Is your child transitioning from Year 8 to Year 9 soon? Chances are, you’ve come across the terms Common Entrance and the 13+ or 13 plus exam whilst researching senior schools. That said, this may not always be well explained, leaving many parents wondering what it is and whether it is a prerequisite for all schools.
In a nutshell, the Common Entrance exam or 13 plus exam is taken by Year 8 students before they enter Year 9 at independent senior schools. Despite being a long-established route that’s been around for more than 100 years, not every independent school uses it today. In fact, many schools such as Lord Wandsworth College have their own assessment methods and a broader admissions process designed to build a well-rounded child. Keep reading to learn more about the Common Entrance exams, how it relates to the 13+ exam, and what LWC’s alternative assessment for Year 9 entails.
Key Takeaways
- The Common Entrance exam is a set of written exams (set by ISEB since 1904) taken in Year 8 as a route into Year 9 at many independent senior schools.
- The 13+ exam and Common Entrance are often the same thing, though some schools set their own 13+ papers or use alternative assessments.
- Common Entrance usually confirms a place already offered; it is not, in most cases, a first-round selection test.
- Not all independent schools use a Common Entrance; a growing number have moved towards approaches that consider the whole child.
- Lord Wandsworth College does not use the Common Entrance or the 13+ exam. Year 9 entry is based on holistic assessment. This comprises an online assessment, an assessment morning, a school report, and an informal interview.
- LWC’s approach is designed to be calmer and whole-child focused, identifying character and curiosity, rather than prioritising exam cramming.
What Is the Common Entrance Exam?
The Common Entrance exam is a standardised set of written examinations used by many independent senior schools for Year 9 entry. Taken by students aged 12–13 when they’re in Year 8, this exam helps schools assess academic readiness. That said, not every school uses this exam as part of its admissions process.
Where Does the Common Entrance Come From?
The Common Entrance examination has been set by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) since 1904. It was introduced to provide a consistent academic standard for students moving from preparatory schools to independent senior schools, and many schools continue to use it today.
Is the Common Entrance a Selection Test?
Usually not. Instead of acting as the first stage of selection, the Common Entrance exam actually confirms a place already offered, indicating that a student is ready for Year 9. However, this can vary between schools, and each school may also decide how much weight the exam carries for admissions.
What Is the 13 Plus (13+ Exam)?
The 13+ exam (or 13 plus) is the entrance assessment for Year 9 entry into independent senior schools, sat when a child is in Year 8 (age 12-13). For many schools, the 13+ takes the form of the Common Entrance exam; others set their own 13+ papers. In practice, ’13+’ and ‘Common Entrance’ are often used to mean the same thing, though some schools use alternative assessments instead.
Is the 13+ the Same As the Common Entrance?
When used interchangeably, they’re often referring to the same thing as many schools use the Common Entrance examination as their 13+ exam. However, it may not always be the case, as some schools set their own assessments, meaning the 13 plus exam can be entirely different from the Common Entrance.
When Is the 13+ Exam Taken?
The 13+ exam is usually taken during Year 8, most commonly in the summer term before students begin Year 9. Some schools also offer autumn assessments, so it’s important to check each school’s admissions timetable as you prepare your child for entry.
What Does the Common Entrance Exam Involve?
It involves several subject-based tests that can last anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes each, taken over the course of two to four days. The Common Entrance exam subjects usually include compulsory papers such as English, Maths, and Science, alongside optional subjects chosen by individual schools.
The table below summarises the Common Entrance exam subjects involved plus a few key details to take note of:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Core subjects | English, Mathematics, Science (compulsory papers) |
| Optional subjects | French, Latin, Geography, History, Religious Studies, Spanish, German, Classical Greek |
| Levels | Papers set at up to 3 difficulty levels (Level 1-3) |
| When | Year 8 – usually June, sometimes November |
| Set by | Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB), since 1904 |
| Marked by | The receiving senior school (no central pass mark) |
| Purpose | Usually confirms a place already offered – not a first-round selection |
Do All Independent Schools Use Common Entrance?
Not all independent schools use the Common Entrance exam for admissions. Despite being an established method to assess students’ academic ability and potential, an increasing number of schools, including LWC, now use their own assessments or broader admissions processes.
