UK Official Test

UKiset is the United Kingdom Independent School’s Entry Test, which provides British independent schools with the information required when considering an overseas applicant. It is a computerised test which takes place online and is a prerequisite for many UK independent schools’ admissions process. The results are then compared to British candidates of the same age.

Test Breakdown

Reasoning (30-45 minutes)

The reasoning part of the test is designed to understand the candidate's ways of thinking. It includes:

1. A vocabulary test

2. Verbal reasoning (comprehension, grammar and language-centred questions)

3. Non-verbal reasoning (solving problems through shapes, pictures and logic)

4. Mathematical reasoning (exploring number, value, quantity and sequence concepts)

The style of this part of the test is adaptive, meaning that the questions are adapt to the student’s level – the more questions the candidate answers correctly, the more challenging the questions will become. It is important to note, therefore, that not being able to answer a question does not mean that the student is performing badly.

Reading and Listening (60-90 minutes)

This part of the test is partnered with the Cambridge Linguaskill English test. It is an online multiple-choice test that assesses receptive language skills. 

Essay Writing (30 minutes)

The essay is hand-written and is designed to allow the candidate to demonstrate how well they can express themselves in the English language.

The candidate will need to take into consideration vocabulary, grammar, tone and structure in order to answer the question. Often having a tutor’s help can be transformative in understanding what the question is asking, and writing more creatively, emotively, and with a wider vocabulary.

The Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) provides assessments for pupils transitioning from prep and junior schools to senior schools in the UK, designing and setting the Common Entrance assessments, and the online, adaptive ISEB Pre-Tests. Used by the UK's leading schools, our assessments are designed to help pupils demonstrate their potential across a wide range of subjects at 11+ and 13+.

Test Breakdown

The ISEB test is broken down into four main sections: English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. 

• 1. English: Assesses reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills.

  2. Mathematics: Focuses on mathematical ability, aligning with the UK National Curriculum. 

  3. Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates thinking and problem-solving skills using words and letters

  4. Non-Verbal Reasoning: Tests spatial reasoning, logic, and problem-solving using diagrams, shapes, and images. 

Test Information

The ISEB test is taken on site at the British Council, and supervised by the proctors there. To take the test, make an account on the website. 

Schools often require the test registration number to schedule school visits, which happen in the spring and fall. We recommend that students register for the test before the summer, and take the test in the Fall, around September.