Does the test have practice questions?

There are no practice questions in the tests.

Our extensive piloting and feedback revealed that the practice questions were not supporting the pupils. We looked at:

• Practice questions with answers – pupils who got answers wrong felt unsettled before the test started.
• Practice questions without answers – pupils could not see whether they got the question right, so it was of no benefit.

The only way to include practice questions was during the test while the timer counted down. As a result, pupils in the trials felt they were using valuable time doing something that didn’t help them during the test. 

Therefore, ISEB decided that there would be no practice questions. 

Test progression
We want to reassure pupils, parents and schools that the test structure will make the first few questions easier. Progression is not dependent on your first few answers.

For example, if a pupil got the first question wrong, this would not prevent them from answering the following question correctly and getting back on track. 

ISEB recommends using the ISEB Test Walkthrough as practice for the tests and the question styles.