How to Prepare Your Child for an International School Entrance Assessment

Many international schools in Southeast Asia require entrance assessments, especially for competitive year groups. These tests evaluate academic readiness and language skills. Parents often worry about how best to prepare.

Here’s what you need to know for 2025.

1. What Assessments Typically Include

• English: Reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary.

• Mathematics: Age-appropriate problem solving.

• Language proficiency: English as an Additional Language (EAL) checks.

• Cognitive ability tests: Some schools use reasoning or aptitude tests.

2. Age Groups Most Commonly Tested

• Primary entry (Year 1 / Grade 1)

• Secondary entry (Year 7 / Grade 6)

• Pre-IGCSE (Year 9 / Grade 8)

• IB Diploma entry (Year 12 / Grade 11)

3. How to Help Your Child Prepare

• Encourage regular reading and problem-solving activities.

• Familiarize them with multiple-choice formats.

• Practice in a low-stress environment — assessments are designed to gauge fit, not perfection.

👉 Related: Application Deadlines for International Schools in Singapore 2025

4. What Schools Are Looking For

• Ability to access the curriculum.

• Confidence and willingness to participate.

• Support needs (e.g., language or SEN) that the school must prepare for.

Find Out Which Schools Require Entrance Examinations

• Explore all Singapore international schools

• Explore all Malaysia international schools

• Explore all Thailand international schools

These pages allow you to view school profiles, compare curricula, and check which schools require entrance assessments.

FAQs

Are international school assessments difficult?
They are designed to measure readiness, not to fail applicants.

Can I prepare with past papers?
Some schools provide practice samples, but general literacy and numeracy are the focus.

Do schools test for every grade?
No, assessments usually occur at main entry points or for competitive year groups.