Planning A School Move?

If your child is between eight and twelve, you may already be hearing conversations about 11+ exams, 13+ registration and the ISEB Pre-Tests. Here is what those terms mean, when decisions tend to happen, and how to make a plan that suits your child.

The first confusion to clear up is that the numbers 7+, 8+, 11+ and 13+ describe a child’s age at entry to a school, rather than the age at which the family first applies. This distinction matters as for some 13+ schools, the admissions process begins while a child is still in primary school.

Much of the confusion stems from the fact there is no single application timetable for British independent schools. Each school chooses its own registration deadline, assessments and offer process. So, the most useful starting point is to decide which type of school might suit your child, then work backwards from the requirements of the schools you are considering.

Ludgrove
Parents often ask us which senior school is the 'best' one. The honest answer is that there isn't one. There is only the school that is right for your child. At Alleyn's Regent's Park, helping families find that fit is at the heart of what we do. Through our Future Schools programme, we get to know each child really well, their strengths, their interests and how they learn, and we guide parents through the options, the timelines and the assessments with that child firmly at the centre.
Tom Le Tissier
Head |  Alleyn's Regent's Park

What do 7+,8+, 11+ and 13+ mean?

 

The seven and eight-plus is historically the entry point for the London prep schools who are overtly, unashamedly selective. But what you are seeing is a lot of those schools expanding downwards vertically, to start offering reception, year one, year two….. And even at seven and eight there's been a shift – schools that offer both entry points tend to be weighting towards the seven now.

William Petty
Director |  Bonas MacFarlane Education

 

7+ is usually entry into Year 3 and 8+ into Year 4, often at a prep or junior school. For parents of eight to twelve year olds, this stage may have passed, but it helps explain why some children are already at a prep school designed to take them through to 13.

11+ is usually entry into Year 7. It is a common route into independent senior schools, particularly day schools. Depending on the school, applicants may sit assessments in English, maths and reasoning assessments, or the school’s own assessment, followed by an interview or other activities. 

Families often start visiting schools and checking requirements in Year 5, with applications and assessments taking place during Year 6.

13+ is usually entry into Year 9. This is a common entry point at traditional boarding schools such as Eton, Wellington and Winchester. The surprising part for many families is that a child may need to register and complete an initial assessment in Year 5 or Year 6, even though they will not join the senior school until Year 9. Eton, for example, says that its standard 13+ registration closes at the end of the Year 5 application period. This is not uncommon for selectively academic schools, although not universally applicable.

Where do the ISEB Pre-Tests fit?

The ISEB Common Pre-Tests are online assessments used by many independent senior schools for Year 7 entry or Year 9 entry. They cover English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. A child will sit the assessments once in the annual cycle and then have the results made available to schools to which they have applied. Schools may also use interviews, school reports or their own assessments as part of their decisions. 

Autumn is an important season for families with children in Year 6. The 2026–27 ISEB testing session began on 1 September 2026 and runs until late May 2027, but each senior school sets its own deadline for receiving results. Many children applying for 13+ places sit the Pre-Tests in the autumn or winter of Year 6. It is sensible to confirm the required sitting date with each school on your list before booking a test. 

ISEB testing timetable and guidance (opens in a new tab)

 

cottesmore
Moving schools at 12 or 13 is the natural start of a senior school journey for children, as all their peers are moving at the same time. It also means that they settle alongside a whole year group making the same move, which is less daunting than a year group which already has longer-established relationships. At 12 and 13, children are ready for more independence, having been nurtured through the prep or primary school, and boarding (or a longer day with activities until 6pm and beyond) suits that stage well. Joining at the start of Second Form or Third Form gives several years to build up to public exams without a mid-course change of school.
Mrs Jenny Davey
Warden |  Glenalmond College
Glendalmond
ludgrove

What should you be doing now?

If your child is in Year 4 or Year 5, explore the options before focusing on exam preparation. Visit a range of schools, including those with different academic approaches and boarding or day provision. Find out whether entry is at 11+ or 13+, when registration closes, and what the school looks for beyond test results.

If your child is in Year 6, turn your shortlist into a clear calendar. Check application and test deadlines, ask where your child can sit any required ISEB assessments and make sure their current school knows what references may be needed. ISEB advises that pupils can sit the Pre-Tests at a suitable centre in the UK or internationally.

Common Entrance

The Pre-Tests are different from Common Entrance, which some boarding schools use later in the admissions journey, normally in the final term of Year 8. If a school mentions both, ask what role each assessment plays and when your child would take it. 

The Scholato View

Start with the child, then build the shortlist. Look beyond results and reputation to the pace of learning, pastoral support and everyday school experience. Would your child feel stretched, supported and able to be themselves?

For 7+, 11+ and 13+, work backwards from each school’s requirements: registration, assessments and entry are separate milestones. Ask what is assessed, when decisions are made and how to prepare appropriately. Keep the shortlist balanced and manageable, with schools you would be genuinely happy to accept.

At every stage, keep your child’s experience in view. Familiarity with an assessment format can build confidence, but school choice should also consider friendships, interests, learning needs, independence and whether your child would feel at home there.