Tutoring helps most with international school entrance tests by strengthening the English and maths skills schools assess, building familiarity with question types and keeping your child calm, rather than drilling for a specific score. Families moving countries often need to apply to international schools with entrance assessments. This guide explains what schools typically assess and how to prepare sensibly.

Written by Tutopiya, an online tutoring company that teaches international school students one-to-one. Always check each school’s admissions requirements.

Key takeaways

• Ask each school exactly what it assesses.
• English and maths are the most common areas.
• Reasoning tests such as CAT4 need familiarity, not cramming.
• Calm, confident students perform better.

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What do entrance tests assess?

International school entrance tests usually assess English, maths and sometimes reasoning, often with an interview or writing task. Some schools use GL Assessment’s CAT4, which measures verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning.

Area	Typical content
English	Reading comprehension, writing
Maths	Number, problem solving
Reasoning	Verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, spatial
Interview	Interests, motivation

How to prepare: step by step

1. Ask the school what is assessed and in what format.
2. Check your child’s level in English and maths.
3. Book a diagnostic lesson.
4. Build key skills over a few weeks.
5. Practise question types briefly for familiarity.
6. Keep the test day calm.

CAT4 and reasoning tests

Reasoning tests are designed to measure ability rather than taught knowledge, so intensive practice isn’t recommended. A little familiarity with question types can reduce anxiety on the day.

English and maths preparation

Skill	Preparation
Reading comprehension	Daily reading and discussion
Writing	Short structured pieces
Maths	Core number skills and problem solving

Browse our Cambridge IGCSE English tutors, Cambridge IGCSE maths tutors and tutors in Dubai.

Students learning in English

Students new to English-medium schools may need extra English support before and after the test. See tutoring for EAL students.

What does a good preparation lesson look like?

1. A short reading task.
2. Discussion and vocabulary.
3. Maths problem solving.
4. A few practice questions.
5. Praise and tips for the day.

The interview

Encourage your child to talk about interests, favourite subjects and why they want to join the school. Practising a relaxed conversation helps.

How to tell preparation is working

• more confident reading and writing;
• secure maths skills;
• calm about the test.

How parents can help

• read together daily;
• keep preparation low-pressure;
• explain what to expect on the day.

Questions to ask the school

1. What will the test assess?
2. How long is it, and is it online or on paper?
3. Is there an interview?

Questions to ask a tutor

1. Have you helped students prepare for school entry?
2. How would you build English and maths skills?
3. How will you keep preparation calm?

A sample four-week plan

Week	Focus
1	Diagnostic and reading
2	Maths problem solving
3	Writing and vocabulary
4	Familiarity and confidence

Moving countries

Families moving often face tests at short notice. Online tutoring can start before the move and continue afterwards, providing continuity. See tutoring after a mid-year school move.

After the test

Whatever the result, keep building skills for the new school. If your child joins, the same tutor can help them settle into the new curriculum.

Common question types

Area	Example question type
Reading	Find information, infer meaning
Writing	Short narrative or opinion piece
Maths	Word problems, number patterns
Verbal reasoning	Word relationships
Non-verbal reasoning	Shape patterns

A short look at each type helps students know what to expect without over-practising.

Year groups and expectations

Expectations depend on the year group your child is applying for, and many schools assess in line with their curriculum, such as British, IB or American. Ask which curriculum the test follows and the level expected, so preparation matches. A tutor who knows that curriculum can target the right skills.

Keeping perspective

Entrance assessments help schools place students appropriately, so the aim is to show your child’s real ability. If the school offers support for new students, ask about it as part of the admissions conversation.

Ask whether the school provides sample questions; many do, and they’re the best guide.

On the day

1. Sleep well the night before.
2. Eat a good breakfast.
3. Arrive early or log in early for online tests.
4. Remind your child to do their best, not to be perfect.

Afterwards, praise effort whatever the result.

How Tutopiya tutoring works

Tutopiya offers one-to-one online English and maths tutoring.

• A tutor matched to your child’s level.
• A free first trial lesson, with no card needed.
• From 4 hours a month per subject. Each tutor sets their own rate, shown before booking.
• AI lesson analysis gives a summary after each lesson.

See our online tuition page.

Common mistakes

• Cramming reasoning tests → focus on familiarity.
• Not checking the format → ask the school.
• High pressure → keep it calm.
• Ignoring English → build reading daily.

Talk to us

If your family is moving, contact our team to plan support.

Summary: prepare for international school entrance tests by building English and maths skills, getting familiar with question types and keeping your child calm.

Frequently asked questions

What do international school entrance tests assess? +

It varies by school. Many assess English and maths, and some use reasoning assessments such as CAT4. Some also include an interview or a writing task.

Can you prepare for CAT4? +

CAT4 is designed to measure reasoning ability rather than taught content, so heavy preparation isn't recommended. Familiarity with question types can reduce anxiety.

How can tutoring help with entrance tests? +

By strengthening English and maths skills, building familiarity with question types, and helping students feel calm and confident.

When should preparation start? +

A few weeks to a few months before the test, depending on the gap. Ask the school what is assessed.

Does Tutopiya help with entrance test preparation? +

Tutopiya offers one-to-one online English and maths tutoring that can build the skills schools assess. The first trial lesson is free with no card required.

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