Common Entrance Examination

Common Entrance Examinations (commonly known as CE) are taken by independent school pupils in the UK as part of the selective admissions process at age 13,[1] though ten independent schools do select at 11 using different test papers.

In addition, there is a choice of four modern languages: French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish, which are assessed by written, oral and listening papers.

Many schools also use the CE exam as the basis for awarding entrance scholarships and bursaries, but often also apply their own further interviews, tests, or examinations.

Likewise artistic, musical or sporting achievements are not examined by Common Entrance, but may be taken into account by reports or other means.

Children often have to attend interviews at their preferred secondary schools, in addition to taking the Common Entrance examination.

In practice, the Common Entrance exam only rarely entirely determines admission, and failure is uncommon.

Concerns raised about 11+ pre-testing include: putting stress on younger pupils; assessing pupils at a stage where there are greater developmental variables, and utilising a tool that does not assess the skills/knowledge that is needed to be successful at GCSE or A-Level.

The exam is not a regulated qualification, and the results, unlike the GCSEs or A Levels taken several years later, are not granted in form of a certificate.