Articles on How to Improve Your Child’s Learning

How long is the CAT 4 test?

Managing your time during the CAT4 test is essential and provide you with some precious seconds for those extra difficult questions. Actual testing time for each of the eight tests lasts between between 8-10 minutes so without a strategy for time management you simply won’t get a chance to focus on those questions that you are most likely to get right. The test battery in total takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes but actual time in a tests adds up to 72 minutes. Your job is to find the questions you know as quickly as possible, take a best guess to those you don’t know, and use the time saved for those questions you can get right.

Breakdown of individual CAT4 test times

Instructions and practice items take approximately 5-15 minutes but the CAT4 test questions themselves take the following times;

• Figure Classification – 10 mins
• Figure Matrices – 10 mins
• Verbal Classification – 8 mins
• Verbal Analogies – 8 mins
• Number Analogies – 10 mins
• Number Series – 8 mins
• Figure Analysis – 9 mins
• Figure Recognition – 9 mins

Before the exam

1. Know the lay of the land before you start

You may think this is a given but make sure you and your child know exactly when and where the test is to be held. The worst thing you want is to turn up at the wrong building or worse still the wrong site (if you have a split site school). Everything needs to run as smoothly as possible and that means being fully prepared.

Now there will be 3 parts of the CAT4 each being broken into two actual tests and each test being between 8-10 minutes. The invigilator (that means a teacher who stops you from teaching) will give instructions – a bit longer during the first test and then allow you to try the example questions.

At this point its worth understanding the exact format of the questions since the practice tests you’ve done although very similar are not exactly the same. These example questions will help you get completely familiar with the environment and may have a few changes due to updates to the interface from the assessment body (GL Assessment).

You are now ready to start the first test. Instructions have been given, you’ve run through example tests, and have a pencil and rough paper. Once you start the clock will start and nothing can stop it !! You have between 8-10 minutes to complete the first CAT4 test.

2. Writing is no longer an issue but knowing how to use a keyboard and mouse is !!

Rough paper with pencils should also be distributed before the tests.

Back when I was a child our hands would tire from the writing of answers during the tests we had. For the CAT4 – and to ease the marking burden for assessors – tests are now online (although paper based tests can be requested). Of course if your child hasn’t ever done online tests it will be shock and leave them severely disadvantaged. If nothing else try the free online test here on this website – click here – so they at least are aware of what’s coming.

Generation X should generally be comfortable using a computer but again make sure they know how to use a key board and mouse – you’d be surprised how many children only know how to use a smart phone and tablet. Since the tests are all multiple choice knowing how to point a mouse and click is key !!!! I know it sounds silly but make sure your child understands this is how they will be answering the questions.

Using the rough paper is with a pencil for some of the mathematically pattern questions may help your child so again whenever they are running through the practice tests place a paper pad and pencil nearby for them to use.

3. Work out how long it takes to understand and answer a question.

We have a good idea of the type of questions that will come up and time is short – between 8-10 minutes. So that’s between 480 and 600 seconds. This really is a race against the clock and you will be lucky to finish. The time constraint is really by design – one of my other posts (click here) provides a breakdown of what cognitive skills consist of and brain processing speed is one of the factors.

One thing I found during my own exam taking – many moons ago – that after confidently answering a question I would spend a moment to celebrate – these few seconds wasted make you feel good but in a CAT4 test are wasting valuable moments which will come is need when you are presented with another difficult questions.

For each question maximum time taken should be between 24-30 seconds. Easy questions need to be done quickly and accurately without hesitation and delay in moving to the next question. If your child has already run through the tests on this site they know that they are working against the clock and need to work fast. Focus, focus, focus – to have to go over the question is valuable time lost but also guessing an answer may not help your final score. Their is a middle ground where you methodically work through each question – mark the answer – and move on. Work like a machine !!!

During the CAT4 test – stay on track.

4. Understand the question – know what’s being asked – read it carefully.

As mentioned in point 3 above you need to be wary of the time and the pace required to complete but on the same hand you need to be as accurate as possible. Each question is a new question – if you get one wrong or are uncertain then make a best guess and move on – don’t dwell on it. The next question is not related to the last and getting the last one wrong doesn’t mean you will get this one wrong.

There is a simple process;

1. Look at the question and understand it taking any rough notes.
2. Systematically – work through the question
3. Any answers which are impossible mentally ignore
4. Keep moving towards the final answer until you have it
5. Click on the answer and move to the next question
6. Start again and keep doing this until all the questions are complete
7. If you have any time review the questions you missed

Now there are times when you don’t know the answer in these circumstances try to reduce the number of answers by ruling out those answers which it simply cannot be. So rather than guessing from 4 questions (25% probability of guessing correct) if you cross off two answers you will be guessing from 2 answers (50% probability of guessing correctly). Improving your chances in this way will help you get the highest mark possible – and avoid over analysis of the questions and answers.

5. Have checkpoints during the exam to break it up and keep on track

In any exam you need to have checkpoints to make sure you’re on track to finish ! The CAT4 is no different and with the clock ticking on the screen it’s difficult to ignore. At the half way mark (4 minutes or 5 minutes) make sure you’re at least half, I personally like to be ahead to give me a few extra seconds for those more difficult questions which always seem to turn up towards the end of an exam.

Also if you are ahead it gives you an opportunity to take extra care and spend a little more time on those more difficult questions allowing you to get a higher overall score. Like I said before each question is a mark in its own right so whenever you move on forget about the last question. Cognitive tests in generally will not progressively get more difficult.

