Private School Jargon: 30 Key Terms Every 11+ Parent Needs to Understand

By Anastasia Arbuthnott, Primary Specialist and Senior Education Consultant, Enjoy Education

When families begin the 11+ process, one of the most common things I hear is: “We keep hearing terms like ISEB, Pre-Test and deferred entry but no one ever explains what they actually mean.”

The world of selective school admissions can feel like it comes with its own dictionary. Whether you’re applying to top London day schools, grammar schools, or full-boarding schools, the terminology can be unfamiliar and intimidating. 

This guide gives you a clear explanation of the most important 11+ terms. These are the words you are likely to see in school forms, tutor reports, or admissions conversations.

The 30 Terms Every 11+ Parent Should Know

1. 11+
A general term used to describe selective entrance exams taken in Year 6. It includes a wide range of tests used by both grammar schools and independent schools. The content and format vary depending on the school, and the term “11+” can refer to everything from written papers to interviews, depending on the school’s admissions process.

2. ISEB Pre-Test
A specific type of 11+ assessment used mainly by independent schools. It is a computer-based test that includes English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. The ISEB Pre-Test is often used as the first stage in the admissions process, particularly for schools that defer entry until Year 9. A strong performance may lead to an interview or an offer of a conditional place.

3. GL Assessment
A major exam board used by grammar schools for 11+ testing. GL papers are typically multiple-choice and divided by subject.

4. CEM
Another 11+ exam provider. Some grammar schools still use it. Papers often mix subjects and emphasise speed.

5. Common Entrance (CE)
Subject-based exams taken in Year 8 for entry to some independent senior schools at 13+. Many schools now use the ISEB Pre-Test earlier in the process instead.

6. Verbal Reasoning
Tests your child’s ability to work with words, logic and patterns in language. 

For example: 

What is the opposite of scarce?

a. plenty

b. rare

c. light

d. open

Answer: a. plenty

7. Non-Verbal Reasoning
Visual problem-solving. These questions ask children to spot patterns and sequences in shapes or diagrams.

For example: Which two shapes are exactly the same but rotated?

8. Standardised Scores
Scores that compare your child’s performance with national averages, adjusted for their exact age. For example: Two children both score 75 out of 100. One is born in September, the other in August. The younger child’s standardised score may be slightly higher to reflect their age difference.

9. Interview
Often part of the independent school selection process. May include one-to-one discussions, group activities or problem-solving questions to assess how your child thinks and communicates. 

For example: If you could invent something, what would it be?

10. Registration Deadline
The cut-off date for formally entering your child into the application process for a given school. Often in Year 5 or early Year 6.

11. Assessment Day / Interview Day
When a school invites shortlisted candidates for testing, interviews or group tasks.

12. Offer Letter
The formal communication a school sends to let you know your child has been offered a place. This can be an unconditional offer (the place is confirmed) or a conditional one (see below). The offer letter will usually outline next steps, deadlines and deposit information.

13. Conditional Offer
A type of offer that depends on your child meeting certain requirements before their place is confirmed. This might include continued academic performance at their current school or a successful outcome in later assessments (e.g. Common Entrance).

14. Waiting List
If a school is oversubscribed, your child may be placed on a waiting list after assessments or interviews. This means the school may offer a place later, often after other families decline offers. It’s worth staying in touch with the admissions team, as places can open up right up to the start of term.

15. 11+ Consortium / London 11+ Consortium
A group of independent girls’ schools in London that use a shared entrance exam to reduce pressure and duplication for applicants.

16. Standard Entry vs Deferred Entry
Standard Entry means your child is assessed and starts the following school year. For example, tested in Year 6 to start in Year 7. Deferred Entry means your child is assessed now but joins later, usually in Year 9. Common in boarding schools, especially for children staying at prep school until 13. 

17. Taster Day
An informal visit where your child experiences lessons, meets pupils and gets a feel for the school.

18. Bond Books / CGP / Exam Ninja
Popular 11+ workbooks used for home preparation. Often recommended or used in tuition alongside bespoke materials.

19. Raw Score
The number of correct answers your child gets before it is standardised.

20. Pass Mark / Cut-off Score
The minimum score required to be considered for a grammar school place. This may vary from year to year.

21. Catchment Area
Grammar schools often give preference to children who live within a specific distance from the school.

22. Appeals Process
If a child just misses the score for a grammar school, parents may appeal the decision based on academic evidence or extenuating circumstances.

23. Chance Vacancy
A rare place that becomes available unexpectedly, often because a pupil leaves. These can come up at any point in the school year and are usually filled quickly.

24. Occasional Place
A place available outside the usual entry points (like Year 7 or Year 9). Schools sometimes offer occasional places in year groups where space exists, but these are limited and competitive.

25. Reference Request
Independent schools often ask for a report or reference from your child’s current school as part of the admissions process.

26. Offer-Holder Event
An event for children who have received an offer. A chance to revisit the school, meet future classmates and ask questions before accepting.

27. Sibling Policy
Some schools give admissions priority to applicants with a sibling already enrolled. It is not automatic and academic fit still matters.

28. School Report Submission
You may be asked to submit your child’s latest school reports as part of the application or interview process.

29. Scholarship Interview / Assessment
If your child is applying for a scholarship in academics, music or sport, there may be a separate assessment or interview process.

30. Acceptance Deposit
A payment that secures your child’s place once you accept an offer. Usually non-refundable.