CAT Test vs ISEB

[anne1985]

Hi all, my son has scored 122 in his Year 6 CAT test, he’s done much better than we expected (based on his school tests) so was wondering if this is an indication of hi ISEB scores or what to expect from the ISEB test. we are applying to some London day schools and planning to take 13+ too. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Is he at a prep school (ie private) or a state school? If he’s in private they should be able to give you an idea of the ISEB.

They contain similar types of questions although ISEB contains an English section as well as verbal reasoning - a bit like a multiple choice comprehension. So it’s a bit more English weighted than the CATs I’d say. Main other difference is that the ISEB is adaptive - it will give your child harder questions if they are getting a lot right so far, or vice versa. It’s a bit of a skill not to get thrown if the questions suddenly ramp up in difficulty!

I know that practice ISEBs can be accessed via Atom Learning and Atom offers a week free trial if you wanted to give it a go? I’m not 100% sure whether the free trials include ISEB or not though.

Oh this is very helpful! Thanks so much!

not sure if you are talking about the CAT 4 test that some schools (often independent) administer to their students in preparation for choosing/studying for secondary.
usually it isn't one grade there are 4 sections; verbal reasoning, non verbal reasoning, quantitive reasoning and spatial ability.
and the results give some indication as to ability with scores suggesting.

• Average Scores: Most students will score between 85 and 115, with 100 being the average.
• Above Average Scores: Scores above 115 are considered above average.
• High Scores: Scores above 127 are considered well above average and indicate strong cognitive abilities.
• Exceptional Scores: Scores above 140 are considered exceptional.

in my experience 122 is fine but many will be scoring in the 130-140 range
do look at several older posts and posts on the 11+ forums
my experience is limited to family but they took the exam in year 5 in prep for choosing secondaries and the early year 6 exams.
scores varied from low of 121 to highs of 140.

I'd still plan on some tutoring for exam technique and to boost area's that are low .

CAT score and Surrey Secondaries | Mumsnet
this is typical to what i'm familiar with girls taking the exam in year 5 with scores in the 130's.