Students are all different so how you exactly structure the time is entirely up to you but make sure you aim to finish and make sure you don’t miss any questions out. Take a “guesstimate” if that’s all you can – rule out answers which are impossible to improve your chances but be quick – brain processing speed, focus, memory and problem solving skills all influence your cognitive ability. Improving any of these factors will help you not only in the CAT4 test but also in your academic work.

6. Don’t miss any questions – always answer the question

CAT4 tests aren’t like traditional tests where you have difficult questions, essay questions etc… each question is a mark in its own right and (as far as I understand) carry a similar weighting. Trying to leave harder questions until later is simply not possible due to time constraints and this type of traditional strategy may leave you with a lot of unanswered questions.

The tests on this site and the sample questions during the test all help you to become acquainted with the format so you don’t need to think to much about the format. It is much better to answer each question as quickly as possible, or take a best guess. It’s highly unlikely you will have time to come back and answer the question.

In normal exams my approach would be very similar but I would mark the questions that I took a guess on and return to them to double check. This would mean that I always completed the questions but also allow me to return to questions which I wasn’t sure of. Since the CAT4 test is so short just stay focused and answer each question as quickly as you can taking best guesses where appropriate.

7. Freezing on a question and going blank…

With cognitive abilities test its not about what you have learnt but rather about the skills you have developed. Each question is different but use skills similar to the ones in that particular test. There are times when the question looks so complex or you approach the question use a particular method and fail to get a result.

If it looks complex – choose and approach and systematically work your way through the steps to come to an answer. It’s great when this works out the first time and you have an answer but there are times when you need to repeat the above several times before getting to a conclusion. This wastes valuable time but it’s impossible to know on the outset exactly which approach will work – the best thing is to be methodical and quick and if you feel overwhelmed break it down so you can at the very least cross some of the answers off so you can make a better guess.

Other hints and tips for the CAT4 Test

9. Make sure you use all the time allocated

It’s highly unlikely you’ll have any time to spare but if you do quickly review all the questions especially ones you were unsure of. This is a chance to scrape another couple of marks. USE ALL the time DO NOT finish early.

8. Cramming doesn’t work !

Unlike normal exams there is not a lot you can do in terms of cramming – the tests on this site are enough to practice on (click here). Subject matter is not what’s being tested here – see my post on this by clicking here.

Let us know your thoughts. Any ideas for helping to develop cognitive skills let me know.

CAT4 assessments are a very specific and specialized type of tool which allow schools to independently assess a students abilities. They are generally used in two circumstances but can be used at other points during a child’s schooling – there are various levels available which allow testing at different points in a child’s education.

When are CAT4 Assessments used?

• To help determine a child’s academic group – generally the results from the CAT4 are used in conjunction with the results from traditional assessments too. Many schools like to use the CAT4 results after KS1 and KS2 to help them with determining a child’s potential.
• As an entry exam which if passed at the appropriate level allows the student to register at the school.

Purpose of CAT4 Assessments

Normally the purpose of assessments are to determine what a student is learning, has learnt, or as a tool to provide further learning either through the assessment questions themselves or the mistakes they make during the assessment.

The CAT4 in this aspect is different in the sense it is not about what has or is being learnt but rather about the skills and underlying abilities of the student. These will and do develop over time but generally the results of a CAT4 provide a good prediction on the future GCSE achievements.

Developing your Child’s Abilities

CAT4 assessments measure the developed abilities of a child in the four areas that are known to make a difference in learning, exam achievement, and ultimately career success – verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning. The understanding gleaned from these tests indicate success in both national and international examinations but the questions all parents ask is can CAT4 abilities of a child be developed and changed.

There is no right or wrong answer to this but I believe nurturing a child in these abilities is key to ensuring all their mentally capacity is developed to its fullest. The age old debate of nature or nurture continues but as parents I believe our job is to ensure our child fulfills their potential and has the opportunity to do so. So actively encouraging a child to arrange shapes and identify patterns may contribute to their performance in CAT4 assessments later in life.

These types of thinking games will help prepare our children and ensure they have the fundamental abilities to pick up domain specific knowledge. Spatial ability for instance can be developed somewhat using jigsaw, lego and building blocks – however we are yet to do the research on the effect these games have on a child’s abilities and success later in life. You may want to also check out the page on how to boost these types of skills by clicking here.

Four stages of Child Development

There are 4 distinct stages in development of children which we can look to for guidance. These cognitive stages were recognized by a famous scientist Jean Piaget in 1952;

1. Sensorimotor Stage: Birth to 2 years. Children are exploring during this stage and learning about the world through their senses and manipulation of objects. It’s not always toys but any object will be fascinating to a child – just make sure its safe and non-toxic.
2. Preoperational Stage: Ages 2 to 7. Imagination begins to develop and some children even have imaginary friends or make up stories. Memory develops further and the idea of past and future is understood.
3. Concrete Operational Stage: Ages 7 to 11. This is when a child becomes more more aware of external events, their own feelings and the feelings of others. Empathy with other people is developed and an understanding that not everyone agrees with their thoughts and beliefs.
4. Formal Operational Stage: Ages 11 and above. Here logic is used to solve problems around them – these are real world problems with real consequences and this age is ever evolving to one of more experiences and maturity.

