"11+" and "13+" are simply the two main ages at which children join UK independent senior schools. The numbers refer to age, the entry year differs accordingly, and — importantly — the assessment routes are quite different. Understanding both helps you choose schools that suit your child rather than being led by a deadline.
11+ entry
- Joining from a primary or prep school that ends at 11
- Typically assessed by written exams and interview in Year 6
- Common for schools that run 11–18
- Child settles into senior school a little younger
13+ entry
- Joining from a prep school that continues to 13
- Often a pre-test in Year 6/7, then Common Entrance in Year 8
- Common for many traditional senior and boarding schools
- Child has two extra years at prep before the move
How the assessments differ
This is where the two routes genuinely diverge, and it shapes how you prepare.
11+ assessment
For independent schools, 11+ usually involves written papers — commonly English and maths, sometimes with verbal and non-verbal reasoning — followed by an interview. Grammar schools run their own 11+ test, typically in early September of Year 6. Formats vary widely between schools, so it pays to know exactly what each target school sets.
13+ assessment
The 13+ route often begins earlier than people expect. Many senior schools now use the ISEB Common Pre-Test — an online, adaptive test usually taken in Year 6 or 7 — to make conditional offers well before entry. The main assessment, Common Entrance (or a school's own exam), is then sat in Year 8, covering a broader range of subjects. Interviews and references also play a part.
The deadline trap: because 13+ pre-tests can fall in Year 6, families aiming for 13+ sometimes need to register earlier than those aiming for 11+, despite their child starting senior school two years later. Always work backwards from each school's published dates.
How to think about which is right
There is no universally "better" entry point — it depends on your child and your circumstances. A few things worth weighing:
- Your child's current school: a prep school ending at 11 points naturally to 11+; one running to 13 points to 13+.
- The target schools: some only take pupils at one entry point. Your shortlist may make the decision for you.
- Readiness and maturity: some children thrive moving at 11; others benefit from two more years to develop before a larger school.
- Boarding intentions: many boarding schools have a strong 13+ tradition, though 11+ boarding entry exists too.
Unsure which entry point fits your child?
We help families think this through clearly — matching the entry point and the schools to the child, not the other way round.
Get in touchThis guide is provided for general information about UK independent school admissions. Assessment formats, including use of the ISEB Common Pre-Test and Common Entrance, vary by school and change over time — always confirm directly with each school.