13+ Common Entrance (CE) Exam Courses
The 13+ Common Entrance (CE) exam is a crucial step for students seeking admission into prestigious independent schools across the UK. Conducted by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB), this exam assesses students across a wide range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Languages. This comprehensive course is structured into four progressive levels, ensuring that students develop a solid foundation, sharpen their exam techniques, and gain confidence before the actual assessment.
Four progressive levels, subject by subject
Tap any subject below for its full topic-by-topic breakdown.
LEVEL 1: FOUNDATION
Topics Covered
- Reading comprehension – understanding main ideas, inference, tone, and vocabulary
- Grammar – punctuation, advanced sentence structure, active/passive voice, and tenses
- Creative writing – story writing, descriptive techniques, and persuasive arguments
- Spelling and vocabulary – advanced word lists and weekly tests
Topics Covered
- Arithmetic – fractions, decimals, percentages, BODMAS rules
- Algebra – simplification, solving basic equations, working with variables
- Geometry – angles, shapes, symmetry, coordinate grids
- Word problems – multi-step calculations and real-life applications
Topics Covered
- Physics – forces, energy, basic circuits, motion
- Chemistry – elements, states of matter, acids & bases
- Biology – human body systems, ecosystems, food chains
- Scientific method – how to conduct experiments and write reports
Topics Covered
- Pattern recognition and logical sequences
- Code-breaking, analogies, and odd-one-out questions
- Spatial reasoning – 3D shape manipulation, nets, and rotations
Topics Covered
- History – key historical periods, important figures, and events
- Geography – map reading, continents, climate zones
- Religious Studies – major world religions, their beliefs, and values
Topics Covered
- Basic vocabulary and everyday phrases
- Introduction to grammar – sentence structure and common verbs
- Reading and listening exercises
LEVEL 2: STRENGTHENING EXAM SKILLS
Topics Covered
- Advanced comprehension – figurative language, poetry analysis, evaluating arguments
- Essay writing – structuring analytical, comparative, and discursive essays
- Summarization skills – identifying key points and condensing information
Topics Covered
- Algebra – expanding and factorizing expressions, solving multi-step equations
- Geometry – transformations, trigonometry basics, volume, and area calculations
- Data handling – interpreting graphs, mean, median, mode, and probability
Topics Covered
- Physics – Newton's laws, pressure, magnetism, electricity
- Chemistry – atomic structure, bonding, simple chemical reactions
- Biology – respiration, digestion, reproduction, evolution
Topics Covered
- More complex logical puzzles
- Faster problem-solving techniques for exam efficiency
Topics Covered
- History – source-based analysis, essay writing techniques
- Geography – climate change, case studies on environmental issues
- Religious Studies – philosophical discussions and ethical debates
Topics Covered
- Translation practice – working with longer passages
- Writing structured responses in target languages
LEVEL 3: INTENSIVE EXAM STRATEGY
Topics Covered
- Full-length practice papers under timed conditions
- Developing clear, structured responses
- Refining persuasive writing skills
Topics Covered
- Speed calculations – reducing errors under pressure
- Tackling complex multi-step word problems
- Exam-style mock tests
Topics Covered
- Understanding experimental data
- Answering long-form and multiple-choice questions effectively
- Completing past paper questions
Topics Covered
- Exam tricks – elimination techniques, logical deductions
- Practicing 13+ past papers
LEVEL 4: FINAL EXAM READINESS
Topics Covered
- Weekly full-length mock exams
- Reviewing weak areas with targeted improvement
- Exam mindset training: stress management and confidence building
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