As you can see above a child simply won’t be able develop certain cognitive skills at an early age. Some intellectual skills simply are not fully understood by a younger child in the same way as a older one. There may be certain areas in which the child excels but overall a younger child is limited in overall cognitive abilities. What can be achieved is simply introducing children to these paradigms and concepts in simple way so when they move to the next stage of development they already have some of the fundamental tools to accurately interpret their new understandings.

What effects your child’s development?

Nature or nurture – which is it? Are we born with our abilities or are they nurtured through our environment? (discussed further here). I’m with the latter and believe that a child will develop their abilities determined on the factors they are exposed to.

There is a tendency to state that children from the same family are all clever but we need to put this into context and determine if their upbringing is actually very similar which is why they turned out the same. To answer the question why one child is bright and his / her siblings are not – the same logic can be applied – this child must have been exposed to a positive influence in his / her environment or had a teacher who took a real interest.

A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Students

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) is a widely used assessment designed to measure a student’s reasoning abilities and academic potential. It is commonly administered by schools for admissions, placement, and identifying strengths and weaknesses in students. Preparing for the CAT4 test can seem daunting, but with the right strategies and resources, students can approach the test with confidence and achieve their best possible results.

In this guide, I’ll be walking you through everything you need to know about the CAT4 test – its structure, key focus areas, along with actionable tips for effective preparation. Whether your child is in Year 4 doing the CAT4 Level A test or CAT4 Level E for high school or even a higher level for college or sixth form, this article will provide the basics you will need to help them do the very best they can.

What Is the CAT4 Test?

The test is a non-academic test that assesses a student’s cognitive abilities across four key areas:

1. Verbal Reasoning: Measures language-based reasoning skills.
2. Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates problem-solving using shapes and patterns.
3. Quantitative Reasoning: Tests numerical and logical thinking.
4. Spatial Reasoning: Assesses the ability to visualize and manipulate objects in space.

These cognitive areas are assessed using eight sub-tests, with each focusing on a specific skill. It is designed to identify a student’s potential rather than their current academic knowledge, making it a valuable tool for schools to understand how a student might perform in the future.

Why Is Preparation Important for the CAT4 Test?

This admissions test is not curriculum-based, so the approach to preparation is different but still required for several reasons:

• Familiarity with the Test Format: Understanding the structure and types of questions can reduce anxiety and improve performance.
• Time Management: The CAT4 is a timed test, so practicing under similar conditions helps students learn to work efficiently.
• Identifying Weaknesses: Preparation allows students to identify areas where they may need extra support, such as verbal or spatial reasoning.
• Building Confidence: Familiarity with the test content and format can boost a student’s confidence, helping them perform to the best of their abilities.

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How to Prepare for the CAT4 Test

1. Understand the Test Structure

The first step in preparing for the CAT4 test is to understand its structure. The test is divided into four sections, each with two sub-tests:

• Verbal Reasoning:
  • Verbal Classification: Identify relationships between words.
  • Verbal Analogies: Recognize patterns and connections in language.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning:
  • Figure Classification: Identify similarities and differences between shapes.
  • Figure Matrices: Solve visual puzzles using logical reasoning.
• Quantitative Reasoning:
  • Number Analogies: Recognize numerical patterns and relationships.
  • Number Series: Complete number sequences using logical reasoning.
• Spatial Reasoning:
  • Figure Analysis: Visualize and manipulate shapes.
  • Figure Recognition: Identify hidden shapes within complex designs.

Each sub-test is timed, so students must work quickly and accurately.

2. Use High-Quality Practice Materials

Investing in high-quality practice materials is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the test. Look for resources that:

• Mirror the actual test format and difficulty level.
• Include detailed explanations for answers.
• Offer timed practice tests to simulate real exam conditions.

Our CAT4 Ultimate Practice Test series is specifically designed to provide students with realistic practice questions and comprehensive explanations, making it an invaluable resource for test preparation.

3. Focus on Weak Areas

Every student has unique strengths and weaknesses. Use practice tests to identify areas where your child may need extra support. For example:

• If your child struggles with verbal reasoning, focus on building vocabulary and practicing word relationships.
• If spatial reasoning is a challenge, use puzzles and visual exercises to improve their skills.

4. Practice Time Management

The CAT4 test is timed, so practicing under similar conditions is essential. Encourage your child to complete practice tests within the allotted time to build their speed and accuracy. This will help them feel more comfortable on test day.

5. Create a Study Schedule

Consistency is key when preparing for the test. Create a study schedule that includes regular practice sessions, focusing on different sections of the test. Break down the preparation into manageable chunks to avoid overwhelming your child.

6. Encourage a Growth Mindset

Help your child approach the test with a positive attitude. Emphasize that the test is an opportunity to showcase their abilities and that preparation is about improvement, not perfection. A growth mindset can reduce anxiety and boost confidence.

Tips for the CAT4 Test Day

On the day of the CAT 4 test, ensure your child is well-rested and has a healthy breakfast. Remind them to:

• Read each question carefully.
• Manage their time wisely and not spend too long on any one question.
• Stay calm and focused throughout the test.

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Benefits of Using Our CAT4 Ultimate Practice Test

Our CAT4 Ultimate Practice Test is one of the most comprehensive resources available for CAT4 preparation. Here’s why it’s the best choice for your child:

• Realistic Practice Questions: Designed to match the difficulty and style of the actual CAT4 test.
• Detailed Explanations: Clear explanations for every question to help your child understand the reasoning behind the answers.
• Timed Practice Tests: Simulate real test conditions to build confidence and improve time management.
• Progress Tracking: Monitor your child’s performance and identify areas for improvement.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the CAT4 Test

Q: What age group is the CAT4 test for?
A: The test is designed for students aged 6 to 17 and is divided into different levels, such as Level A for Year 4 entry.

