The 13+ Explained

A Guide for Parents Navigating Senior School Entry

What Is The 13+?

The 13+ entrance process is used by leading independent and boarding schools in the UK for entry into Year 9. It typically includes:

Some schools may set their own 13+ papers or interviews, especially for scholarships.

The Pre-Test

Usually taken in Year 6 or 7, the pre-test is a computer-based exam assessing:

A strong result can lead to a conditional offer, subject to CE success.

Common Entrance (CE) Exams

Taken in Year 8, these written papers assess:

Requirements vary, so it is vital to know what your child’s target school expects.

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Whether your child needs confidence, structure, challenge—or all three—we’re here every step of the way.

Your Partner in the 13+ Journey

The 13+ exam is a crucial part of the secondary school entrance process for independent schools in the UK, typically taken when children are around 12 years old. This is the main entry point for Year 9, and it generally serves as the gateway to schools that admit students at the age of 13 rather than 11. Some schools may also allow entry at 11 (through the 11+ exam), while others are specifically geared toward 13+ entry.

The process can vary depending on the school

Here's a breakdown of what you can typically expect when applying for the 13+ exam

Overview of the 13+ Exam Process

The 13+ exam process generally includes a combination of application materials, a series of tests (written exams), an interview, and sometimes pre-tests. It is more competitive than the 11+ exam and involves more in-depth assessments. Here’s a typical sequence of events:

Application and Registration

Registration/Application: Parents usually start by submitting an application to the school as early as Year 5 or 6, depending on the timeline and the specific school’s policy.
Registration Fee: There may be a non-refundable registration fee when you apply to a school.
Pre-Tests: Some schools may administer a pre-test (similar to the ISEB Pre-Test used in the 11+ process) in the year or months leading up to the main exams.

13+ Entrance Exam

The 13+ entrance exam is generally more comprehensive than the 11+ exam and can vary significantly from school to school. The exams are designed to assess a child’s academic abilities in more depth and often cover subjects that will be studied at secondary school. The exam typically takes place in Year 8 and consists of the following:

Core Subjects

English: This often includes reading comprehension and writing tasks. Students may be asked to read a passage and answer questions on it or write an essay on a set topic, demonstrating their ability to analyse text, construct arguments, and use correct grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Mathematics: The maths exam covers topics from the Key Stage 3 curriculum, which includes algebra, geometry, number theory, statistics, and problem-solving. It is often more challenging than the 11+ maths exam, requiring a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to apply them to complex problems.
Science: Many schools include science in the 13+ exam, typically covering Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at a level appropriate for students entering Year 9. The questions will test both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding.

Additional Subjects (Optional)

In addition to the core subjects, schools may require students to take one or more of the following:

Languages: Some schools ask students to take an exam in a foreign language (typically French, Spanish, or Latin). The exam may assess reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and sometimes writing or speaking skills.
Humanities: Some schools may include an exam in subjects like History or Geography, assessing the student’s understanding of historical events or geographical concepts.
Arts: If the student is applying for a school with a strong arts program, there may be a practical test or an assessment in subjects like music, art, or drama.

Interview

In addition to the written exams, most schools also conduct an interview. This is an opportunity for the school to assess the child’s personality, interests, and motivation, as well as how they might fit into the school community. The interview process can vary from school to school, but it generally involves:

Academic Interview: The child may be asked questions about their current studies, interests, or how they approach learning. The aim is to gauge their enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity.
General Interview: The child might be asked about extracurricular activities, hobbies, or other personal topics to get a sense of their character and what they can bring to the school beyond academics.
Parent Interview: Some schools will also invite parents for an interview to discuss their child’s application, the family’s expectations, and why the school is a good fit.

Post-Exam Process and Results

Results and Offers: Schools usually release results soon after the exams. Offers for places are made based on performance in the exams, the interview, and the child’s overall application.
Acceptance: Once the offer is made, parents must confirm acceptance of the place within a set timeframe. The child will then join the school in September of Year 9.
Waiting Lists: Some schools may have waiting lists, meaning that even if a student doesn’t receive an offer immediately, they may still be offered a place if one becomes available later.

13+ Exam Key Considerations

Timing and Preparation

The 13+ exams are typically held in January or February of Year 8, so preparation often begins in Year 7 (when students are around 11 or 12). Some students start preparing even earlier with mock exams, additional tutoring, and practice papers.
Focused Preparation: Unlike the 11+, the 13+ exam often requires a deeper understanding of academic subjects. It’s a good idea to have your child work on strengthening their subject knowledge in the months leading up to the exam.

Selection of Schools

School Variety: The 13+ exam is used by a wide range of independent schools, including prestigious schools like Eton, St Mary's Ascott, Charterhouse, and St. Paul’s. Each school has different requirements, exam structures, and interview processes, so it is essential to understand what each school expects.
Additional Focus Areas: Some schools may focus more on specific subjects or skills depending on their curriculum and ethos (e.g., arts schools may place more emphasis on creative subjects, while academic schools may focus heavily on sciences and languages).