Success in the 13+ Common Entrance Exams
What Are Common Entrance Exams?
The Common Entrance (CE) exams are a series of test papers used to evaluate students who are interested in attending U.K. boarding and independent schools. The Common Entrance exams are taken either in a candidate’s final year of primary school or in the second year of secondary school for entrance into Year 9. The former is referred to as the 11+, the latter is the 13+. The Common Entrance exams, whether at 11+ or 13+, are carefully designed to ensure candidates are prepared to meet the academic challenges of their preferred school. In the case of the 13+ Common Entrance exams, applications will usually sit their papers around May or June.
What Makes the 13+ Different?
As to be expected, the 13+ Common Entrance is a more rigorous test of a student’s knowledge and abilities than the 11+ exam. The 13+ Common Entrance contains three core components. These are English, mathematics, and science (this being a combination of biology, chemistry, and physics). In addition to these core components, candidates may be required to complete examination papers in up to five more subjects, including a modern language—for example, French, Spanish, or German—as well as history, geography, and religious studies. In some cases, there are also papers in Latin, Classical Greek, and Classical Civilisations. The papers are usually timed between 40 minutes and 90 minutes and can contain a mixture of question types, from multiple-choice, to short-answer and extended essay-style questions, depending upon the subject.
The 13+ English Paper
The English paper for the 13+ Common Entrance assessment is offered at two levels, either Foundation or Core, and divided into two sections, reading and writing. The first section assesses the candidate’s understanding of an unseen prose passage across a number of question types, from multiple choice to longer response questions. The second section of the 13+ Common Entrance English paper is focused on gaining an understanding of the candidate’s writing ability. Candidates choose two prompts from four, which may include but are not limited to narrative writing, descriptive writing, and persuasive writing. Regardless of the style, examiners are looking for a well-structured piece of writing with a varied vocabulary and even tone that addresses the prompt. The reading portion of the exam lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes, while the writing section is timed at 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Maths for 13+
Regarding maths at 13+, the exam is offered at three levels. These are Foundation (or Level 1), Core (Level 2), and Additional (Level 3). All 13+ Common Entrance candidates take either Foundation or Core. However, those at Core level may also take the Additional paper. Both Foundation and Core candidates must complete two papers of 60 minutes each. The first paper allows the use of a calculator; the second paper does not. There is also a mental arithmetic test that lasts 10 minutes and is required for both levels. If a candidate is taking the Additional level, they must complete one other paper lasting 60 minutes.
Understanding-the-13-Science-Component
Similarly to the English 13+ Common Entrance Examination, the science Common Entrance can be taken at either Foundation or Core level. If a student is sitting the science Common Entrance at Foundation level, they will complete one 60 minute combined science exam paper. Candidates sitting the Core level exam will instead sit three papers, one each in biology, chemistry, and physics, with each paper lasting 40 minutes. Regardless of the level, 13+ Common Entrance candidates who are sitting the science examination will be allowed to use calculators, if needed.
Tips and Strategies for the 13+
There are a number of tips and strategies to ensure success in the 13+ Common Entrance examination. First and foremost is making sure adequate time has been allotted to preparation. The exams cannot be attempted without thorough revision. Consequently, students should begin their studies at least 6 months prior to the exam date. However, the more time that can be given over to preparation the better. Moreover, to ensure the most effective revision sessions possible, a clear study plan should be developed. This plan should be realistic in terms of what can be achieved in a given day, as well as varied with regard to content so as to ensure students remain interested and engaged. Lastly, it is crucial that past papers are incorporated into revision sessions. By making use of past papers, 13+ Common Entrance candidates can familiarise themselves with the format of the exam and the types of questions that are commonly asked.
BartyED and 13+ Tuition
As is evident from the above, the 13+ Common Entrance Exam is a challenge for even the most adept student. However, the task of preparing for the exams does not have to be undertaken alone.
At BartyED, our team of expert tutors have a wealth of experience guiding students through the challenging 13+ Common Entrance exams. Our student-focused approach to education means that 13+ candidates receive tailored support to best prepare them for sitting the Common Entrance examinations. So, if you think that your child could benefit from the experience and expertise of a BartyED 13+ Common Entrance tutor, contact us today by phone (+852 2882 1017), email (enquiries@bartyed.com), or through our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The 13+ Common Entrance exam is a series of tests used to evaluate students interested in attending UK boarding and independent schools.
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There are three core components of the 13+ Common Entrance exam. These are English, maths, and science.
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It is common for 13+ candidates to complete a modern language exam paper. Typically, candidates sit a paper in either French, German, or Spanish.
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Students should begin revising no later than 6 months prior to their test date. However, the earlier that a candidate begins the revision process the better.