Q: How long does the CAT4 test take?
A: The test typically takes about 2 hours, including breaks between sections.

Q: Can my child retake the CAT4 test?
A: Retakes are generally not allowed, so thorough preparation is essential.

Q: What scores are considered good on the CAT4 test?
A: Scores are measured using SAS (Standard Age Scores), with 100 being the average. A score above 110 is considered above average.

Final Word on the CAT4

Preparing for the CAT 4 test doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right resources and strategies, your child can approach the test with confidence and achieve their best possible results. Our CAT4 Ultimate Practice Tests provides everything your child needs to succeed, from realistic practice questions to detailed explanations and timed tests.

Start preparing today and give your child the tools they need to excel on the CAT4 test!

CAT4 PRACTICE TEST

Are you looking for proven strategies to help your child improve their CAT4 score? Meet Kevin, a past user of the schoolentranceexam.com website, and a student who transformed his CAT4 performance in just 20 days! Find out how he did it and how you can achieve similar success for your child.

Kevin’s CAT4 Journey: From Struggles to Success

Kevin’s first attempt at the CAT4 test faced significant challenges particularly in unfamiliar areas like spatial reasoning. Verbal skills and even mathematics were taught in school and Kevin’s abilities were strong. CAT4 is not just about memorization rather it’s about developing your child’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Kevin and his parents were determined to improve Kevin’s scores. They focused on targeted preparation and consistent practice and fully supported Kevin every step of the way.

Key Strategies That Helped Kevin Succeed in the CAT4

1. Targeted Regular Practice for Weaker Areas
   Kevin identified his weaknesses from the scores of his first attempt—spatial reasoning and number sequences were the lowest—he then focused on improving them. and used a variety of tools ranging from jigsaw puzzles, logic games, and math problems to build up his skills.
2. Realistic CAT4 Practice Questions
   Kevin’s parents knew he required realistic questions to practice on so they decided to pay for the SchoolEntranceExam.com, a trusted resource for CAT4 practice tests. These questions mirrored the actual exam and familiarized Kevin with the format and question types.
3. Timed Mock Tests
   Real exam condition practice is a must, so Kevin practiced with timed mock tests to simulate the real thing. This helped get a handle on his time management and stay calm under pressure.
4. Logical Problem-Solving and Elimination Strategies
   Kevin learned to break down complex problems step-by-step and use elimination strategies to narrow down the answer. This approach boosted his accuracy and confidence.
5. Reviewing Mistakes
   After each practice session, Kevin reviewed his mistakes to understand where he went wrong. This turned his weaknesses into strengths over time. This last step is key to improvement and can accelerate your development possible by 10 fold compared to the school system.

The Result: A Dramatic CAT4 Score Improvement

After 20 days of focused preparation (more like 10 !), Kevin achieved a significant score improvement from the previous year. His hard work paid off— and he was accepted into one of the best schools in the country !

Boost Your Child’s CAT4 Score Today!

Follow Kevin’s proven CAT4 improvement strategies and start practicing — we have some of the most accurate and challenging CAT4 resources available. With realistic practice questions, timed mock tests, and expert feedback on each question, your child can achieve their best possible score.

Kevin’s journey to improving his CAT4 score is a great example of how targeted preparation and consistent practice can lead to progress. Here’s a breakdown of the key strategies that helped Kevin succeed, you can also apply these to not just boost your child’s CAT4 performance but performance in any subject:

1. Identify Weaknesses and Focus on Them

Kevin recognized spatial reasoning and number sequences were his worst scoring areas. By focusing on these, he was able to spend more time improving these specific skills.
Actionable Tip: Always worth taking a diagnostic test or reviewing past performance to determine which types of questions your child finds challenging. Focus on those areas first.

2. Use Realistic Practice Materials

Kevin used SchoolEntranceExam.com to access realistic CAT4 practice questions that mirrored the actual test. This helped a lot and made him become familiar with the format, question types, and difficulty level.
Actionable Tip: Invest in high-quality resources that accurately reflect the real CAT4 exam. This will build confidence and reduce surprises on test day.

3. Develop Problem-Solving Skills

Kevin worked on puzzles, jigsaws, and mathematical problems to strengthen his logical thinking and spatial reasoning abilities. These activities support his practice and helped him approach questions more strategically.
Actionable Tip: Brain-training activities like Sudoku, pattern recognition games, and logic puzzles are key but need to be focused on your child to enhance the cognitive skills that are weakest – or even further strengthen skills.

4. Practice Under Timed Conditions

Kevin took timed mock tests to simulate real exam conditions. Being as realistic as possible is the only way you can determine how your child will react and how to manage time effectively while staying calm under pressure. Under pressure the first thing to go is logical and critical thinking skills.
Actionable Tip: Regularly practice timed sessions to help your child become used to answering questions quickly and accurately under pressure.

5. Learn Elimination Strategies

Kevin improved his score by breaking down problems logically and using elimination techniques to narrow down answer choices. Your child’s job is to work out the most likely answer not just work out the answer – sometimes a process of elimination works.
Actionable Tip: Teach your child to obviously wrong answers first – this will increase their odds of selecting the correct option.

