Success in 10+Common Entrance Exam

What Is the Common Entrance Exam for 10+?

Common Entrance exams are taken by students who are looking to gain admission into selective UK grammar or independent schools. The most frequently sat Common Entrance exams are the 10+, 11+, and 13+. These three Common Entrance exams are categories according to student age. So, 10+ candidates will be around 9 or 10 years old and typically in Year 5, while those sitting the 11+ will be in their final year of primary, and 13+ candidates will be in secondary school. 

Regarding the 10+ Common Entrance exam, there is no standardisation in terms of the structure, format, with the content varying between schools. This, of course, poses a challenge for 10+ candidates when it comes to revising. However, most of the 10+ Common Entrance exams are broadly similar and will usually test a pupil’s maths and English abilities (reading and writing). Additionally, the 10+ Common Entrance exam may include a verbal and non-verbal reasoning paper. Most schools list the subjects tested in their entrance exams on their websites.

Why Take the Common Entrance at 10?

The 10+ Common Entrance exam is taken by children who are applying for a place in Year 6 at an independent or UK grammar school. As 11+ entry for top UK schools becomes increasingly competitive, many parents are considering the less competitive 10+ Common Entrance exams as an early-entry point for their children. Students who are successful in the 10+ are typically not required to take the 11 + the following year, unless they want to be considered for a bursary or scholarship program. However, it is worth noting that there are only a handful of schools that offer the exam or have a 10+ entry route, so this option may not be available to all.

How Important Is the Common Entrance for 10+?

Sitting the 10+ Common Entrance exam can have many benefits. Preparations for the 11+ exam can be incredibly stressful for both parents and pupils, with the exam being a considerable step up from the 10+. Consequently, it could be a better option to opt for the less competitive 10+ Common Entrance exam. Taking the 10+ can mitigate some of that stress, while increasing a student’s chances of gaining entry into their preferred school. 

However it is important to acknowledge that a 10+ Common Entrance exam score does not guarantee a place at a UK school, as many other factors are taken into consideration. Some schools may also require an interview, reports from a student’s current school, or other assessments and activities before a decision is made.

Tips and Strategies for Students Studying for the Common Entrance 10+ Exam

There are a number of key skills routinely tested that candidates should focus on when preparing for Common Entrance exams. 

The 10+ Common Entrance English exam is usually divided between comprehension and writing. Candidates are required to understand and interpret age-appropriate texts, testing students’ vocabulary and inference skills. Therefore, revision strategies should focus on creative uses of vocabulary, spelling, handwriting, and accurate uses of punctuation, clauses, and paragraphs. 

The 10+ Common Entrance maths exams will usually be based on the full Year 5 curriculum. To meet the requirements of this syllabus, students should focus on improving their problem-solving abilities, arithmetic skills, and their knowledge of times tables. By no means an exhaustive list of topics, proficiency in these areas is essential for success in the 10+ Common Entrance exam.

Making Use of Resources for the 10+ Common Entrance Exam

Parents are encouraged to make use of the plethora of Common Entrance exam resources. In particular, parents should utilise practice papers for 10+ exams, which can be easily accessed online. Once a student feels confident in their knowledge of the required topics, timed practice papers are an excellent way of consolidating this learning. Mock tests can highlight knowledge gaps, refine exam techniques, and develop the key problem-solving skills, all of which are necessary for scoring highly in a Common Entrance exam. Moreover, by imitating exam conditions and introducing the pressure of timed practice, mock tests can help to ease any nerves and anxieties that students might have about the exam. 

Revision Strategies for the 10+ Common Entrance Exam

To prepare for the 10+ Common Entrance exams, parents should begin by researching their preferred schools. This is recommended as many of the school’s websites will outline the format of their exams, as well as links to past papers and other useful resources. With a better idea of the content that will be tested, students can engage in more focused revision. For 9-10 year olds, a ‘little and often’ approach of short, but regular study sessions is best. These study sessions should consolidate classroom learning and improve a student's maths and English skills. Children preparing for the 10+ Common Entrance exams are also encouraged to read widely from a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, as strong reading habits will help to build integral vocabulary and comprehension skills.

How a BartyED Common Entrance Tutor Can Help with the 10+

For young learners, Common Entrance exams can be an intimidating prospect. They generally represent the first official exams that students complete and, so, carry more than a little pressure. 

At BartyED, we understand the challenges facing 10+ candidates. Our team of experienced Common Entrance tutors help students to prepare for their 10+ Common Entrance exams through consistent and individualised support. Our programs will typically begin with an individualised assessment to identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the learning styles and teaching approaches that are best suited to their needs. Following this assessment, a tutor will devise a carefully tailored lesson plan, focused on building and consolidating key skills. BartyED tutors are committed to helping students achieve their full learning potential. As a result, our teaching programmes have produced top results, as tutors have helped candidates gain admission to the UK’s most prestigious boarding schools.

If you think that your child could benefit from the guidance of a BartyED Common Entrance tutor, get in touch today by phone (2882 1017) or via email (enquiries@bartyed.com).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Common Entrance exams are admissions tests for selective UK grammar or independent schools.

  • Whether a student sits the 10+, 11+, or 13+ is dependent on their age at the time of application.

  • Typically, students must complete two sections, one English and one maths. However, they may also be required to complete additional sections related to verbal and no verbal reasoning.

  • It is recommended that students begin preparations at least 6 months before their exams.

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Common Entrance Exam, English, MathematicsMark Malone