The Shift Away From the Common Entrance
In recent years, some independent schools have moved away from relying solely on Common Entrance exams. This is because it focuses too much on test results whilst carrying a lot of pressure. By introducing different admissions approaches that are more flexible and comprehensive, schools are able to consider a wider range of qualities, including character, curiosity and other personal strengths alongside academic potential.
Why Are Schools Rethinking the Common Entrance?
Schools are increasingly looking for ways to understand each student beyond exam performance alone. However, the Common Entrance does not facilitate this as it relies too heavily on intensive tutoring or memorising content to score well. Instead, a broader and more holistic admissions process that looks at the whole child can provide a fuller picture of their abilities, interests, and readiness to thrive in a new school environment.
For families exploring independent school admissions Year 9, it is important to check each school’s individual requirements. Some continue to use the Common Entrance, whilst others have developed alternative assessments that reflect their own educational approach.
How Year 9 Entry Works at Lord Wandsworth College
Rather than using the Common Entrance examination or 13+ exam, students joining Year 9 (3rd Form) at Lord Wandsworth College are evaluated based on the school’s own holistic assessment comprising the LWC Pre-Test, an assessment morning, a school report, and an informal interview. Designed to assess the whole child, these assessments level the playing field for a wide range of learners whilst helping LWC to identify children who are intellectually curious and ‘prepared to have a go’.
What LWC’s Year 9 Assessment Involves
Here’s a closer look at all four elements of LWC’s very own assessment approach for Year 9 entry. Besides evaluating a candidate’s academic strengths, there are also opportunities to showcase your character and potential.
- An online assessment — also known as the LWC Pre-Test, it is an adaptive test of reasoning, maths and English, which can be taken at the child’s current school or at LWC.
- An assessment morning — where creative thinking, problem-solving, analysis and teamwork are observed in a supportive, lower-pressure setting.
- A school report — a reference from the child’s current school is considered as part of the process.
- An informal interview — a conversation with the Head or a member of the senior team, to get to know the child as a person.
| Factor | Common Entrance / 13+ (traditional) | LWC’s Year 9 Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Written subject exams (English, Maths, Science + options) | Online adaptive assessment + assessment morning |
| When sat | Year 8, formal exam conditions | Year before entry, lower-pressure setting |
| What’s measured | Curriculum knowledge / exam performance | Curiosity, problem-solving, reasoning, teamwork |
| Prep required | Often months of tutoring / past papers | No heavy exam cramming needed |
| Set by | ISEB (or individual senior schools) | LWC’s own holistic process |
| Marked by | The receiving senior school | LWC, alongside school report + interview |
| Pressure on child | High – formal, exam-heavy | Lower – designed to let children ‘have a go’ |
| Whole-child view? | Limited – academic focus | Yes – includes interview + current school report |
For more info on all entry points at LWC, explore our school admissions overview.
Why LWC Takes a Holistic Approach to Year 9 Entry
LWC firmly believes in a rounded education that supports the whole child. That’s why we look beyond academic performance, and our holistic assessment for Year 9 is designed in a way that really considers each student’s personal interests and character.
Assessing the Whole Child, Not Just Exam Performance
Whilst academic ability is incredibly important to us (which you will see reflected in our exam results), it only paints one part of the picture. There are other equally important qualities that LWC values deeply, such as curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
A Calmer, Less Pressured Route Into Senior School
When everything is dependent on a single written exam, the stakes are high and students inevitably feel the pressure from having to prepare months in advance. As a school that prioritises student wellbeing and mental health, LWC’s balanced, low-pressure approach gives students various opportunities to demonstrate their strengths, personality, and readiness for senior school.
Who LWC’s Approach Is Designed For
LWC’s holistic Year 9 assessments are designed for all types of learners from different backgrounds. As long as you are curious, passionate, ambitious, and hungry to make a positive difference, you have the potential to thrive within our warm, close-knit community. Students interested in academic, sporting, or creative opportunities can also learn more about our scholarships.
If you’re unfamiliar with the curriculum students begin in Year 9, read our guides to What Is Key Stage 4? and Year 9 GCSE Options.
Curious about how your child could join LWC in Year 9? Our Admissions Team is happy to talk you through the process — no exam cramming required. Book a visit or get in touch. [Link: /admissions/joining-our-third-form-year-9/] [Link: /admissions/visit-us/]