6. Review Mistakes and Learn from Them

After each practice session, Kevin reviewed his mistakes on the CAT4 subtest to better understand where he went wrong and how to avoid similar errors in the future when presented with a similar question.
Actionable Tip: Creating a “mistake journal” is a great way to to track and analyze errors. This helps turn weaknesses into strengths over time.

7. Stay Consistent and Motivated

Kevin dedicated just 20 days to focused preparation, but even though he remained consistent and motivated throughout he admitted it was probably more like 10 days! His hard work paid off with a significant score improvement – it doesn’t take much to get a boost but discipline is key.
Actionable Tip: Set small, achievable goals to keep your child motivated.

Start Preparing Today!

Like Kevin, your child can achieve a higher CAT4 score with the right approach and resources. Use the SchoolEntranceExam.com platform to access realistic CAT4 practice questions, timed mock tests, and expert feedback to help your child succeed.

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Why Choose SchoolEntranceExam.com?

• Accurate CAT4 Practice Questions that mirror the real test
• Timed Mock Tests to build exam confidence
• Targeted Strategies to improve weak areas
• Proven Results—just like Kevin’s success story!

What are Cognitive Abilities?

Cognitive abilities are the fundamental building blocks of all other skills. There are various paradigms out there but the ones the CAT4 focuses on are essential to predict future performance, particularly during GCSEs and A-Levels.

The CAT4 assesses four different cognitive areas:

• Verbal Reasoning (VR)
• Non Verbal Reasoning (NVR)
• Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
• Spatial Awareness (SA)

And uses 8 individual tests. The tests are between 8-10 minutes and consist of the following;

• Non-Verbal Figure Classification
• Non-Verbal Figure Analysis
• Non-Verbal Figure Matrices
• Non-Verbal Figure Recognition
• Numerical Analogies
• Numerical Series
• Verbal Analogies
• Verbal Classification

Try a CAT4 practice test now by clicking here.

Verbal Reasoning (VR)

Verbal reasoning is the ability to understand, classify, and identify patterns in words. The CAT4 measures a child’s ability in this area using a verbal classification test and a verbal analogies test. This skills translates directly to a child’s academic performance since if they can’t read well and understand they are unlikely to perform well in any tests or exams. A basic level of vocabulary is essential and I would argue this is the one sub test which measures – more than indirectly – a child’s exposure to reading material and verbal skills. If a child does have the basic verbal knowledge then the test starts to meets its objective which to test how well a child can think using words.

The verbal classification test presents the student with a number of words which are related in some way. The student then needs to select another word from five other words which is associated in a similar way with the group presented.

The verbal analogies test requires the student to determine the relationship between a pair of words. A third word will then be presented and the student needs to use the relationship from the first pair to select a fourth word. This helps to assess the ability to determine verbal connections, relationships, and patterns.

Non Verbal Reasoning (NVR)

Non-verbal reasoning is the ability to visually understand shapes, their relationships and patterns, differences, and similarities. The CAT4 measures a child’s ability in this area using a figure classification test and a figure matrices test. Possibly one of the first skills we learn as children is to recognise shapes and faces. Visual non-verbal reasoning is a skill which develops as we grow and start to categorise our surroundings. Furthermore, we bunch things together it larger groups and then smaller groups – four legged animals is split further into cats, dogs, horses etc.. The brain is truly amazing !

The figure classification test presents a group of shapes which are similar in some way. The student then needs to select one of the other five shapes presented that also belong to the group due to the shared characteristic.

The figure matrices test is about recognizing the way shapes change and how to apply this change to other shapes. The student will be presented with three shapes in a square with a fourth shape missing. The change between the first two shapes will need to be applied similarly to the third shape to decide which shapes from the five options is the missing fourth shape.

Spatial Awareness (SA)

Spatial Reasoning is the ability to solve complex three dimensional problems by mentally visualizing, manipulating, rotating, and transforming images. The CAT4 measures a child’s ability in this area using a figure analysis test and a figure recognition test. I have a brother-in-law who can’t put together an Ikea flat pack even if his life depended on it. Being able to visualise in both 2d and 3d spaces helps us understand the consequences of actions. As young babies we believe an object simply does not exist if we can’t see it, or if its been rotated – our spatial awareness of objects and what happens to an object when moved or transformed is yet to develop.

The figure analysis test presents the user with a square that has been folded and hole punched a number of times. The student needs to visualize how the square would look unfolded and select the correct option from the five presented.

The figure recognition test evaluates the students ability to recognize shapes within other shapes. The user is asked to simply identify the presence of a shape in one of five complex pictures.

CAT4 PRACTICE TEST

CAT4 level tests are different versions of the test catering for children who are in different grades in primary school and high school. The table below provides you with a brief summary and CAT4 level breakdown. CAT4 Level X and Level Y are for year 1 and 2 and have a different structure. CAT4 Level A to Level G is for year 3 to year 12 and above. Use the information below to decide which level your child should practice on.

Continue reading “Breaking Down the CAT4 Levels – X, Y, A to G” →

Development of School Admission Tests in the UK and Ireland

CAT4 school entrance tests in the UK and Ireland have gradually evolved over the years in alignment with the development changes of the education system. A key driver has been to provide the best students with the best educational opportunities whatever their background. Entrance exams historically assessed academic subjects such as English, mathematics, and science to determine a student’s eligibility to attend a grammar or independent school. In recent times school have shifted to more holistic assessments to determine a student’s cognitive ability, critical thinking skills, and ultimately future potential. Educators have used these types of cognitive assessments to determine the dormant potential within a child which can be fulfilled with the right opportunity and nurturing environment.

