UKiset Test: The Ultimate Guide to Preparation and Success for International Students
In this blog post, we cover the key UKiset test elements, including Reasoning, the Cambridge English Test and English essay writing, and provide you with tips and strategies to support your child to success in each of these areas. We will also explore the types of questions that students can expect to see on the UKiset test, as well as the key skills and knowledge areas that are assessed. Additionally, we will offer advice on effective study habits, including how to use practice tests and other resources to maximise learning and improve test-taking skills. With our expert guidance and practical tips, students be well-prepared to ace the UKISET and secure their place at the school of their dreams. So, let's get started!
What is the UKiset Test?
The UKiset Test is a standardised assessment used by many UK schools to evaluate the suitability of international students aged between 9 - 18 years old applying for admission. It assesses a student's English language proficiency, cognitive abilities, and academic potential. As an international student, it's crucial to perform well in the UKiset Test to increase one’s chances of securing a place in a top UK school. Further information on their website can be found here.
What is the UKiset Test Format?
The UKiset test is a standardised assessment used by many Independent Schools (e.g. Charterhouse, Cheltenham Ladies' College and Epsom College) in the United Kingdom to evaluate the academic potential of international students seeking admission. The test is designed to measure a student's ability across multiple key areas: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, essay writing, and English proficiency. It is split into three parts: Reasoning, Cambridge English Test, and English Essay Writing.
It is a computer-based test that takes approximately two and a half hours to complete and includes multiple-choice questions, as well as written and spoken components. The UKiset test is an essential part of the admissions process for many UK independent schools, and a good performance on the test can greatly improve a student's chances of gaining entry into their desired school.
Part 1: Reasoning (45 minutes)
The reasoning section of the UKiset test is a critical part of the exam, and it's essential to understand how it works to be able to prepare effectively. This computerised multiple-choice test is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the questions changes based on the candidate's answers. If the candidate answers a question correctly, they will be presented with more challenging questions, and if they answer incorrectly, the questions will become less difficult. The reasoning section takes 45 minutes to complete and is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different type of reasoning:
Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning section of the UKiset test evaluates a student's ability to understand and manipulate language. This section includes questions on vocabulary, comprehension, and logical thinking. Students will be asked to read passages of text and answer questions based on their understanding of the material. They may also be presented with a series of statements and asked to identify which one is most closely related to the given text. Success in the verbal reasoning section requires strong reading skills, a broad vocabulary, and the ability to reason logically. Useful revision materials can be found via Cambridge, here. We have also included our own suggested resources in this blog, based on our UKiset tutors’ wealth of experience in preparing students for the Ukiset Test.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
The non-verbal reasoning section of the UKiset test assesses a student's ability to understand and manipulate visual information. This section includes questions on spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical thinking. Students will be presented with a series of diagrams, shapes, and patterns, and will be asked to identify the relationship between them. They may also be presented with a series of shapes and asked to identify the missing piece. Success in the non-verbal reasoning section requires strong spatial awareness, visual thinking skills, and the ability to reason logically.
Mathematical Reasoning
The mathematical reasoning section of the UKiset test evaluates a student's ability to understand and solve mathematical problems. This section includes questions on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Students will be asked to solve equations, identify patterns, and apply mathematical principles to real-world problems. They may also be asked to interpret graphs and charts. Success in the mathematical reasoning section requires strong problem-solving skills, a solid understanding of mathematical concepts, and the ability to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios.
Part 2: Cambridge English Test (30 minutes)
In addition to the main reasoning sections, the UKiset test also includes a Cambridge English Test, which evaluates a student's English language proficiency. This section assesses a student's ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English, with a focus on academic and practical skills. The Cambridge English Test is recognised by universities and employers around the world, making it an essential part of the UKiset test for international students. The test includes a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, matching, and short-answer questions, and also includes a spoken component where students will be asked to engage in a conversation with an examiner. Success in the Cambridge English Test requires a strong grasp of English grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, as well as good reading and listening skills. By preparing thoroughly and practising their English language skills, students can perform well on this section of the UKiset test and increase their chances of gaining entry into their desired UK independent school.
