The Common Entrance 13+ examination is set each year by the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) and is used for entry purposes by most of the major public schools, the principal exceptions being Winchester (which sets its own exam) and some London schools (e.g. Dulwich, Alleyn’s).

Schools have differing academic standards and set their own pass marks. We can advise, unofficially, what these are (see Exits to Next Schools).

Form 5 boys sit Common Entrance at School at the beginning of June over a four day period. The exam consists of papers, of 60-75 minutes duration, in English, maths, science, French, geography, history, RS and Latin. Papers are sent off to public schools for marking and results are known one week later.

In the two terms leading up to Common Entrance boys must expect to work at a considerably enhanced pace if they are to they are to realise their full potential in an extremely competitive exam. They will be given some extra Prep to be done at home during this time.

Post-Common Entrance the pressure is off, and the boys have a special programme, with lots of excursions and fewer lessons.