Take the stress out of ISEB exam prep
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Everything your child needs to know for the ISEB exam.




Atom's ISEB mocks = no surprises on test day
The most accurate ISEB mock tests on the market.
Our mock tests mirror the real ISEB. The curriculum, the timings, the controls and even the colours. Familiarity equals confidence.






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Start preparing for 11+ grammar and private school exams.
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Boost preparation for 11+ grammar and private school exams.
Looking for ISEB advice?
We’re here to support you through your child’s ISEB journey.
Whether you want help building a revision plan, understanding ISEB exam content, or checking key dates, our team is happy to help.

Free ISEB resources to get started
The ultimate ISEB guide
How to choose the right independent school
Guide to senior school interviews
Bursaries explained
Applying to UK schools from abroad
Atom or Century Bond? How to choose
Verbal reasoning guide
Non-verbal reasoning guide
Frequently Asked Questions
The ISEB (Independent Schools Examination Board) Common Pre-Test is an online exam used by many independent senior schools as part of their admissions process.
The test adapts to your child as they work through it. As they answer questions correctly, the questions gradually become more challenging. This helps schools build a clearer picture of your child’s ability across key areas.
Atom helps your child prepare by familiarising them with the format, question styles and pace of the exam.
Learn more about what the ISEB Common Pre-Test involves in our guide.
The ISEB test is scored using a standardised age score (SAS). This adjusts results based on your child’s age, so younger and older children are assessed fairly.
There isn’t a set pass mark for the ISEB. Each school decides its own admissions criteria. Each senior school sets its own admissions criteria. As a general guide, selective schools often look for children performing within the top 25% of their age group. For the most competitive independent schools, a good standardised age score to aim for is 120 or above.
Your child’s score is shared with all the senior schools you’ve applied to. Schools don’t usually share these results with parents, but they use them to decide whether to move your child to the next stage of the admissions process.
This next stage may include a school interview, further assessments, or a school-specific entrance exam.
Because requirements vary between schools, understanding what comes next — and how to prepare — can make a real difference. If you’d like personalised advice, you can chat with one of our Education Experts via LiveChat in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
A balanced, structured approach works best when preparing for the ISEB exam.
Your child should feel secure with core maths and English skills before moving on to exam-style practice. This gives them a strong foundation and helps practice sessions feel productive rather than overwhelming.
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning aren’t part of the national curriculum, so regular practice at home is important. Introducing these question types early helps your child become familiar with the format, reducing pressure later on.
By exam day, the aim is for your child to focus on problem-solving, not on working out what the questions are asking.
Learn more about what the ISEB Common Pre-Test involves in our guide.
The ISEB Common Pre-Test assesses four subjects:
- Maths: 40 minutes
- English (reading comprehension and SPaG): 40 minutes
- Non-verbal reasoning: 30 minutes
- Verbal reasoning: 25 minutes
Each section is designed to assess your child’s underlying skills rather than rote learning, which is why becoming familiar with the question styles is so important.
Find out more about what's included in the ISEB in our guide.