Practice papers: Using the free online practice tests offered by Cambridge, students can acquaint themselves with the format and layout of the reading and listening test section of the UKiset.
Part 3: English Essay Writing Aptitude (30 minutes)
The UKiset test also includes an English essay writing component, which evaluates a student's ability to write in English. This section requires students to write a short essay on a given topic within a set time limit. The essay will be assessed based on various criteria, including the quality of the writing, the organisation of the essay, and the coherence of the argument. Success in the English essay writing component requires strong writing skills, including the ability to write in clear and concise sentences, use appropriate grammar and punctuation, and develop a compelling argument. By practising their writing skills and familiarising themselves with the format and expectations of this section, students can perform well and demonstrate their proficiency in written English. A strong performance in the English essay writing component can also boost a student's overall score and increase their chances of gaining admission to their desired UK Independent School.
Sample Essay Titles for 11+ Applicants:
“Should children choose what they learn in school?”
“Should we ban junk food for children?”
“Why should we read?”
“If you were in charge of a school trip, where would you go and why?”
Sample Essay Titles for 13+ Applicants:
"Discuss the pros and cons of social media in today's society."
"How does education shape the future of young minds?"
“Should we support a manned mission to Mars?”
“If you could have dinner with any person (real or fictional) from any point in time, who would you choose and why?”
Sample Essay Titles for 16+ Applicants:
“The world we live in is far from perfect. Name one issue of importance to you and provide some ideas for how to fix this problem”.
“What does “being successful” mean to you? What are some ways that people can achieve success?”
“Should we not teach art and music in schools?”
“Should we have teenagers in Government?”
Essay Writing Top Tips:
Paragraph Plan: Write a few words (could be in a spider diagram) or bullet points with the essay keywords in the middle. Number your points in your plan and remember to use signposting language to structure your argument, linking to any keywords
Write a Strong Introduction: Write a brief answer to the title as your main argument, include any relevant context and define important terms/ keywords
Consider Opposing Arguments: If relevant, consider different groups’ point of view. E.g. If you are arguing that we should support a manned mission to Mars, you may like to include a paragraph with a counter argument which considers reasons why some people we shouldn’t e.g. the issue with colonising other planets from an ethical point of view
Add evidence: Examples could be from your own life, the news, a story or statistic
Add persuasive speech: Make your writing more assertive by using techniques like rhetorical questions or triplets
How to Revise for the UKiset Test
Improve English Proficiency
One of the primary purposes of the UKiset Test is to assess students’ English language proficiency. Therefore, it's essential to improve their English skills before taking the test. You can do this by encouraging them to read English books, newspapers, and articles, watch English movies and TV shows, and converse with English speakers. Ensuring they continually practise their writing and grammar skills will also be beneficial.
Here are some of our UKiset tutors’ top recommendations:
The Sevenoaks School Year 7 Reading List and Year 9 Reading List are fantastic for suggestions of books that will challenge students’ English reading and comprehension ability. For older students approaching 16+ entrance examinations, Bicester School have a great reading list for students looking to challenge their reading ability, including book suggestions relating to specific areas of interest like Science and Geography
The Week Junior is a weekly current affairs magazine aimed at children between the ages of 8 and 14. It covers a wide range of topics, including news, science, technology, sports, and more. For overseas students learning English, the magazine can be a valuable resource to improve their English reading and comprehension abilities as it presents information in a visually appealing and engaging format, making it more enjoyable for young readers to delve into various subjects (especially if they don’t enjoy fiction as much). It also exposes students to a diverse range of vocabulary and terminology used in different contexts. Reading articles on various topics can help expand their word knowledge and language skills. The magazine offers age-appropriate articles with quizzes, puzzles, and comprehension questions. These activities challenge students to comprehend what they read actively and critically, enhancing their reading comprehension abilities. Finally, as a current affairs magazine, The Week Junior keeps students informed about global events and developments, which is great practice if they have upcoming 11+ and 13+ interviews. This exposure to real-world issues helps students understand different perspectives and cultural contexts, improving their overall language comprehension.
For older students looking to boost their reading level via non-fiction/ current affairs reading, here are a few suggestions:
The Week – The Week is a weekly magazine that condenses the week's news into one concise publication, making it perfect for secondary school students.
