13+ Preparation — Common Entrance and Boarding School Entry

The 13+ admissions process is longer and more complex than most parents expect. It begins with the ISEB Common Pre-Test in Year 6, runs through conditional offers, and culminates in Common Entrance examinations in May of Year 8 — a period of nearly two years. For schools like Winchester that set their own papers, the preparation is different again.

Leading Tuition provides specialist 13+ preparation across all stages: ISEB pre-test coaching, Common Entrance subject tuition, and support for school-specific assessments and interviews. Select a school or exam below for a detailed guide.

Exam Guides

School-Specific Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the consultation work?

We’ll learn more about your child, the subject or admissions support they need, and the outcomes you’re aiming for before recommending the next step.

Is the consultation free?

Yes. It is a free consultation with no obligation, designed to help you understand the best route forward.

Can you help with specialist support like UCAT or Oxbridge admissions?

Yes. We support Primary, 11+, 13+, GCSE, A-Level, SATs, UCAT, MMI interview coaching, Oxbridge admissions, university admissions, and personal statement support.

What subjects are covered in 13+ Preparation — Common Entrance and Boarding School Entry | Leading Tuition?

The 13+ Common Entrance examination typically covers English, Mathematics, and Science, with optional subjects including History, Geography, French, Latin, and others depending on the school. The difficulty level is set at a standard appropriate for Year 8 students and is designed to assess readiness for the senior school curriculum. Individual schools may also set their own scholarship papers in specific subjects, which are more demanding than the standard CE papers.

When should preparation for 13+ Preparation — Common Entrance and Boarding School Entry | Leading Tuition begin?

Most students benefit from beginning focused 13+ preparation in Year 7, approximately 18 months before sitting the examination. This allows time to cover the full Common Entrance syllabus in each subject, complete past papers across multiple sittings, and address any subject-specific weaknesses before the final examination period. For scholarship preparation, starting in Year 6 is advisable, as scholarship papers require a level of depth and independent thinking that takes longer to develop.

How can Leading Tuition help with 13+ Preparation — Common Entrance and Boarding School Entry | Leading Tuition?

Leading Tuition provides expert 13+ preparation for 13+ Preparation — Common Entrance and Boarding School Entry | Leading Tuition. Our specialist tutors cover all key subjects including Maths, English, Science, and additional subjects required at Common Entrance level. We build bespoke programmes around your child's school target and current ability, incorporating past papers and timed practice throughout. Rated Excellent on Trustpilot, our tutors have helped students gain entry to the UK's leading independent senior schools. Book a free consultation to start planning your child's preparation.