13+ tutoring

Entry into Year 9 at many leading independent schools happens in two steps. Most schools now assess in Year 6, using the ISEB Common Pre-Tests, a reference from the current school, and interviews or assessment days. Offers made in Year 6 are then usually confirmed in Year 8, through a good reference, Common Entrance or the school's own exam.

 

Common Entrance at 13+

 

Common Entrance is set by ISEB, the Independent Schools Examinations Board, and is sat in Year 8, usually at the pupil's own prep school. Papers cover English, maths and science, with options including French, Spanish, German, Latin, Greek, history, geography, classical civilisation, and theology, philosophy and religion. Scholarship candidates may also sit more demanding papers.

 

Fewer schools now require Common Entrance than in the past, so it is important to know exactly what each school on your list expects.

 

London day schools

 

Westminster, St Paul's, King's College School Wimbledon, Dulwich College and Hampton all have 13+ entry, with assessment usually beginning in Year 6. Westminster will welcome girls at 13+ from 2028.

 

Some well-known London day schools, including Highgate, Latymer Upper, UCS and City of London School, have no regular 13+ intake, so the 11+ is the main route in.

 

Leading boarding schools

 

Many London families also consider boarding schools such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington College, Charterhouse, Tonbridge, Radley, Marlborough, Rugby and Oundle, and girls' schools such as Wycombe Abbey and Benenden. Each runs its own process:

 

• Eton and Harrow: ISEB Pre-Tests and the school's own assessments in Year 6, with places confirmed in Year 8 through Common Entrance or the school's own exams.

   

• Winchester: references, ability tests, a writing task and an interview in Year 6.

   

• Wellington, Charterhouse, Radley and Marlborough: ISEB Pre-Tests, interviews and assessment days in Year 6.

   

• Wycombe Abbey: for 13+, an assessment day in Year 8 with an interview and papers in English, maths, humanities and science.

 

Registration deadlines often fall in Year 5 or early in Year 6, so it pays to plan early.

 

How we help

 

• ISEB Pre-Tests: maths, English, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning practice in the online format.

   

• Common Entrance: subject-by-subject teaching and past-paper practice.

   

• Scholarship papers: stretch work and extended writing for scholarship candidates.

   

• Interviews and assessment days: practice discussing books, ideas and the news with confidence.

   

• Independent study: revision plans and organisation, so children take ownership of their progress.