ISEB examinations: A deep-dive into the syllabus

Clea B

University of Oxford and University of Sydney

A deep-dive into the syllabus for the 11+

English

Split into two sections: Comprehension and Spag (spelling, punctuation and grammar)

• Comprehension:

  • Assesses close analysis and interpretation of text.

  • Candidates get 300-500-word passages (fiction/non-fiction/poetry, various time periods).

  • Tests skills: vocabulary, inference, retrieval, summarising, literary devices (metaphor, simile, etc.), comparisons.

• Spag (Spelling, punctuation and Grammar):

  • Spelling: patterns & exception words.

  • Grammar: word classes, sentence structure, formal/informal language.

  • Punctuation: using punctuation correctly.

  • Vocabulary: difficult words, word families, affixes.

  • Question types: fill-in-blanks, shuffled sentences, multiple choice.

Maths

Based on KS2 national curriculum. Tested topics:

• Fractions, decimals and percentages

• Measurement

• Geometry

• Statistics

• Calculations (division, multiplication, addition, subtraction)

• Number and place value

Verbal reasoning

Tests logic & critical thinking via language-based questions. Assesses vocabulary, problem-solving, trial-and-error. Question types:

• Letter codes, Homographs, Synonyms/antonyms, Join the words

• Transfer a letter, Number codes

Non-verbal reasoning questions

Assesses logic/critical thinking via figures/diagrams. Two question types:

• Analyse 2D diagrams (patterns, similarities/differences, complete diagrams/codes)

• Manipulate 3D figures (visualise differently). Example questions: complete sequences, count cubes, match pairs, find codes.

A deep-dive into the syllabus for the 13+

Science

Compulsory at Common Entrance. Aims: stimulate curiosity, extend knowledge, develop experimental skills.

• Biology: Material cycles/energy, interactions/interdependences, variation/evolution/inheritance, genetics/classification, structure/function of living things.

• Chemistry: Atomic nature of matter, elements/compounds, pure/impure substances/physical changes, chemical reactions.

• Physics: Energy, motion/forces, waves, electricity/magnetism.

• Exam levels: Level 1 (60-min combined paper), Level 2 (40-min separate papers per discipline), Level 3 (90-min scholarship combined paper).

Maths

Compulsory. Candidates sit Level 1/2/3 (2 papers). All take non-calculator arithmetic + calculator/multiple-choice paper. Tested topics (aligned to national curriculum): Number, Geometry, Algebra, Statistics/Probability, Ratio/proportion.

English

Compulsory. Split into Reading (Comprehension) & Writing (Composition):

• Reading: Foundation (unseen prose) or Core (unseen prose/poetry/drama) (1h10m).

• Writing: 1h15m, choose 2 from 4 options (narrative, descriptive, report, speech, etc.).

French / German / Spanish

Optional. Split into Level 1/2. Assesses listening, speaking, reading, writing. Topics: Daily life, places of interest, local/national cuisine, traditions/festivals.

History

Optional. Covers 3 periods: Medieval Realms (1066-1485), Making of UK (1485-1750), Britain & Empire (1750-1914). Exam: Section A (unseen evidence, 20 marks), Section B (essay, 30 marks).

Geography

Optional. Exam: Fieldwork enquiry (40 marks), written exam (80 marks). Topics: Location knowledge, Physical Geography, Ordnance Survey Map Reading, Human/Environmental Geography.

TPR (Theology, Philosophy and Religion)

Optional. Exam covers 3 sections (theology, philosophy, religion); answer 1 question from 2 sections. Topics: Theology (God/world, human responses), Philosophy (Great Thinkers’ ideas/ethics), Religion (beliefs/teachings/practices).

Classical Greek

Optional. 60-min paper. Topics: translation, vocabulary, grammar, word manipulation.

Latin

Optional. 60-min paper (4 questions):

1. Translation (comprehension of a passage)

2. Translation (≈50 words)

3. Grammar

4. Translation (4 English sentences to Latin)

Key terms

• ISEB: Independent Schools Examination Board (UK independent schools’ exam body, run by 3 associations).

• 11+ examinations: ISEB Common Pre-Test, taken by Year 6 students (ages 10-11).

• 13+ examinations: Taken by Year 8 students.