What is the Common Entrance (CE)?
The Common Entrance is a series of assessments that many independent schools in the UK use to evaluate students’ expertise and skills in various subjects. It is designed to assess students’ ability to think critically and apply their knowledge to solve problems. The exam is taken by Year 8 students who aim to enrol in an independent school for their secondary education.
The CE tests students’ knowledge and skills in various subjects. Including: English, Mathematics, Science, French, German, Spanish, Latin, Geography, History, Religious Studies, and Music. It also evaluates students’ writing skills, including their ability to express themselves clearly and concisely.
How to take the test?
The CE is administered by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB). The exam is taken in the summer term of Year 8, usually in May or June. It is taken at the student’s current school under strict exam conditions; however, an arrangement can also be made with a private invigilator. The papers are then marked by the student’s first-choice school, and if unsuccessful, the first-choice school will send the papers to the second-choice school.
The fee for candidates taking the examination in the UK will cost a student and their family £140, with single subjects costing £30 each. Registration periods for entering a student falls in the July, October and December of each year. With the assessment period taking place in November, January and May/June (dependent on when the student was registered).
Why is the Common Entrance important for independent school admissions?
Taking the CE has several benefits for students who wish to attend independent schools. Firstly, it provides an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and skills in a range of subjects. Secondly, it helps independent schools identify students who have the potential to excel academically. Thirdly, it can help students prepare for the rigorous academic programme that they will encounter at independent schools. Therefore, it is of high importance that the student performs to the best of their ability and revises well to attend their first choice-school.
How can students prepare for the CE?
Preparing for the CE can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and support, students can feel confident and well-prepared on exam day. To succeed in the CE, students should begin their preparation several months in advance, ideally in the autumn term of Year 8. They should familiarise themselves with the exam’s format and content and practise answering Common Entrance past papers under timed conditions.
At Think Tutors, we understand the importance of the Common Entrance in gaining admission to independent schools. We offer specialised tuition to help students achieve their goals. Our experienced tutors provide personalised instruction and guidance tailored to each student’s unique needs and learning style. They can help students develop effective study techniques and identify areas of weakness. Then providing targeted practise to build their confidence and mastery of the exam’s content. Through one-on-one tuition, Think Tutors help students achieve their best to gain admission to their desired independent school.
Contact Think Tutors
Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the application process for private education. With a 97% school admission success rate, our tutors are adept at enhancing performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building.
We can either provide hourly or full-time tuition in addition to homeschooling. We can organise tuition wherever and whenever, with the option of in-person or online tuition. Please contact us if to find a tutor to help your child succeed in the CE at 13+.