Tests like the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4), assess the ability to think, and measure a child’s verbal, non-verbal, spatial, and quantitative reasoning. These areas are much more predictive of their future success at GCSE and A-Levels. Educational institutes have recognized that traditional exams are bias towards those who have a more nurturing school and home environment rather than a student’s actual aptitude.

Ireland has also taken a similar view towards more diagnostic cognitive assessments, helping to ensure students from all educational backgrounds have an equal opportunity. Entrance exams aim to assess both academic achievement with a broader understanding of students’ capabilities, supporting more informed and equitable admissions decisions which allow those who have ability to rise to the top.

CAT4 Development

Cognitive Ability testing was initially introduced in the UK, with the first versions of a CAT4 type test being used in the 1980s. Cognitive testing evolved over the years and various revisions and improvements introduced which have most recently culminated in one of the most popular cognitive tests used for school admissions – the CAT4.

The CAT4 eventually evolved to measure four keys areas which following significant research over the years are accurate at predicting future achievement particularly in GCSEs. The four skills areas measured by the CAT4 are: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and spatial ability. Understanding a child’s thinking and problem-solving skills may not always be a predictor to future success but it is a very good predictor of potential a child has.

Typical traditional testing primarily assesses subject-specific knowledge, such as mathematics or reading which is very dependent on the opportunities a child has had in the past – gone a good school and / or had stable supporting parents. Cognitive tests (CAT4) focus on underlying thinking skills that directly underpin a student’s capacity to learn and reason in any context. Understanding these cognitive abilities helps schools to provide focused support, and plan for more individualized instruction where students excel or require extra help.

CAT4 in the UK

The CAT4 is very widely adopted by many primary and secondary schools from the ages of 6 to 17. It helps to support the admissions process in grammar and private schools and also informs academic targets, helping teachers understand the needs of a particular cohort of students. The CAT4 also influences the ways students are grouped since by predicting future academic performance and current cognitive ability students with similar abilities can be grouped into higher sets which push them to achieve even more while less able children can be supported appropriately depending on their identified learning needs. Creating tailored learning plans catering to individual student profiles becomes much simpler using the results of the cognitive tests.

Some students struggle since English may not be their first language – the CAT4’s non-verbal and spatial components are particularly valuable for them since it is able to ascertain a child’s potential ability and for a those with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, aoiding a teacher simply thinking a child doesn’t have the capacity. Taking a broader view on intelligence rather than simply subject specific academic performance has made CAT4 a popular tool for teacher’s to get the most out of their students. The following schools are ones which use the CAT4 test but its a good idea to check with the school you are interested in to make sure nothing has changed.

Example of Schools in England that Use the CAT4

School Name	Location
Eton College	Windsor, Berkshire
Harrow School	Harrow, London
Winchester College	Winchester, Hampshire
St Paul’s School	London
Westminster School	London
Rugby School	Rugby, Warwickshire
Charterhouse School	Godalming, Surrey
Oakham School	Oakham, Rutland
Haileybury School	Hertford, Hertfordshire
Bedford School	Bedford, Bedfordshire

Example of Schools in Wales that Use the CAT4

School Name	Curriculum
Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools	British
Rydal Penrhos School	British
St John’s College	British
Howell’s School	British
The Cathedral School Llandaff	British
Monmouth School for Girls	British
Rougemont School	British
St David’s College	British
Christ College Brecon	British
Llanishen High School	British

Example of Schools in Scotland that Use the CAT4

School Name	Location
Hutchesons’ Grammar School	Glasgow
George Heriot’s School	Edinburgh
St Aloysius’ College	Glasgow
Dollar Academy	Clackmannanshire
Glenalmond College	Perthshire
Fettes College	Edinburgh
Loretto School	East Lothian
Strathallan School	Perthshire
Merchiston Castle School	Edinburgh
St Leonards School	St Andrews

Example of Schools in Northern Ireland that Use the CAT4

School Name	Curriculum
Methodist College Belfast	British
Campbell College Belfast	British
Belfast Royal Academy	British
Friends’ School Lisburn	British
Sullivan Upper School	British
Wallace High School	British
Banbridge Academy	British
Portora Royal School	British
Lurgan College	British
Down High School	British

CAT4 in Ireland

Introduction of the CAT4 in Ireland has followed a similar path to the UK with a large number of schools adopting it not just as part of their admissions process but also as part of their assessment framework. Ireland’s emphasis on individualized learning and inclusive education provides can be driven by cognitive abilities testing and the reporting helps teachers get an objective measure of student abilities – furthermore their may be a common thread in a particular cohort and thus teaching approaches can be modified accordingly – the post-COVID generation for instance may have some strengths and weaknesses which other generations did not. The following is a list of some of the schools in Ireland which use the CAT4 but double check with your school of choice to make sure this is still the case:

School Name	Curriculum	Notes
St. Columba’s College	Irish (Transition Year)	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
The King’s Hospital School	Irish (Transition Year)	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Wesley College Dublin	Irish (Transition Year)	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Alexandra College	Irish (Transition Year)	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Blackrock College	Irish (Transition Year)	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Castleknock College	Irish (Transition Year)	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Mount Anville Secondary School	Irish (Transition Year)	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Terenure College	Irish (Transition Year)	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Gonzaga College	Irish (Transition Year)	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
St. Andrew’s College	Irish (Transition Year)	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.

