The UK's Leading 13+ Tutors in London & Online
The 13+ Common Entrance (CE) is a national examination set by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) and taken by pupils in Year 8. It assesses readiness for entry into leading independent schools such as Eton, Harrow, Westminster, and St Paul’s.
The 13+ Common Entrance exam is a key milestone for pupils aiming to secure places at the UK’s most prestigious independent secondary schools.
At Elite British Admissions, we provide expert one-to-one tutoring to prepare students for success in this rigorous examination, ensuring a smooth transition from prep school to senior school.
Our Approach
We believe admissions success is never about luck. It’s about strategy, preparation, and excellence. That is why our consultancy combines:
Guaranteed Results
We guarantee your child will receive an offer from at least one of their top three schools.
*conditions apply
Proven Track Road
In 2025, 3 in 4 of our students secured offers from their first-choice schools, including Eton, Harrow, and Oxbridge.
Expert Admissions Consulting
Guidance on school selection, applications, interviews, and assessments.
Premium Support
24/7 Whatsapp access for parents, designed for busy schedules.
What Does the 13+ Common Entrance Include?
English
- Reading comprehension, essay writing, grammar, and literary analysis.
Mathematics
- Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving.
Science
- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics theory and application.
Humanities and Languages
- Typically includes History and Geography, with some schools also assessing Latin, French, or other modern languages according to their own admissions criteria.
At a Glance
- Subjects: English, Maths, Science, Humanities and Languages
- Format: 1-to-1 lessons, online or in-person
- Personalisation: Lessons tailored to each child’s pace and attention span
- Focus: Confidence, exam skills, and specialist subject support
Book Your Private Consultation
Book your complimentary online consultation today.
We will review your child’s goals, recommend suitable schools and map out the best route to a successful offer.
Places are limited, as our consultants work exclusively with a small number of families each year.
13+ Common Entrance Exam FAQs
Most families start preparing during Year 7, giving pupils around a year to eighteen months to build solid foundations in core subjects. This timeframe allows students to strengthen their academic skills, develop exam confidence, and become comfortable with the written format used at 13+.
Early preparation is especially helpful for those holding conditional offers from highly selective schools such as Eton, Harrow, Westminster, or St Paul’s.
Many of the UK’s leading independent senior schools still use the 13+ Common Entrance to confirm entry. These include Eton College, Harrow School, Winchester College, Westminster School, and St Paul’s.
Some other independent schools, particularly those outside London, continue to use the exam as their main route of entry if they do not run the ISEB Pre-Test.
All pupils sit papers in English, Mathematics, and Science. Most also take History and Geography, while some schools include Latin, French, or another modern language depending on their specific entry requirements.
The ISEB Pre-Test is a computer-based adaptive exam, typically taken in Year 6 or 7, and is used by senior schools to identify and shortlist candidates. The 13+ Common Entrance, taken in Year 8, is a written examination that confirms whether the pupil has achieved the academic standard promised at pre-test stage. Both play complementary roles within the admissions process.
Preparation works best when it combines consistent academic development with exposure to real exam conditions. At Elite British Admissions, our 13+ tutors in London design bespoke programmes focusing on English, Maths, Science, and Humanities.
Pupils complete timed mock papers, receive detailed feedback, and refine their study habits so that, by the time they sit the exams, they are confident, well-prepared, and performing at their true potential.