New Scientist – New Scientist is a prominent weekly publication that delves into the realms of science, nature, and technology, making it an excellent resource for students approaching Sixth Form.
The Economist – The Economist covers international politics, economics, and current affairs.
New Statesman – New Statesman is a leading weekly publication focusing on politics and current affairs, offering thought-provoking articles and analyses that prove beneficial for students of this age bracket.
To prepare for the UKiset test at the 11+, 13+ and 16+ level and improve an overseas student's English proficiency, consider utilising the following specific resources:
Bond 11+ English Books: These books are specifically designed for 11+ exam preparation and cover key English topics, including comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
CGP 11+ and 13+ English Study Guides and Practice Papers: CGP offers study guides and practice papers tailored to the 11+ and 13+ level, providing comprehensive coverage of English skills.
ISEB 11+ English Past Papers and 13+ Papers: The Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) provides past papers for the 11+ and 13+ English exams. Practising with these papers can give students an idea of the test format and difficulty level.
The Complete Comprehension: KS2 11+ English Practice Book: This book focuses on improving comprehension skills, which are essential for success in the UKiset test.
Reading Eggs: Reading Eggs offers interactive reading lessons and activities suitable for young learners at the 11+ level, helping to enhance reading and comprehension abilities.
BBC Bitesize: BBC Bitesize offers English language lessons, quizzes, and activities targeted at Key Stage 2 (KS2) students, which aligns with the 11+ level. The Key Stage 3 resource is also great, including essay writing tips and guidance, as well as insight into how to improve your critical reading and analysis level
IELTS is an equivalent English Language Test and has some useful resources - the Academic Reading and Writing Section resources should be particularly useful to practise with, especially for those applying for UK Schools at 16+ level
These sample essay titles from the University of Oxford are brilliant for the English Essay Writing section for 16+ applicants - pick a few titles that seem most accessible and practise creating essay plans for each. You could choose a couple to write out full answers to under timed conditions, ensuring you adhere to the UKiset test requirements in terms of duration spent etc.
The Eton King’s Scholarship General Papers include some great reading and essay writing practice questions for 13+ and 16+ applicants
Remember to use a variety of resources to develop all aspects of English, including reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Regular practice and exposure to English content will significantly contribute to improving students’ language proficiency for the UKiset test at 11, 13 and 16 Plus level.
Practice Sample Questions and Mock Tests
Practice is essential when it comes to preparing for the UKiset Test. UKiset does not publish past papers of its tests so it is not possible to practise with official past papers. However, there are plenty of excellent resources which can combine to give students a huge amount of help in their preparation. Practising under timed conditions can also help them manage their time effectively during the actual test.
ISEB Common Pre-Tests: While not specific to the UKiset, the ISEB Pre-Tests cover similar topics and are commonly used by UK independent schools for their entrance assessments.
Bond 11+ English Practice Papers: Bond offers practice papers for the 11+ English exam, which can help improve English skills relevant to the UKiset test.
CGP 11+ and 13+ Practice Papers: CGP provides a range of practice papers for the 11+ and 13+ level, including English papers, which can be beneficial for UKiset preparation.
Top UK School 11+, 13+ and 16+ English Papers: Schools such as North London Collegiate, St Paul’s and King’s College Wimbledon, all publish their own 11+, 13+ and 16+ English papers which can be useful to tackle to practise for the Writing sections of the UKiset Test.
Sharpen Students’ Cognitive Abilities to Prepare for the UKiset Reasoning Section
The UKiset Test assesses students’ cognitive abilities, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and spatial awareness. You can improve these skills by encouraging your child to play puzzle games, engaging in strategic board games, and solving brain teasers. These activities can help them sharpen their mind and enhance their cognitive abilities.
Further Resources For Reasoning Practice Include:
GL Assessment Papers: GL Assessment produces various 11+ practice papers for multiple subjects, including Reasoning and Problem Solving. Their materials are widely used for preparation
CAT4 Practice Papers for 16+ applicants: The CAT4 test includes sections in Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Spatial Ability, so the past papers are great practice for the UKiset Reasoning questions.