Benefits and Challenges of the CAT4

The adoption of CAT4 in Ireland and the UK benefited both education systems providing teachers of both nations with a deeper understanding of student learning styles and helping inform schools with the data to determine class placement and program intervention. Parents can also benefit by understanding their child’s areas for development and support their education accordingly.

Challenges do exist with some critics arguing that the insights gained from tests like the CAT4 need to be used along with other tests – the 11 plus for instance uses a combination of subject knowledge and cognitive skills assessment. They argue over-reliance on cognitive tests may overshadow other areas of student development, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and social skills.

Conclusions

The use of CAT4 in Ireland and the UK has impacted educational practices, offering an insight into the future potential of students. Understanding the cognitive reasoning level of a student helps teacher understand the capacity of a child to learn rather than simply recall information. Ultimately a holistic approach should be taken which considers other areas of development and growth which are just as important to our children’s future success and healthy contribution towards society.

Preparing for the CAT4 test? Look no further! On this website you’ll find a comprehensive, inexpensive resource providing CAT4 practice test questions and tips to help you ace the real test and pass the school entrance exam. Whether you’re a student or a parent looking to support your child’s preparation, this guide has got you covered.

Understand the CAT4 Test Format and Content

Before diving into practice test questions, it’s important to understand the format and content of the CAT4 test. The CAT4, or Cognitive Abilities Test, is a widely used assessment tool that measures a student’s cognitive abilities in areas such as verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and spatial ability. Familiarizing yourself with the test format and content will help you better prepare and perform well on test day.

Below is a quick overview of the types of questions but further information and examples can be found at this page.

Practice Verbal Reasoning Questions

Verbal reasoning is an important component of the CAT4 test, as it assesses a student’s ability to understand and manipulate language. To practice verbal reasoning questions, start by familiarizing yourself with different question types, such as analogies, synonyms, and antonyms. Then, find practice questions that align with the CAT4 format and content. Work through these questions, paying attention to the strategies and techniques used to solve them. With consistent practice, you’ll improve your verbal reasoning skills and feel more confident on test day.

Master Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions

Non-verbal reasoning questions are a key part of the CAT4 test, and mastering them can greatly improve your overall score. These questions assess your ability to analyze and manipulate visual information, such as patterns, shapes, and sequences. To excel in non-verbal reasoning, it’s important to practice regularly and familiarize yourself with different question types, such as series, matrices, and codes. Look for practice resources that provide clear explanations and strategies for solving these types of questions. By dedicating time to mastering non-verbal reasoning, you’ll be well-prepared for this section of the CAT4 test.

Ace the Quantitative Reasoning Questions

Before diving into solving a quantitative reasoning question, it’s crucial to take the time to understand the type of question and identify key information. Look for anything which can give you clues about the type of calculation or problem-solving approach you need to use. Once you have a clear understanding of the question and the key information, you’ll be better equipped to tackle it effectively and accurately.

See Through the Spatial Awareness Questions

Spatial awareness refers to the ability to understand and perceive the space around us, including the relationship between objects, people, and our own body in that space. It involves being aware of our position, orientation, and movement in relation to our surroundings. Spatial awareness is important because it helps us navigate and interact with our environment effectively and safely. It allows us to judge distances, make accurate movements, and avoid obstacles. Developing spatial awareness can also enhance our problem-solving skills and creativity.

Spatial awareness is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. While some individuals may have a natural inclination towards spatial awareness, it is not solely dependent on innate abilities. Through practice and conscious effort, anyone can improve their spatial awareness. Engaging in activities that require spatial thinking, such as puzzles, drawing, and playing certain sports, can help enhance this skill. Additionally, mindfulness and paying attention to our surroundings can also contribute to improving spatial awareness. With consistent practice and effort, individuals can significantly improve their ability to perceive and understand their surroundings.

Develop Time Management Strategies for the CAT4 Test

Time management is crucial when taking the CAT4 test, as you will have a limited amount of time to complete each section. To develop effective time management strategies, start by familiarizing yourself with the structure and format of the test. Understand how many questions are in each section and allocate your time accordingly. It can be helpful to set specific time goals for each question or section to ensure that you stay on track. Additionally, practice timed mock tests to get a sense of how quickly you can answer questions and identify areas where you may need to improve your speed. By developing strong time management skills, you’ll be able to maximize your performance on the CAT4 test.

For more information on the CAT4 entrance tests check out the Q&A page.

The CAT4 is a diagnostic assessment designed to measure a student’s developed abilities in four key areas: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and spatial reasoning. Unlike traditional exams that focus on curriculum-based knowledge, the CAT4 assesses how students think and solve problems, providing insights into their learning potential. This makes it an ideal tool for schools aiming to identify students who can excel in an international curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British (IGCSE/A-Level), or American (AP) systems.

In China, the CAT4 has become a key component of the admissions process for many top-tier international schools. These schools use the CAT4 to identify students with strong academic potential, critical thinking skills, and the ability to thrive in a challenging educational environment. Below is a list of some of the leading Chinese schools that utilize the CAT4 as part of their entrance exams.

