What is the 13+ exam?
Overview
The 13+ exam is an entrance examination taken by students in the UK in year 8 in order to gain entry into selective secondary schools, including independent and grammar schools. The exam consists of a variety of tests, including English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Many private schools admitting pupils in Year 9 will use the 13+ exam to select students. The nature of this exam can vary enormously between schools, so there is little common ground on what they are assessing or expecting.
How to choose the Right School?
1. Research:
Research different grammar & independent schools in your local area and decide which one best fits your educational requirements.
2. Location:
Consider how far away the school is from your home and how accessible it is by public transport.
3. Visit:
Visit the schools at open days and get a feel for the atmosphere. Talk to the staff and students and get an insight into the school culture.
4. Extra curricular activites:
Find out what extra-curricular activities the school offers, such as sports and music. There may be scholarships associated with these.
5. Admissions Process:
Understand the admissions process and the criteria used to select students. You can ask more about it at open days and students who already have gone through the process!
6. Test and extra help:
If the school requires an entrance exam, be sure to practice and prepare for the test. A tutor with a track record of securing places in competitive Grammar Schools can really boost your chances. Our tutors have helped students get into Manchester Grammar, King Edwards VI, City of London School, Dulwich College and more!
7. Tuition fees:
Make sure you can afford the tuition fees. Some schools have various scholarships and assisted places available, which you can find out about on their website or through their admissions team.
8. Apply:
Submit your application and all necessary documents in a timely manner.
When should you start preparing for the 13+?
It is recommended to start preparing for the 13+ exam around 12-18 months before the exam date. This gives you enough time to familiarise yourself with the structure of the tests, practice and become familiar with the types of questions asked. You should also aim to attend tutoring sessions, if available, to learn how to answer the questions effectively and increase your chances of success. Our tutors have helped students get into Manchester Grammar, King Edwards VI, City of London School, Dulwich College and more!
Interviews
After succeeding in the 13+ exam, many schools call in candidates to interview to get to know the student and assess whether they would be suitable for their selective school.
- Family (e.g. How do you like to spend time as a family?)
- Your school (e.g. What is your favourite thing about your current school?)
- Reading (e.g. What’s your favourite book and why?)
- Academics (e.g. What is your most and least favourite subjects?)
- Extracurricular (e.g. What interests would you like to pursue further at your new school?)
- Hobbies (e.g. What do you like to do in your free time?)
- Achievements (e.g. How would you like to be remembered?)
- Ambitions (e.g. What would you like to do in your career?)
- Strengths (e.g. How would your best friend describe you?)
- School choice (e.g. What is it about [PROSPECTIVE SCHOOL] that most excites you?)
- Logical thinking (e.g. Is it better to be relentless or nice?)
- Task (e.g. Imagine I can’t see this picture. Describe it for me.)
- Poem (e.g. What do you think this poem is about?)
- Mental maths (e.g. If N = 3 + 5m, find ‘N’ when ‘m’ equals 6)
- Object (e.g. Tell me why you’re wearing that colour tie?
The Process of the 13+
Typically the admissions process for 13+ consists of the following:
- Visit prospective school
- Registration for prospective school
- Year 7 school reports requested, with reference from the current headteacher
- Entrance exams
- Interview
- Offers
