If your child is in Year 4, you can now set mock tests for your child’s target schools on the Test page.
What tests are available?
When you go to your Test page, you’ll see the tests for your child’s target schools first. You can change your child’s target schools at any time by following the steps in our guide.
To see all the tests available on Atom, use the categories or search for a test by clicking on all tests.
ISEB and Quest
The ISEB Common Pre-Test and Quest Admissions are online exams taken on a computer. Our mock tests for these exams will adapt to how your child performs in their test, just like the real exam. Your child’s scores may look low on these tests to start with. However, as they learn and improve, they’ll see harder questions, and their scores will increase.
Independent school-specific tests
If your child is preparing for a school that sets their own entrance exams, they’ll take a paper test. These tests are as difficult as the real exam they will take in Year 6, so your child will see topics and question types they haven’t practised before. We recommend printing these tests for your child to complete at home without a time limit.
Grammar school tests
If your child is preparing for grammar school, they’ll take a paper test. These tests are as difficult as the real exam they will take in Year 6, so your child will see topics and question types they haven’t practised before. We recommend printing these tests for your child to complete at home without a time limit.
How do the tests work?
These mock tests mimic the format, structure and question types of the real exams. They are as difficult as the real exam they will take in Year 6, so if your child finds them difficult – that’s okay! Introducing these tests in Year 4 will help build their confidence and familiarity with the test over time.
Your child may see topics they haven’t practised yet in their test. When your child is ready to practise these topics, they’ll be set activities to complete as part of their weekly plan on the Learn page. This is likely to be at the beginning of Year 5. Your child will have plenty of time to master these exam topics in Year 5 and Year 6.
Top tips for making the most of mock tests with your child
Don't set a time limit
If your child is taking a paper test, let them take it at their own pace. If your child is taking an online test like the ISEB, you can hide the timer in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Focus on getting used to the question types and how to select the right answer. This will help them build confidence with the test without adding extra pressure.
Skip difficult questions
Your child may see topics that they haven't practiced yet, or questions that are too hard. Let them try the questions they know first - this will help them to stay positive about the exam. If they do try a question and get it wrong, you can check the explanation with them to help them learn for next time.
Praise their effort, not their score
We don't expect them to get a high score just yet. The test is created for students in Year 6, so your child still has some time to learn all of the topics. Praise them for trying the test. With your encouragement, they will feel like they can accomplish anything!
Give lots of encouragement
11+ exams can feel scary, but they don’t have to be. Give your child lots of encouragement. This will boost their confidence and reduce anxiety about the test.
You can keep track of what’s new here as we make updates. Not sure which test your child should be using? Email us at elevenplussupport@atomlearning.co.uk and we'll be happy to help.