How do I register my child for the 13-plus exam (CE) exams?

Timing is everything when it comes to the 13+ exam. Ensuring your child is registered at the right time can significantly affect their preparation and performance.

Balancing your child's school schedules and extracurricular activities with your busy work schedule can make it easy to miss registration dates. Missing the registration deadline could mean your child misses out on a valuable opportunity to attend a top independent school.

In this article, we’ll cover all the important dates for the 13+ exam registration timeline and provide essential tips to keep the process smooth and stress-free. Whether your child is in Year 7 or Year 8, knowing the right time to register is crucial for a successful application.

Related: A Complete Guide to 13+ Exams for Parents

When is the 13 Plus exam?

The timing of testing varies depending on the specific school you are applying to. Like the 11 Plus exam, these tests are generally taken about a year before the intended start date.

The Common Entrance exam, provided by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB), is the primary assessment for most 13 Plus examinations. 

Source: ISEB

Three examination sessions are scheduled for November, January, and May/June. Most schools conduct exams in June, while the November exams are typically used for mock exam practice.

Since parts of the exam occur at different times, keeping track of all the details can be challenging. Admission test dates are often scheduled well in advance, sometimes years ahead.

Please refer to the attached document for precise examination dates from 2024 to 2025.

How to register for the 13-plus exam?

13-plus exam takers are typically registered for the examinations by their respective prep schools. The ISEB has modified the process for schools to register candidates for Common Entrance (CE) exams.

If your child attends a state school or an independent school that does not administer Common Entrance exams, parents or guardians must register them online through the ISEB website.

In this scenario, if your child needs to take an exam, they can do so at an exam sitting centre, which may be located at their current school if the school staff are available to supervise the exams. 

Additionally, as a parent, it will be your responsibility to ensure that your child is adequately prepared for the entrance exams. This preparation should occur outside of their regular school hours without assistance from their current school.

TOP TIP: Contact your current and prospective schools at least two years before applying. This will help you understand their specific application processes, which can vary.

How much is the 13-plus exam?

The fee for candidates taking the exam in the UK is £140. This fee is mandatory and should be considered when planning for the exam.

If you are only taking one subject examination, the fee is £30, which covers the costs of printing and delivering the exams.

In addition to the examination fee, several administrative fees may apply:

• Late entry fee: £50 if you submit your entry after the closing date.

• Amendment fee: £5 for changes to candidate details such as subject information or addresses.

Thoroughly review all details before applying to avoid unnecessary additional charges.

What is the difference between the 13 Plus and 11 Plus exams?

The 11 Plus and 13 Plus exams differ in the age at which they are taken and the content covered. The 11 Plus tests four main topics: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, Mathematics, and English. 

For a detailed understanding of the 11 Plus exam, refer to the article: A Complete Guide to 11+ Exams for Parents.

The 13 Plus exam covers a broader range of subjects. The difficulty level of each subject may vary by school, and some schools require additional subjects.

Compulsory exams typically include English, Mathematics, and science. The English exam has two components: written skills and reading comprehension.

The Mathematics exam includes three papers: a calculator paper, a non-calculator paper, and a mental arithmetic paper. The science exam may consist of one comprehensive or three separate papers covering biology, chemistry, and physics.

Many schools require exams in humanities or modern foreign languages, which may include a speaking component in addition to core subjects.

It is usual to feel overwhelmed when planning for these exams. Contact your destination school to learn the specific exams your child needs to take. You can also access exam specifications and sample papers on the ISEB website.

For a detailed comparison, check out 11-plus vs 13-plus Exams Explained for Parents.

Conclusion

Ensuring your child is registered for the 13-plus (CE) exams on time is crucial for their success and future educational opportunities. Balancing school schedules and extracurricular activities can be challenging, but following this guide will help you navigate the registration process smoothly and avoid missing important deadlines.

The 13 Plus exam is a significant milestone, and early preparation is crucial. Contact your current and prospective schools well in advance to understand their specific requirements and application processes. This proactive approach will help avoid last-minute surprises and give your child the best chance of success.

Finally, examination fees and any potential additional charges should be considered when planning. By staying organised and informed, you can help your child achieve their academic goals and secure a place at a top independent school.

We wish you the best of luck with your applications.