How Hard Is the 13+ Common Entrance? Maths & English Breakdown

By Merry Guarin

Lesson Coordinator @ Greenhill Academics

You might think 13+ is just a longer 11+, but expectations go much deeper

Many parents initially assume the 13+ Common Entrance will be similar to the 11+ experience: perhaps with a few additional subjects. However, this assumption quickly proves incorrect once preparation begins. The 13+ represents a significant step up in academic expectations, requiring students to demonstrate skills at what Oppidan Education describes as “Year 10 standards”, considerably beyond typical Year 8 curriculum levels.

Parents often feel overwhelmed by the depth of content, the range of subjects, and the pressure to perform at what feels like an impossibly high standard. If you’re questioning whether your child is ready, this concern reflects the genuine academic leap that 13+ Common Entrance represents.

The Core Challenge: Maths and English Aren’t Just Exams, They Test Thinking

The 13+ Common Entrance, administered by ISEB (Independent Schools Examinations Board), assesses students across three compulsory core subjects: English, Mathematics, and Science. However, it’s the Maths and English papers that often determine success or failure, as these subjects require the deepest analytical thinking and foundational skills.

According to Oppidan Education, the Level 2 and Level 3 Common Entrance expectations are comparable to Year 10 students in state schools. This means 13-year-olds are tackling topics such as advanced algebra in Maths and sophisticated literary analysis in English: content that many students don’t encounter until they’re 15.

13+ Maths: From Arithmetic to Advanced Algebra

The 13+ Maths syllabus is based directly on Key Stage 3 National Curriculum targets. Students face three papers: a mental arithmetic paper (30 minutes), plus calculator and non-calculator written papers (60 minutes each). The content progression is significant and directly follows Department for Education Key Stage 3 Mathematics standards:

13+ English: Beyond Comprehension to Analysis

The 13+ English syllabus consists of two papers that test reading and writing skills at a level demanding sophisticated analytical thinking. According to Keystone Tutors, the assessment is “split evenly across comprehension and composition,” requiring students to demonstrate:

13+ English Past Papers: Two-Paper Assessment Structure

The 13+ English examination consists of two papers, each testing different aspects of literary comprehension and writing skills. Like Mathematics, English papers are offered at different levels (Level 1 and Level 2) to accommodate varying abilities, with most students sitting Level 2 papers.

Why Past Papers Are Essential, Especially in These Subjects

Past papers are the gold standard for 13+ preparation because they reveal the true expectations and style of questioning. Galore Park, the exclusive distributor of ISEB past papers, provides the most authentic practice materials available. Many schools also publish sample papers on their admissions pages.

The ISEB produces three sets of exam papers each year (November, January, and May/June), with schools able to pre-order the most recent papers immediately after each exam session. According to Oppidan Education, parents and tutors can access papers one year after the live exams.

What makes past papers so valuable is their ability to reveal the depth of questioning. For example, a 13+ Maths paper might ask students to solve a multi-step problem involving algebraic manipulation, followed by interpretation of the result in context. An English paper might require analysis of literary techniques in an extract, then ask students to write their own piece demonstrating similar skills.

School-Specific Past Papers: Real Exam Experience

Beyond the standardised ISEB papers, many leading independent schools publish their own 13+ entrance papers and scholarship exams. These school-specific papers are invaluable because they show exactly how different institutions approach 13+ assessment, from the straightforward entry papers to the challenging scholarship examinations.

Greenhill Academics’ Targeted Tutoring Framework

At Greenhill Academics, we’ve developed a specific approach for 13+ Common Entrance preparation that directly addresses the challenges these exams present. Our tutors understand that success requires more than content knowledge: it demands a fundamental shift in how students approach academic thinking.

Why Other Subjects Aren’t in Focus, and That’s Okay

While the 13+ Common Entrance includes subjects like History, Geography, Religious Studies, and Modern Languages, this blog focuses on Maths and English for a strategic reason: these are the universal requirements for all candidates.

According to Keystone Tutors, schools may accept some specialisation in results. A lower score in Latin might be acceptable if attainment across Maths and English is significantly higher than the school’s pass mark. However, weakness in the core subjects of Maths and English is much harder to compensate for.

Next Steps: Assess Your Child’s Readiness

The 13+ Common Entrance demands significantly more than many families initially realise. The gap between expectations and reality can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation strategy, students can bridge this gap successfully.

The clearest path forward is to assess your child’s current level against actual 13+ expectations. A diagnostic session using real past papers will reveal exactly where preparation needs to focus, whether that’s algebraic manipulation, essay structure, or exam timing.