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Sixth Form is the last two years of secondary school in the UK, in which students can either study A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Most independent schools require students to sit entrance examinations and assessments at 16+ to evaluate their academic abilities and potential. These assessments may include written exams, interviews, and sometimes practical assessments for specific subjects. It is advisable to prepare well in advance by reviewing the syllabus, practicing past papers, and seeking guidance from teachers or tutors.

What is the 16+?

Sixth Form is the last two years of secondary school in the UK, in which students can either study A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Most independent schools require students to sit entrance examinations and assessments to evaluate their academic abilities and potential. These assessments may include written exams, interviews, and sometimes practical assessments for specific subjects. It is advisable to prepare well in advance by reviewing the syllabus, practicing past papers, and seeking guidance from teachers or tutors.

How to take the 16+?

Dependent on the school, a student will usually be asked to sit exams in their chosen A-Level/IB subjects, sit papers in English and Maths, and sometimes to take a CAT4 test. Alongside subject-specific examinations and GCSE results, independent schools require a personal statement as part of the admissions process. Personal statements provide an opportunity to showcase a student’s interests, aspirations, and unique qualities that make them an excellent candidate for the school. A reference will also be required from the candidate’s current school, as they can provide insight into a student’s character and potential, in combination with predicted GCSE grades.

Registration deadlines usually fall in September of the student’s final year of GCSEs (Year 11), although international students may have an earlier deadline and may need to take the UKiset test in advance of this deadline. Examinations and interviews will occur in October/November of Year 11, with decisions made by December. It is advisable to visit each school’s website or contact their admissions offices directly for detailed information on the application process, deadlines, and specific entry requirements for 16+ admissions.

Why is the admission process important for independent school admissions?

There are several prestigious independent schools in the UK that offer 16+ entry for aspiring students. Schools and Sixth Forms utilise the information provided by the student, in combination with their GCSE grades and school reference, to assess whether that student would be a suitable fit for their institution. Current schools that assess students for 16+ admissions include Eton College, Harrow, Westminster, Winchester, Radley, Wycombe Abbey, and Marlborough.

How can students prepare for the 16+ entry?

The process of applying to independent schools in the UK for Year 11 students requires careful planning, preparation, and research. By conducting thorough school research, preparing for entrance examinations and interviews, and seeking support from teachers and mentors, a student can enhance their chances of securing admission to their preferred institution.

At Think Tutors, we offer subject-specific tutoring, exam and interview preparation, personal statement support, and overall application guidance for 16+ entry. 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 provide targeted practice 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 at 16+.

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+.

What is the CAT4 test?

The CAT4 assessment is available to students ranging from Year 2 to Year 11. The test is divided into four distinct sections, each dedicated to assessing a specific cognitive skill. This computerised test features multiple-choice questions, and results are presented in Standard Age Scores (SAS), with an average score of 100 being typical, although many exclusive independent schools seek candidates with a SAS score of 115 or higher.

What does the process involve?

The CAT4 is divided into 4 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Spatial Ability. These 4 sections are then assessed in three separate examinations that take 45 minutes each, 2 hours and 15 minutes in total.

The Verbal Reasoning element measures a student’s ability to understand and manipulate language, while Non-Verbal Reasoning measures their aptness to understand and manipulate visual information. Quantitative Reasoning assesses a student’s competence to use numerical information to solve problems, and Spatial Ability measures how they visualise and manipulate three-dimensional objects.

How to take the test?

The test is designed to be taken between September and November, as this allows schools to use the results to contribute to admissions discussions. It’s important to note that the test cannot be taken at home, unlike the UKiset test, as the controlled environment of a school setting is essential to ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the test results. This is especially crucial given the high-stakes nature of admissions testing, as schools rely heavily on the CAT4 results to make informed decisions about a student’s academic potential and fit within the school community.

Why is the CAT4 important for independent school admissions?

The CAT4 test provides beneficial information to both students and schools alike. However, its utility is particularly relevant to schools, as it provides reliable indicators of a student’s potential success in future examinations such as GCSEs, IB, or A-Levels. In addition, the test can be used to assess how well the school can support each student’s learning needs.

For example, if a student excels in Verbal Reasoning but struggles with Quantitative Reasoning, the results can help their teacher tailor their teaching approach to better address their individual learning needs. Moreover, the test can reveal hidden talents or strengths that may have otherwise gone unnoticed, such as a strong aptitude for Non-Verbal reasoning, which could be useful for students interested in art or design.

Overall, the CAT4 test offers schools a comprehensive evaluation of a student’s cognitive abilities, which can be used to provide targeted support and foster academic success.

How to prepare for the CAT4 test?

Preparing for a test that assesses natural ability can be challenging, but it’s helpful to familiarise the child with exam conditions to prevent any surprises on test day. Practising CAT4-style questions and expanding their vocabulary can also help students become more comfortable with the test format and question types.

At Think Tutors, our experienced UK school entrance tutors possess the expertise and insight necessary to increase the likelihood of success on the CAT4 test. 

By honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enhancing subject-specific knowledge, and providing comprehensive guidance on test-taking strategies, we empower our students to achieve their desired results. With our support, students can approach the CAT4 test with confidence, knowing they have the preparation and support they need to succeed.

