Common Entrance Exam (13+) Preparation Online Tutoring for Independent Schools

What Is the Common Entrance Exam (13+)?

The ISEB Common Entrance Exam (13+) is a selective entrance assessment sat in Year 8 for admission to senior independent schools in the UK and internationally. It is usually taken at the end of Year 8, and many schools use it to determine both admission and placement (streaming).

Unlike the 11+, the 13+ exam is broader and more rigorous, testing pupils across a wider range of subjects.

Subjects Tested at 13+ Common Entrance

The 13+ assessment typically includes:

Core Subjects:
- English – comprehension, grammar, essay/creative writing
- Mathematics – arithmetic, algebra, geometry, problem-solving
- Science – biology, chemistry, physics
Additional Subjects (school dependent):
- History
- Geography
- Religious Studies
- Classical Languages (Latin, Greek)
- Modern Languages (French, Spanish, German, etc.)

(Each senior school decides which additional subjects are required. Always confirm with your target school.)

Why Students Find 13+ Common Entrance Challenging

Breadth of subjects → often 8–10 papers across 4 days
Rigorous marking → papers are marked by the admitting senior school
Time management → balancing revision across many subjects
Exam pressure → high stakes for entry into selective schools

How LearningClubs Prepares for 13+ Common Entrance

At LearningClubs, we offer 1-to-1 live online tutoring designed to meet the exact requirements of the schools your child is applying to.

Our Approach

Strengthen knowledge in core subjects (English, Maths, Science) and any additional required subjects. Past paper practice under timed conditions, which builds exam techniques → structuring essays, problem-solving methods and managing time. We begin each lesson with 5-breath mindfulness to reduce anxiety and improve focus.

Assessment & Tuition Costs

Assessment: 2–2.5 hours
Includes: review of school reports, subject diagnostics, written report, and parent consultation: 3-4 hours
Cost: £499

Tuition

£81 per 60-minute 1-to-1 lesson per 60-minute

+£11.41/month for resources

Why Parents Choose LearningClubs

Bespoke tuition for the exact subjects required by your child’s target school. Experienced UK tutors who understand independent school admissions. Balanced focus on knowledge, exam skills, and wellbeing. Proven record of helping students transition smoothly into senior schools

Parent FAQs about the 13+ Common Entrance Exam

Q: What subjects are tested at 13+ Common Entrance?
A: Core papers in English, Maths, and Science are compulsory. Many schools also require additional subjects such as History, Geography, Languages, and Religious Studies.

Q: Who sets and marks the papers?
A: Papers are set by ISEB, but they are marked by the admitting senior school, which decides the pass threshold and placement.

Q: When should my child begin preparing?
A: Ideally Year 7 or early Year 8. This allows time to strengthen knowledge across multiple subjects without last-minute stress.

Q: Is the 13+ exam online or written?
A: The 13+ Common Entrance is a written exam, taken in person. Some schools are trialling digital versions in certain subjects, but most remain paper-based.