The 13+ exams mark a huge stage in your child’s education journey. These exams open doors to selective secondary schools and set the stage for future academic success.

Parental support and guidance is hugely important during this preparation. By helping your child stick to a consistent schedule, supporting them with areas they’re struggling and boosting their confidence, you can give them the best chance of success.

This guide will walk you through each stage of the process, from understanding the exam structure to effective preparation strategies. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to support your child’s learning and help them approach exam day with calm and focus.

Understanding the 13+ exams and school entry

The 13+ exams play a key role in admission to many independent senior schools across the UK. They assess your child’s readiness for entering selective schools in year 9, focusing on the academic knowledge, reasoning and subject understanding they’ve developed during prep school.

Types of schools and entry pathways

Most pupils taking the 13+ exam are applying to independent senior schools that admit students at year 9. Some grammar schools and selective state secondary schools may also use a similar late transfer test for entry at age 13.

If your child is in a prep school, they’ll likely be preparing for the Common Entrance (CE), which is overseen by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB). Pupils from state or international schools can also register independently through an exam sitting centre approved by ISEB.

Entry pathways vary. Some schools offer conditional places before the exam, while others use the results to decide admission. It’s important to confirm each school’s process and whether they require additional interviews or reports.

Exam structure and core subjects

The 13+ Common Entrance exam usually takes place in the summer term of year 8 for entry into year 9. The exam structure measures both subject knowledge and key academic skills such as problem-solving and analysis.

Core subjects include:

• English – comprehension, grammar and essay writing
• mathematics – arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data handling
• science – biology, chemistry, and physics.

Additional subjects may include modern foreign languages or classic languages, and humanities such as history, geography or sociology.

Exams often combine short-answer and extended-response questions. Some language papers include listening or speaking tasks. You can review past 13+ exam papers from the ISEB website to see typical formats and difficulty levels.

Exam levels and timelines

Each subject is offered at different levels to suit a range of abilities: Foundation (level 1), Core (level 2) and Additional (advanced). The Common Entrance exams are usually held in November, but the ISEB also allows some candidates to take the exam in the following January, May or June. Some schools may arrange these sittings in the spring term for overseas candidates or those applying through special entry routes.

A typical paper lasts between 40 and 90 minutes, depending on the subject. Results are graded on a percentage basis, with 60% and above usually considered a passing grade. Each senior school sets its own grade expectations.

Understanding the schedule and level requirements early helps you plan your child’s preparation effectively. Many parents use practice papers and familiarisation materials available through the ISEB’s online shop for families to build confidence before exam day.

Effective preparation strategies for parents

You can help your child prepare for the 13+ exams by creating a clear study plan, using the right materials and building their confidence through regular practice. Focus on consistency, accuracy and feedback to strengthen understanding across all subjects and improve exam performance.

Building a study schedule and routine

A well-structured study schedule helps your child cover all subject areas, including English, mathematics, science and humanities. Begin by identifying the exam date and working backwards to plan weekly goals.

Creating a timetable can help your child stay on track:

Day	Subject	Focus area	Time	Notes
Monday	Maths	Algebra and Geometry	90 minutes	Timed paper
Tuesday	English	Comprehension	One hour	Reading practice
Wednesday	Science	Biology	One hour	Review textbook
Thursday	Humanities	Geography	30 minutes	Timed paper

Include both core subjects and skills like verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Short, focused sessions are more effective than long, tiring ones.

Encourage regular breaks to maintain concentration. To track progress, you can use weekly assessment tests or online mock exam papers to check progress and adjust your child’s timetable as needed. This approach builds steady improvement and reduces last-minute stress.

Choosing the right practice materials

Choose materials that match the exam syllabus and difficulty level of your target schools. Use sample papers, exam practice workbooks and online practice tests that reflect the structure of the Common Entrance test to familiarise your child with the format of the exam.

For English, choose an English exam practice workbook that includes comprehension, grammar, verbal and non-verbal reasoning and essay tasks. In maths, include topics such as algebra, fractions and geometry from the 13 plus maths exam.

Make sure the materials you source are current and aligned with the latest exam updates. Using the right tools ensures your child practises the right question types and develops familiarity with exam expectations.

Developing exam technique and confidence

Strong exam technique helps your child manage time and stress effectively. Encourage regular timed exams to get them used to completing the test under real exam conditions.

Practising under these realistic conditions using online mock exam papers or exam practice workbooks helps your child interpret tricky questions and identify keywords.

Encourage reflection after each session. Ask your child to note which question types cause difficulty and review strategies for improvement. This is a good opportunity for you to provide direct support on these areas of difficulty, or speak to your child’s teacher so they know this should be an area of focus in class.

Your child’s confidence will grow through familiarity and positive reinforcement. Celebrate small improvements and remind your child that progress matters more than perfection. Over time, this mindset helps them stay calm and focused during selective entrance tests.

Tracking progress and seeking support

You can track your child’s progress by keeping a record of scores from weekly assessment tests, academic profiling tests and practice papers. Tracking their progress week-to-week helps you understand how their preparation is improving them and where they still need more support.

For example, if your child struggles with non-verbal reasoning, schedule extra practice sessions or seek targeted support from their teachers. If they’re excelling in an area like geometry, you can replace geometry revision with verbal reasoning.

Stay engaged and supportive. Regularly discuss their progress, set achievable goals and adjust their plan to account for areas of improvement. This consistent approach helps maintain motivation and ensures steady improvement in exam readiness.

Frequently asked questions

You can help your child prepare for the 13+ exams by setting a structured revision plan and using proven study methods. Starting preparation early and using reliable materials can make the process more manageable and effective. Here, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions around preparation for the 13+ exam.

What subjects are typically assessed in the 13+ exams?

Most schools assess English, mathematics, and science as core subjects. Pupils may also take exams in languages such as French, Spanish or German, and humanities like history and geography. Some schools include classic languages, such as Latin.

How can I best support my child’s revision schedule?

Create a balanced timetable that includes study, rest and leisure, which helps you encourage consistent study habits rather than last-minute cramming. Setting achievable goals and maintaining a calm home environment helps your child stay focused and confident.

What are the most effective revision techniques for the 13+ exams?

Use past papers to familiarise your child with exam formats and question styles. Encourage active recall by having them explain topics aloud or quiz themselves. Short, focused study sessions with regular breaks can improve concentration, while reviewing mistakes together helps identify weak areas and build progress over time.

How early should my child begin preparing for the 13+ exams?

Beginning preparation at least a year in advance allows enough time to cover all subjects and practise exam techniques. Early preparation helps reduce stress and gives your child time to strengthen weaker areas. Many families start informal review sessions during Year 7 to build steady progress.

Are there any recommended resources or materials for 13+ exam preparation?

You can access official past papers and study packs through the ISEB online shop. Other useful materials include revision guides and practice questions online. Always check that materials match the correct exam board and current syllabus.