Are you a UK parent of a pupil who is looking to gain admission to an independent school? If so, you may be wondering what exams your child will need to take as part of the admissions process. In this article, we will provide an overview of the exams that are commonly required for admission to independent schools in the UK.
Understanding the requirements for these exams will help you and your child prepare for the admissions process and increase the chances of being accepted to your desired independent school.
Exams Taken In Primary School
These exams are often used to assess the academic aptitude and potential of the students, as well as their overall suitability for the school. In this section, we will discuss the exams that are commonly required for admission to independent schools in the primary school years, including the 7 Plus exam and the 10 Plus exam. These exams are typically taken by students in Years 2 and 5, respectively, and cover subjects such as English, mathematics, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
7 Plus Exams
The 7 Plus exam is taken by pupils in Year 2 (age 6-7) who are seeking admission to independent schools in the UK. This exam is designed to assess the academic aptitude and potential of the pupils, and it usually covers subjects like English, mathematics, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
10 Plus Exams
The 10 Plus exam is taken by pupils in Year 5 (age 9-10) who are seeking admission to independent schools in the UK. The 10 Plus exam is intended to evaluate the pupils’ academic abilities and typically includes subjects such as English, mathematics, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
11 Plus Exams
The 11+ exam is a common entrance exam that pupils take in Year 6 (age 10-11) who are seeking admission to independent schools in the UK. The 11+ is usually a multi-subject exam that covers subjects such as English, mathematics, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Exams Taken In Secondary School
These exams are often used to assess the academic aptitude and potential of the students, as well as their overall suitability for the school.
Pupils who take the Common Entrance Exam in Year 8 (age 12-13) are seeking admission to independent schools in the UK. The Common Entrance Exam covers a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and a foreign language.
Common Entrance
The Common Entrance Exam covers a range of subjects and is taken by students in Year 8. The 13 Plus exam is also taken by students in Year 8, and it may include a wider range of subjects in addition to subjects like English, mathematics, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
13 Plus Exams
Pupils also take the 13 Plus exam in Year 8 (age 12-13) who are applying to independent schools in the UK. In addition to subjects like English, mathematics, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning, the 13 Plus exam may also include other subjects such as science, a humanities subject, or a foreign language. This exam is used to determine the academic aptitude and potential of the pupils.
One of the main differences between the Common Entrance Exam and the 13 Plus exam is the range of subjects they cover. The Common Entrance Exam is a multi-subject exam covering various subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and a foreign language. The 13 Plus exam, on the other hand, may include a wider range of subjects, such as science, a humanities subject, or a foreign language in addition to subjects like English, mathematics, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
It is worth noting that the Common Entrance Exam is more widely used than the 13 Plus exam, and it is offered by a larger number of independent schools in the UK. The content and format of these exams can vary from school to school, so it is important for students and parents to familiarise themselves with the specific requirements of the school or schools they are applying to.
It is worth noting that the 7 Plus, 10 Plus, and 13 Plus exams are not as widely used as the 11+ and Common Entrance exams, and they may not be offered by all independent schools in the UK. Additionally, the content and format of these exams can vary from school to school. Pupils may also need to take other assessments or participate in interviews as part of the admissions process for independent schools in the UK.
IELTS – For International Students
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely accepted test of English language proficiency that is often required for international pupils who wish to study at independent schools in the UK. The IELTS exam is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge English Language Assessment.
The IELTS exam consists of four components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These components are designed to evaluate the pupil’s ability to use English in real-life situations and are scored on a 9-point scale, with a score of 1 being the lowest and a score of 9 being the highest. Many independent schools in the UK have a minimum IELTS score requirement for international pupils, and pupils will need to meet this requirement in order to be accepted into the school.
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