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Preparing Your Child for the ISEB Pre-Test in 2025: Personal Advice from David Bell


If your child is preparing for the ISEB Pre-Test this year, you might already be feeling the pressure — and you’re not alone.


The Pre-Test is often a child’s first big academic hurdle on the road to top independent schools, and naturally, you want to make sure they’re ready, confident, and calm when the big day arrives.


I’m David Bell, founder of My Tutor Elite, and for over a decade, I’ve been helping students prepare for exactly this challenge. I know how overwhelming it can feel — for children and for parents. That’s why I want to share some honest, practical advice based on what really works.



Preparing Your Child for the ISEB Pre-Test in 2025: Personal Advice from David Bell
Getting through the ISEB Pretest with a smile


What the ISEB Pre-Test is Really About

The Pre-Test isn’t just a knowledge check — it’s designed to assess potential as well as current ability.

It covers:

  • Verbal Reasoning (language logic and understanding)

  • Non-Verbal Reasoning (pattern spotting and abstract thinking)

  • Mathematics (numeracy and problem-solving)

  • English (comprehension, grammar, spelling)


The questions are adaptive — meaning they get harder or easier depending on your child’s answers.That’s why preparing for this exam is less about “cramming facts” and more about building confidence, strategy, and mental resilience.


Start Early, But Keep It Light

Parents often ask me: When should we start preparing?

The truth is, the best preparation starts early — but it should feel manageable and positive, never heavy or stressful.


A little regular practice from Year 5 can work wonders.Short sessions, focusing on skills rather than scores, help children grow naturally into the exam.

At My Tutor Elite, I create personalised plans that meet each child where they are — not where a textbook says they "should" be. That way, preparation builds them up rather than burning them out.


Focus on Core Skills First

Before worrying about fancy exam techniques, it’s crucial to make sure your child feels strong in the basics:

  • Reading and comprehension: Encourage reading a wide range of books and articles.

  • Mental maths: Speedy, confident arithmetic makes a big difference.

  • Logical thinking: Puzzles, games, and fun problem-solving activities really help.


When I work with students, I weave these skills into our sessions in a way that feels fun and achievable —

because enjoying learning is half the battle.


Practise the Online Format

One thing I’ve seen time and again: even bright students stumble simply because they aren’t used to online exams.


If your child is preparing for the Pre-Test:


  • Make sure they practice on a laptop.

  • Build their stamina for reading and answering questions on a screen.

  • Teach simple navigation skills, like using a mouse quickly or scrolling efficiently.


I offer realistic support that mirror the actual Pre-Test environment, so by the time the real thing comes around, it already feels familiar and comfortable.


Mindset Matters

Preparing for the Pre-Test isn’t just about sharpening skills — it’s about building the right mindset.

Many children will encounter questions they find tricky (by design!), and it’s vital they don’t panic.In my sessions, I teach students how to:


  • Manage their time wisely

  • Move past tough questions without losing confidence

  • Stay calm and focused no matter what


I can tell you from experience: a calm, resilient child can outperform a frantic, overly-rehearsed one every time.


Supporting Parents Too

I know this isn’t just a journey for the child — it’s a journey for parents too.


You want to do everything right, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the mountain of advice online.That’s why I work closely with parents too, offering honest feedback, practical advice, and reassurance throughout the process.

You don’t have to do this alone.


Final Thoughts

The ISEB Pre-Test can seem like a big deal — and it is — but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be a stressful one.


With expert support, tailored preparation, and plenty of encouragement, your child can not only succeed but actually enjoy the journey.


If you’d like to talk about how we can help your child get ready for the Pre-Test in 2025, book a free consultation today and let's give your child the best possible start to their next big chapter.


Preparing Your Child for the ISEB Pre-Test in 2025: Personal Advice from David Bell




 
 
 

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