A complete guide to entrance exams for British boarding schools: from registration to preparation for UKiset and CAT4 tests.
Entrance exams typically take place in October–November, and schools announce offers in December. Some schools hold a second round in early March, but significantly fewer places are available then. We recommend submitting applications at least a year before the intended start date.
Payment of the registration fee — from £100 to £300 depending on the school. We help complete all forms and manage this stage fully.
Current school grades, recommendation letters, certificates and documents confirming the child's sporting, creative and other achievements.
Some schools require tests to be taken on their premises; others allow them to be taken at the child's current school under a teacher's supervision or at a British Council office.
An interview with admissions committee members — in person or via video call. We always prepare students: provide a list of possible questions, recommendations on behaviour, appearance and self-presentation, so the child convinces the school of their value to the community.
Non-selective schools are fairly flexible about test results. Top-tier institutions require excellent results: fluent English, a high academic level and above-average cognitive ability — here you will be competing with the best of the best.
The exact list of exams depends on the child's age and the specific school. Generally, tests in English, Mathematics and Science (Physics, Biology, Chemistry) are required.
Our students often face difficulties due to curriculum differences: in British schools, children start learning the basics of Biology, Chemistry and Physics from age 8, whereas in post-Soviet countries these subjects are introduced much later.
For students applying to A-Level or IB programmes, in addition to the language test, they must take tests in their chosen subjects: Physics, History, Economics, etc.
Good preparation includes attending summer programmes in the UK: intensive academic English courses or specialised programmes in specific subjects.
UKiset is an online exam used by many British independent schools as part of the international student admission process. The test assesses ability, potential and English comprehension, comparing the candidate's results with those of an average British school student. The test takes approximately 2.5 hours.
The test is adaptive: the more correct answers, the harder the questions become. Getting a question wrong does not mean a poor result!
A Cambridge online English test with multiple-choice answers. Assesses language perception skills — reading and listening.
A short handwritten essay in English (the only part not done online). Demonstrates the candidate's ability to express thoughts in writing in English.
Audiobooks in English — expand vocabulary and improve listening comprehension
Regular practice writing essays on different topics
Verbal reasoning and expressing opinions on various topics
Practice exercises through Atom Learning — the official UKiset partner
UKiset partners with the online platform Atom Learning, which provides the opportunity to familiarise yourself with all aspects of the exam: English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The platform is used by over 300 private schools in the UK.
Visit Atom LearningCAT4 (Cognitive Ability Test, 4th edition) is one of the most widely used cognitive ability tests in the world, developed by GL Assessment. Schools use it to determine a child's current level and their likely academic potential. The fourth edition took 5 years to develop and is based on test data from 25,000 British students.
The test consists of 8 short sections assessing four key areas:
Ability to reason using words that denote objects or concepts.
Ability to reason using shapes and patterns without language.
Ability to identify numerical relationships and work with quantitative concepts.
Ability to manipulate shapes and transform visual images.
| Level | UK Year | Age | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Year 4 | 8–9 years | — |
| B | Year 5 | 9–10 years | — |
| C | Year 6 | 10–11 years | 11+ (with D) |
| D | Year 7 | 11–12 years | 11+ (with C) |
| E | Year 8 | 12–13 years | 13+ |
| F | Year 9–10 | 13–15 years | 14+ |
| G | Year 11 | 15+ years | 16+ |
The average Standard Age Score (SAS) is 100. A score above 100 is considered good. Top schools for senior years often require an SAS above 125 in Year 6.
GL Assessment officially "strongly advises against special coaching" for CAT4, so there are no sample tests. However, the following platforms can help familiarise you with the question style:
Official UKiset partner. Over 300 UK private schools. Covers all aspects of both tests.
atomlearning.comPractice CAT4, 11+ and other British entrance test questions.
atestingtime.comSpecialised platform for 11+ exam and entrance test preparation.
bofa11plus.comLarge database of questions across all school subjects and UK exam types.
educationquizzes.comCognitive ability training: memory, attention, processing speed.
lumosity.comPractice tests for 11+, 13+ and other entrance exams in a near-real format.
pretestplus.co.ukMixed questions on verbal, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics in an interactive format.
questionmix.comMost resources are aimed at students in Years 6–7. However, students entering at 16+ can also use them — they provide a good understanding of the assessed content and question types.
Despite the high requirements of some British boarding schools, do not despair if your child's grades and English level are not perfect. Many schools are less demanding, and a child with any level can gain admission to a respected school.
Various educational pathways exist. Even students entering at 16 with a less advanced level of English can find a place at a reputable school, study 3–4 subjects from a focused curriculum, and go on to a respected university with excellent results.