Bridgepoint gives us pointers on how to prepare for the Common Entrance Exam!

Another year, another new school in Hong Kong. Parents are just getting used to the Neo-Classical splendour of Harrow Hong Kong when Nord Anglia Hong Kong announces that they are opening their doors in September 2014. And yet, despite the increasing range in options available at home, Hong Kong still sends more pupils to UK independent schools than any other country in the world.

Admissions requirements for these schools change every year, leading to a considerable amount of uncertainty for parents. In my consultations with Hong Kong parents, I am often asked to clarify the Common Entrance. What is it? How important is it? What is the best way to prepare for it? This overview aims to clear up any misunderstandings.

What is it?

The Common Entrance is almost as old as the oldest schools in Hong Kong. Established in 1903, it has been the standard entrance exam for many of the United Kingdom’s most respected independent schools since then. Its 11+ and 13+ exams are currently used by 250 senior schools.

The content of the exams is all publicly available, as are past papers. Common Entrance 11+ tends to comprise English, Maths and Science – and is only really set by girls’ schools. Common Entrance 13+ tends to comprise ten subjects (Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Religious Studies, Latin, French/Spanish/ German/Mandarin) and is set by boys’, girls’ and co-educational schools.

• Syllabus information is available on the website: https://www.iseb.co.uk
• Past papers are available through Galore Park: https://www.galorepark.co.uk

How important is it?

Despite its centrality in the UK’s independent education system, it is likely that the many Hong Kong pupils who want to study in the UK will not actually have to sit it. Eton does ask for some 13+ papers, but Harrow, Winchester, Tonbridge, Charterhouse and Sevenoaks do not. It is a more popular exam for girls’ schools. Wycombe Abbey, Downe House, St. Mary’s Calne and Benenden all have Common Entrance at both 11+ and 13+. However, Cheltenham Ladies College and Badminton do not.

Whether schools set it or not, its general status has declined in the last decade. Where it used to be the sole academic entrance test, almost every top independent school now expects candidates to pass through a pre-assessment test. Schools set these anytime from two-and-a-half years to six months before a child joins the school. Those independent schools that do make international pupils sit the Common Entrance more often use it as a final reconfirmation of a pupil’s ability, or for setting purposes, rather than as the summit of their admissions process. The pre-assessment tests are therefore now considerably more important for pupils than Common Entrance.

What is the best way for parents to prepare?

Nonetheless, Common Entrance preparation remains essential for many HK pupils.

• In the years before Common Entrance preparation, there is plenty that parents can do to prepare for both the pre-assessments and to ensure that the UK curriculum foundations have been well laid.
• Pre-assessments cover English, Maths and Reasoning. We therefore recommend parents to ensure that these subjects are really well understood in the ages from 9 onwards. Some of this might be overseen directly by parents; for example, we always suggest that parents encourage regular Reasoning practice at home. However, formal enrichment classes, in Maths but especially in English, can also be hugely beneficial.
• Formal Common Entrance preparation should only start one year before the Common Entrance itself. For 11+, this will be January in the academic year in which the pupil turns 10; for 13+, this tends to be September of the academic year in which the pupil turns 13.
• This preparation should cover any curriculum gaps as they arise, but should focus on Common Entrance exam technique.

Practice Resources

Online Reasoning practice:

• Verbal Reasoning Tests: http://www.verbalreasoningtests.com/
• BOFA: http://www.bofa11plus.com/
• Bond 11 Plus: http://www.bond11plus.co.uk/

Foundational English

• Galore Park series: https://www.galorepark.co.uk/english-workbooks
• Westminster Choir School reading list for 8 – 11 year olds are available here.

Foundational Maths

• Galore Park series: https://www.galorepark.co.uk/mathsworkbooks

For any questions regarding the extent and scope of preparation, Bridgepoint is a helpful way to connect top UK tutors with students in Hong Kong who hope to take the Common Entrance in the next several months. Find all our resources here or get in touch to arrange a private tutoring session.

Good luck!