UKiset-Approved Preparatory Schools: A Parent's Guide

If you are a parent considering sending your child to a UK boarding school, you may have heard of UKiset. UKiset is an online assessment that is used by many UK independent schools as part of their admissions process for international students. 

It tests the academic potential and English language skills of students who want to study in a British curriculum school. But what are the benefits of taking UKiset? How can you prepare your child for the test? And which schools accept UKiset as part of their application? 

In this blog post, we will answer these questions and list some of the best UKiset-approved preparatory schools in the UK. We will also share tips and resources to help your child ace the UKISET test and secure a place at their dream school.

How to prepare for UKiset?

One of the best ways to prepare for UKiset is to familiarise yourself with the format and content of the test. 

UKiset compares your child’s performance with British students of the same age group and takes about two hours to complete. It consists of three sections: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics. Each section tests your child’s academic potential and English language skills differently. 

Here are some brief descriptions of each section and some general tips on how to prepare for them:

Verbal reasoning 

This section measures your child’s ability to understand and manipulate words and sentences in English. It includes questions such as synonyms, antonyms, analogies, word completion, and sentence correction. 

To prepare for this section, your child should practice with sample questions and improve their vocabulary and grammar skills. Reading books and articles in English can help your child learn new words and expressions and improve their comprehension and spelling skills.

Non-verbal reasoning

This section measures your child’s ability to recognize patterns and relationships among shapes, symbols, and diagrams. It includes questions such as series, matrices, odd one-out, and codes. 

To prepare for this section, your child should practice with sample questions and improve their logic and spatial skills. Playing puzzles and games involving visual reasoning can help your child develop problem-solving and analytical skills.

Mathematics

This section measures your child’s ability to perform arithmetic operations and solve mathematical problems in English. It includes questions such as number sequences, fractions, percentages, algebra, geometry, and word problems. 

To prepare for this section, your child should practice with sample questions and review basic maths concepts and formulas. Online calculators and apps teaching maths skills can help your child refresh their memory and learn new tricks.

As you can see, English language proficiency is very important for UKiset, as it affects all test sections. Your child should have a good command of English in order to understand the instructions and questions, as well as to express their answers clearly and correctly. 

To improve their English skills, your child should expose themselves to the language as much as possible. Some suggestions are:

• Watching videos and podcasts in English that cover topics of interest or education.
• Speaking with native speakers or other learners of English through online platforms or language exchange programmes.
• Writing essays or stories in English and getting feedback from teachers or peers.
• Taking online courses or tests that focus on English language learning.

By following these tips and resources, your child can prepare well for UKiset and boost their confidence and performance on the test day. Remember that UKiset is not a pass-or-fail test but a tool that helps schools find the best-fit students for their programs. Therefore, your child should try their best and enjoy the UKiset experience.

The Best UKiset-Approved Preparatory Schools in the UK

If you are interested in applying to a UK boarding school, you will be glad to know that many UKiset-approved preparatory schools offer excellent education and facilities for international students.                                                  

These schools use UKiset as part of their admission process, which means that you can take the test once and apply to multiple schools with your UKiset profile. 

1. Caldicott Preparatory School: 

Located in Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire, Caldicott Prep School was originally founded in 1904 when it was situated in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The school is known for its academic excellence and many Caldicott pupils go on to win places at the UK’s top independent schools, such as Eton College, Stowe School and Radley College1.

2. Edge Grove Preparatory School: 

Founded in 1935, Edge Grove is a boarding prep school in Aldenham, Hertfordshire. It’s a co-educational school for boys and girls aged between 3 and 13 years. Located in the Hertfordshire countryside, the school campus covers 28 acres and is surrounded by farmland. 

The school offers a range of subjects and extra-curricular activities and has extensive facilities, including science laboratories, a music school, a sports hall and tennis courts. Over the last three years, Edge Grove students have won scholarships to top UK senior schools1.

3. Godstowe Preparatory School: 

Based in High Wycombe, Godstowe Prep School is a girls school for pupils aged between 7 and 13. The school is known for setting high educational standards and has a solid reputation as a top UK prep school2.

4. Foremarke Hall (Repton Prep) School: 

Foremarke Hall, Repton Preparatory School is an independent, co-educational school in Derbyshire for boys and girls aged between 3 and 13 years. The school is often referred to as Foremarke Hall, after the stately hall which occupies the school’s main building. Founded in 1940, Repton School has a large campus and each department has its own individual building1.

5. St John’s Beaumont Preparatory School: 

A Roman Catholic boarding school, St John’s Beaumont Prep School is for boys aged between 3 and 13 years. Located in Old Windsor, Berkshire and founded in 1888, St John’s is the oldest purpose-built prep school in England.

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, navigating the world of preparatory schools using the UKiset assessment is a strategic choice for your child’s educational journey. The UKiset provides insight into their abilities, aiding in finding the right fit. Explore our guide for a comprehensive list of UKiset-approved schools and choose where you want to apply. 

For expert advice and personalized UKiset preparation, contact us at Study Mind. Your child’s success starts with the right preparatory school.

FAQs: 

Q1: How does the UKiset assessment impact school admissions?

Answer: The UKiset assessment provides schools with valuable insights into a student’s abilities and potential, helping them make informed decisions during the admissions process. While it’s a significant factor, schools also consider other elements like interviews, references, and students’ previous academic records when making admissions decisions.

Q2: Can my child take the UKiset assessment remotely?

Answer: Yes, the UKiset assessment can often be taken remotely. Schools offer flexibility for international students by allowing them to take the assessment at an approved test center or online. Be sure to check with the school or assessment provider for specific instructions and guidelines.

Q3: Is the UKiset assessment suitable for students with English as a second language?

Answer: Yes, the UKiset assessment is designed to accommodate students with varying levels of English proficiency. The assessment’s English component evaluates a student’s ability to communicate effectively in an academic context, making it suitable for non-native English speakers as well.

Q4: Can the UKiset assessment be taken multiple times?

Answer: Yes, students can take the UKiset assessment multiple times. However, it’s essential to consider the school’s policies on score submission. Some schools may consider the highest score obtained, while others may evaluate a combination of scores.

Q4: How soon should I start the preparatory school application process?
Answer: It’s advisable to start the preparatory school application process well in advance. The exact timing may vary depending on the school’s admissions cycle and application deadlines. Generally, aiming to begin the process at least a year before the intended enrollment date gives you ample time to gather all necessary documents and complete any required assessments like the UKiset.