11+ Entry

Year 7 admission into Wycombe Abbey is now based on an online test called the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4). This is replacing written paper and CEM Select due to COVID-19 pressures. The CAT4 tests assess Verbal, Non-Verbal, Spatial and Quantitative Reasoning.

The CAT4 Exam

The CAT4 tests assess verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative reasoning.

• Verbal Reasoning: solve problems using words, children will be asked questions based on identifying verbal similarities and analogies

• Non-Verbal Reasoning: solve problems using shapes and patterns instead of words. Questions are asked based on matrices and identifying similarities.

• Spatial Reasoning: identifying shapes and how they change, children are asked questions based on recognising target shapes or visualising how unfolded pieces of paper will look.

• Quantitative Reasoning: solve problems using numbers. Understanding sequences and relationships between numbers is crucial.

Practice Tests

• CAT4 Practice Test 1

• CAT4 Practice Test 2

• CAT4 Practice Test 3

• CAT4 Practice Test 4

Video Courses

• CAT4 Non-Verbal Reasoning Video Course

• CAT4 Verbal Reasoning Video Course

• CAT4 Spatial Reasoning Video Course

• CAT4 Quantitative Reasoning Video Course

13+ Entry

When applying to Wycombe Abbey, it is recommended to attend the school in person to discover what the Wycombe really offers and experience the atmosphere.  The school holds Open Mornings in May, June and September which include a speech from the Headmistress, tours to prospective families and opportunities for students and parents to ask questions.

As part of the admissions process, children are asked to complete the online CEM Select test. The test is designed to measure verbal, non-verbal and numerical reasoning abilities.

• Non-Verbal Reasoning – solving problems with shapes and patterns, focuses on one question type

• Verbal Reasoning – solving problems using words, focusing on depth and breadth of vocabulary

• Numerical Reasoning – solving problems using arithmetic and numbers.

CEM Select

The test is designed to measure verbal, non-verbal and numerical reasoning abilities.

There are a few key factors about CEM Select to know:

Question formats that your child is unlikely to have encountered before are common, including drag and drop digits, and auto-completes.

Assessments are divided into sections with limited time. It is more important your child answers correctly than complete all the questions.

• Non-Verbal Reasoning – solving problems with shapes and patterns, focuses on one question type

• Verbal Reasoning – solving problems using words, focusing on depth and breadth of vocabulary

• Numerical Reasoning – solving problems using arithmetic and numbers.

It is recommended that a child become familiar with the CEM Select format, question types and time limits. The provided practice tests below form Pretest Plus are accurate and representative of how you child will do. They are marked automatically and able to be reviewed in detail with explanations of the correct answer.

• CEM Select Practice Test 1

• CEM Select Practice Test 2

• CEM Select Practice Test 3

• CEM Select Practice Test 4

• CEM Select Practice Test 5

Skills Practice

The provided Skills Practice test is also provided from Pretest Plus and it is focuses on specific question formats that are likely to appear in the CEM Select.

• CEM Select – Missing Words