Will My Child Pass the 11+ or 13+?  What Top School Tutors Want You to Know

Every parent wants to know the same thing: Will my child pass?

With schools like Eton, Harrow, and Wycombe Abbey on the horizon, the pressure is real—and so are the questions.

The ISEB Pretest, 11+, and 13+ exams aren’t just about academics; they test timing, confidence, and strategic thinking.

As tutors who’ve guided many students into these elite schools, we’ve learned a few truths that parents need to hear.

Here’s how we really assess whether your child is likely to succeed.

It’s Not Just About Scores

Parents often ask, "What score do they need to pass?" But it’s more nuanced than that. Top schools aren’t just looking at one test result. They’re considering your child’s performance across multiple areas: academics, interviews, attitude, and even extracurricular interests.

A student with strong reasoning skills and consistent preparation can often outperform those who rely solely on being "bright."

We Use Comprehensive Academic Assessments

At Cambridge Academic Tuition, we begin with a detailed academic assessment. This gives us standardised age scores across key areas such as English, Maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.

These scores provide a clear benchmark, helping us identify your child's strengths and pinpoint exactly where support is needed. It's not just about where they are now, but how they progress over time.

We Look for Patterns in Performance

Rather than obsessing over one mock test, we watch how your child performs over time. Are they improving in speed and accuracy? Do they show problem-solving resilience under pressure? Are verbal and non-verbal reasoning scores moving in sync?

These patterns help us predict readiness far more reliably than a one-off exam.

The Confidence Factor

Believe it or not, confidence is a major indicator. Children who feel prepared and supported tend to handle high-stakes exams better. That’s why we focus so much on building familiarity with question styles, pacing, and test formats.

Practice breeds confidence. Confidence improves results.

Red Flags We Watch For

• Consistent underperformance in a specific area
• Anxiety that affects test performance
• Inability to finish within the time limit
• Reliance on guesswork rather than reasoning

These aren't deal-breakers, but they are areas we address early.

What Parents Can Do

The best thing you can do is stay curious, not anxious. Ask questions. Partner with your tutor. And remember: progress takes time.

We provide regular feedback, performance reviews, and even benchmark data to show you exactly where your child stands.

Final Tips

Don’t wait for panic season to start prepping.

Readiness isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being consistent, strategic, and well-supported.

And yes, as experienced tutors, we cantell when a child is on track to pass. The key is keeping lines of communication open and staying focused on growth, not just grades.

How Many Hours a Week Should Your Child Study for the ISEB Pre-Test?

It’s one of the most common questions we hear: “How much time should my child be studying each week for the ISEB Pre-Test?”

And it’s a great question, because when it comes to prepping for something as important as entrance to schools like Eton or Wycombe Abbey, time isn’t just money, it’s opportunity.

Here’s what you need to know about balancing time, preparation, and results.

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer

Each child is different. Some need more support with reasoning skills, while others may be building stamina or boosting speed.

That’s why at Cambridge Academic Tuition, we always start with a baseline assessment to determine exactly where your child stands.

From there, we create a personalised weekly study plan.

The General Guideline: 3 to 4 Hours a Week

Most students benefit from around 3 to 4 hours of focused ISEB prep weekly.

This typically includes:

• A minimum of 2 hours of tutor sessions per week
• Additional sessions if starting late or if there are gaps in      knowledge
• At least 30 minutes of independent practice each day
• Occasional practice papers under timed conditions

The key is consistency. A steady weekly routine beats last-minute cramming every time.

Younger Students May Need Less Time (At First)

If your child is starting prep in Year 2 or early Year 3, we begin slowly.

Sessions might be just 30 minutes a few times a week, gradually increasing as they build confidence and the test date approaches.

Quality Over Quantity

It’s not just how long they study, it’s how well they use that time.

We focus on high-impact strategies: reviewing common question types, timed drills, and feedback loops to track progress.

Sessions are designed to sharpen skills and boost confidence, not just “get through” content.

Watch for Signs of Overload

You know your child best. If they’re showing signs of stress, frustration, or fatigue, that’s a sign to pause and reassess. 

We’re big believers in building a positive learning relationship, not pushing a child to the point of resistance.

Final Thoughts

ISEB prep doesn’t need to dominate your child’s life, but it does need to be consistent, structured, and guided by clear goals.

With the right plan and support, 3 to 4 hours a week is usually more than enough.

Need help building a smart study routine for your child? That’s what we’re here for.

Founder at Cambridge Academic Tuition | UK Independent School Entrance Exam Specialist | University of Cambridge Qualified Teacher | International Educational Consultant and Private Tutor for Students aged 3 to 18 years