Match your preparation to the route

  • Grammar-school 11+: find the school or consortium's current test guidance and familiarisation material.
  • Common Entrance: use the required ISEB subject specifications and the school's instructions.
  • Common Pre-Tests: build core skills and learn the official online test format.

Four questions to ask before buying resources

  1. What is the exact name of the assessment?
  2. For which entry year and year group?
  3. Which subjects, levels and answer formats are required?
  4. What other stages, such as an interview, are involved?

Reading, vocabulary and confident arithmetic help across several routes. Once the route is clear, add the specific skills you need. Keep the plan manageable: you do not have to prepare for every entrance examination just because its name includes “11+”.