Focus on Weak Areas
It's crucial to identify students’ weak areas and focus on them during their preparation. For example, if they struggle with verbal reasoning, spend more time practising verbal reasoning questions with them. Similarly, if they are not confident in their writing skills, focus on improving their grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
Create a Study Plan
Creating a study plan can help your child stay organised and focused during their preparation. Divide their study sessions into manageable chunks and allocate time for each section of the UKiset Test. Make sure to include regular breaks and revise the plan regularly to ensure that your child is on track.
Seek Guidance from UKiset Experts
Seeking guidance from experts can be beneficial, especially if you're not sure where to start with your child’s preparation. U2 Tuition’s UKiset tutors help students prepare for the UKiset Test, improving performance across all key sections, providing them with study materials and regular practice tests to vastly improve their level.
UKiset Common Questions (FAQ)
What is the average UKiset score?
The average UKiset score is 100, while the average score for students in UK independent schools is 111. However, different schools will have different score requirements, so it's important to research the schools you are interested in to determine their score expectations.
How do I register for the UKiset?
Registering for the UKiset test is easy and straightforward. To register, simply visit the UKiset website and provide your child's personal details and a photograph. You will also need to pay a one-time registration fee of £295, which covers the cost of registration, test date arrangement, invigilation, and sending of results. Once you have successfully registered, you will receive confirmation of your test date and location.
When can I expect the results for the UKiset?
After completing the UKiset test, you can expect to receive the results within 2-3 working days. A parent report will be sent to the email address provided during registration, outlining the average scores and providing an overview of the performance. Schools receive a more detailed analysis of the results.
Do I need to select my schools for the UKiset?
You do not need to select schools during the UKiset registration. If you are unsure which schools you are applying for, you can leave the school selection empty and add up to 5 schools at a later date once the test has been taken. It's important to note that if you list schools during registration, the test results will automatically be sent to them.
Where do I take the UKiset?
Authorised UKiset test centers are located in various cities worldwide. When registering for the test, you can express interest in a specific test center, or one will be allocated based on your location. It's important to check with the schools you are applying to, as some schools may specify where the test should be taken. If in doubt, selecting a local British Council is often a good default choice.
Do I have the option to re-take the UKiset?
If you are not satisfied with your child's UKiset test score, you can retake the test once every 4 months. However, it's important to plan well in advance and ensure that you know when the results are required by the schools you are applying to. At U2 Tuition, we provide tailored guidance and support to help you prepare for the UKiset test and maximise your chances of success.
Good luck!
Are You Looking For a UKiset Tutor For Your Child?
UKiset tutoring is a specialised service provided by U2 Tuition to help students prepare for the UKiset Test. Our UKiset tutoring service is designed to help students improve their English language proficiency, cognitive abilities, and test-taking skills. We offer one-on-one sessions with experienced UKiset tutors who provide personalised 1-1 tuition, study materials, and practice tests to help students ace the UKiset Test. Tutoring sessions can be conducted in-person in London or online, and students can choose from a variety of tuition options to suit their needs. With the help of UKiset tutoring, students can boost their confidence, improve their test scores, and increase their chances of securing a place in a top UK school.
The Process:
1) We suggest one of our Oxbridge graduates who specialises in UKiset preparation as a tutor and send their full CV for review. Our UKiset tutors are deeply familiar with the precise format and requirements of the test and are well-placed to guide students through preparation for the reasoning, Cambridge English and writing sections. We typically suggest tutors who have gone on to study English Language and Literature or a related degree at university so students will be learning from those with an extremely high level of English proficiency.
2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour informal diagnostic session, where the tutor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for the test. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.
3) U2’s approach for regular UKiset preparation sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to elevate students’ level across each section of the test - our UKiset tutors will create a clear plan to tackle each section, utilising a wealth of their own resources to elevate students’ marks.
Frequency of sessions can be decided between the family and tutor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation. Honing the skills necessary to succeed in the UKiset ideally requires long-term preparation and mentoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the very best Oxbridge has produced. We also provide 11+, 13+ and 16+ entrance support across all subjects.
Sessions from £75/h + VAT.