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 100% 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 you are interested in finding a tutor to help your child feel confident and succeed in the CAT4 Test.

What is the UKiset?

The UKiset is a computer-based test that measures a student’s English language proficiency, cognitive abilities, and academic potential. UK independent schools use the test to assess the suitability of international applicants. Designed for students aged 9 to 18 who have at least a basic grasp of the English language, the results compare candidates against British students of the same age.

What does the process involve?

The UKiset is divided into three separate sections: Reasoning, Reading and Listening, and Essay Writing. Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes and takes 2–2.5 hours to complete. The Reasoning section includes a vocabulary test, a non-verbal reasoning test, and a mathematical reasoning section. The Reading and Listening section is part of the Cambridge English test, which assesses receptive language skills. Lastly, the Essay Writing section comprises a short English essay that evaluates a student’s receptive language skills.

How to take the UKiset?

The test is computer-based and adaptive, which means the difficulty of the questions adjusts to the student’s level of ability. The UKiset is also designed to be taken remotely, with the student taking the test online from their own computer or at a designated testing centre. The test currently costs £295, and once a student has completed the test, their UKiset Profile can help them apply directly to up to 5 UK independent schools (more school choices can be added at £50 per school).

Results of the test will be valid for one year; however, if a student is unhappy with their result, the test can be retaken after 4 months.

Why is the UKiset important for independent school admissions?

Independent schools in the UK place a strong emphasis on academic achievement and the UKiset is one way they can assess a student’s academic potential. The test helps schools determine if a student is academically prepared to study in an English-speaking independent school. It’s also an effective way to evaluate a student’s English language proficiency, which is a key factor in a successful academic experience in the UK.

Currently, over 180 British schools use the UKiset test. Some UK independent schools that use it are: Cardiff Sixth Form College, Charterhouse, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Epsom College, Eton, Oundle School, Sevenoaks, Sherborne Girls, Winchester College, and Wycombe Abbey.

How to prepare for the UKiset?

Unfortunately, UKiset past papers are not in the public domain, so there is no exact preparation that can be done to replicate what will happen on the day. However, Think Tutors’ seasoned UK school entrance tutors are equipped with the knowledge and understanding to enhance the likelihood of success. Tuition at Think Tutors ensures a tailor-made preparation programme that allows any student to achieve their fullest potential in the UKiset.

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 100% 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 you are interested in finding a tutor to help your child feel confident and succeed in the UKiset.

In this insight, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of each option, with the aim of aiding you in making a well-informed decision. We further extend our expertise to offer assistance in finding a tutor to help your child gain admission to the independent school of their choice and excel academically. At Think Tutors, we provide guidance on schools, interview preparation, and examination readiness, leaving no stone unturned.

Independent Day Schools

Day schools present a practical option for families seeking to preserve a conventional family structure, wherein students attend school and classes during the day, returning to the comfort of their homes in the evening.

The Benefits of Independent Day Schools:

Familiar Surroundings: For certain children, attending a school in close proximity to their residence provides a greater sense of comfort and security than others. Additionally, it may allow children to maintain established friendships with peers from their community, which can foster a sense of belonging and social support.

Diversity in Extracurricular Activities: Able to participate in after-school clubs and activities, students are afforded the opportunity to receive a complete education and engage in interpersonal communication beyond the confines of the school environment.

The Disadvantages of Independent Day Schools:

Limited Resources: Compared to boarding schools, day schools may possess relatively fewer resources and facilities, potentially impeding the quality and scope of education offered to their students.

Distractions Abound: The familiarity and comfort of home may inadvertently present certain distractions, such as television and video games, which could potentially impede the academic performance, personal growth, and overall development of students.

Boarding Schools

Conversely, boarding schools offer students a distinctive prospect to reside and study in a 24-hour academic environment, providing a comprehensive educational experience beyond that which is achievable through day schools.

The Benefits of Boarding Schools:

Undivided Focus on Education: Students at boarding schools have the luxury of focusing solely on their education, away from the distractions of home.

Strong Sense of Community: Boarding schools cultivate a cohesive sense of community amongst their students through Houses, which provide a supportive environment for personal growth and development.

Increased Independence: Residing in a boarding school environment facilitates the development of self-reliance and independence in students, as they adapt to the demands of an autonomous living situation and become more self-sufficient.

The Disadvantages of Boarding Schools:

Separation from Family: The adjustment to a boarding school can pose a challenge for students and families, particularly for those who are accustomed to close proximity to their homes and support from parents and other family members also.

High Cost: Boarding schools typically involve higher costs compared to day schools, rendering them unfeasible for certain families as a potential education option.

Contact Think Tutors

Ultimately, the decision to opt for a day school or boarding school is contingent on the subjective preferences and priorities of the individual and their family. It is imperative to consider the merits and drawbacks of each alternative and arrive at a well-informed decision that optimally serves the needs of the student and their family.

Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors’ elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the admissions process for day and boarding schools. With tutors who are experts in independent school admissions, we ensure entrance at 7/8+, 11+, 13+ and 16+, in addition to any other entry point. Please contact us if you are interested in finding a tutor to help your child enter the school of their choice and succeed in their studies.