Schools in China Using CAT4 Entrance Test

School Name	Location	Curriculum
Dulwich College International (Multiple Campuses)	Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou, and more	British
Nord Anglia International Schools (Multiple Campuses)	Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and more	British/IB
Harrow International Schools (Multiple Campuses)	Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and more	British
Wellington College International (Multiple Campuses)	Shanghai, Tianjin, Hangzhou	British
British International School Shanghai (BISS)	Shanghai	British
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS)	Shanghai	IB (International Baccalaureate)
Shanghai Community International School (SCIS)	Shanghai	IB (International Baccalaureate)
Shanghai American School (SAS)	Shanghai	American
International School of Beijing (ISB)	Beijing	American
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)	Beijing	IB (International Baccalaureate)

Dulwich College International Schools (Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou, Zhuhai)

Part of the renowned Dulwich College family, this school offers a British-based international curriculum. The CAT4 is used to assess students’ cognitive abilities and ensure they are well-suited to the rigorous academic environment.

Harrow International Schools (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Haikou)

Harrow Schools in China are known for their excellence in British education. The CAT4 helps identify students who can thrive in their A-Level and IGCSE programs.

Nord Anglia Chinese International Schools (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu)

Nord Anglia schools offer a blend of international and Chinese curricula. The CAT4 is used to evaluate students’ potential and readiness for their globally focused programs.

Wellington College International Schools (Shanghai, Tianjin, Hangzhou)

Wellington Colleges in China provide a British-style education with a strong emphasis on holistic development. The CAT4 is a key component of their admissions process.

Yew Chung International Schools (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chongqing)

Yew Chung schools offer a unique bilingual education model. The CAT4 helps assess students’ cognitive abilities and their ability to adapt to a bilingual learning environment.

Shanghai American School (SAS)

As one of the most prestigious American international schools in China, SAS uses the CAT4 to identify students who can excel in their Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.

Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)

WAB is a leading IB World School that uses the CAT4 to assess students’ readiness for its challenging and inquiry-based curriculum.

International School of Beijing (ISB)

ISB offers an American-style education with a strong focus on innovation and creativity. The CAT4 is used to evaluate students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE)

SCIE is one of the top schools in southern China offering A-Level and IGCSE programs. The CAT4 is used to select students who demonstrate strong academic potential.

Beijing City International School (BCIS)

BCIS offers an IB curriculum and uses the CAT4 to assess students’ cognitive abilities and their suitability for the IB program.

Conclusion

For students aiming to gain admission to these prestigious schools, preparation for the CAT4 is essential in China. Competition is fierce and while the test does not require specific subject knowledge, familiarizing oneself with the test format and practicing reasoning skills can improve performance. Parents in China enroll their children in specialized tutoring programs or use online resources to help them prepare for the CAT4 type exams.

Many top international schools in China are using the CAT4 or a similar test to help assess students’ cognitive abilities. The CAT4 helps schools identify those best suited to the challenging environment of their school. Generally used by British and international school many American or IB curriculum schools are starting to adopt a similar cognitive testing process. Academic success in China’s competitive international environment is critical for your child’s future.

使用認知能力測驗（CAT4）來評估學生的基礎能力和未來的學術潛力。

孩子在CAT4中的表現可以用來判斷學生的進步，並根據他們的能力決定是否要錄取學生。 CAT4也幫助學校了解學生的優勢和劣勢，制定個人化的學習計畫和教學模式。

此數據可用於確定優勢、劣勢和學習偏好。這為改變特定群體的方法提供了強有力的驅動力和證據。

Do you live in the UAE? Are you planning to get your child admitted into a school in UAE and worried about the CAT4 school entrance exam? Unclear what cognitive skills are? Try a CAT4 practice test by clicking here now.

The U.A.E has the second-highest number of international schools in the world – a staggering count of 624 according to a report by Khaleej Times. The UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda aims to develop a first-rate education system using up-to-date systems and teaching methods. Using smart technology and devices for teaching, learning and research, not only is the UAE trying to educate its own people but also set the standard globally.

If you are confused about the entrance process in UAE schools, this guide will help by explaining all about UAE school curriculums, fees, admission processes, and CAT4 test requirements. All the Emirates including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have a similar approach to school entrance and this guide will help you navigate your way through.

What is the CAT4 Exam in the UAE?

The CAT4 exam (Cognitive Abilities Test) is a widely used assessment in the UAE to evaluate students’ academic potential and cognitive abilities. Designed to measure skills like reasoning, logic, focus, and attention to detail, the CAT4 test helps schools identify strengths and areas for improvement. Prepare for the CAT4 exam with practice tests and solutions and boost your child’s confidence and performance with tailored resources for UAE students. Start practicing today!

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a School in the UAE?

Finding the best school for your child is all about finding answers to some simple questions like:

• What kinds of entrance exams does your child need to pass for admission into international schools? (e.g CAT4, MAP, ISEE, etc.
• Which curriculum does the school follow?
• What documentation is required for admission?
• What do the KHDA and ADEK ratings say about the school?
• Does the school’s fee fit your budget?

Across all UAE emirates, the CAT4 test plays a vital role in shaping educational strategies and supporting student development. Whether in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Fujairah, parents and schools are prioritizing CAT4 preparation to help students unlock their full academic potential.

CAT4 Use in the Emirates

Here are a list schools in the different Emirates of the UAE that use the CAT4. Schools may update their admissions policies, so always check the latest requirements on their websites or contact their admissions offices directly.

1. Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, the CAT4 test is widely used in both public and private schools to assess students’ cognitive abilities and academic potential. Schools in Abu Dhabi often rely on CAT4 results to identify gifted students and tailor educational programs to meet individual learning needs. Many parents seek CAT4 practice tests to help their children prepare for this critical assessment.

School Name	Curriculum	Notes
The British School Al Khubairat	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Brighton College Abu Dhabi	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Raha International School	IB (International Baccalaureate)	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
American Community School of Abu Dhabi	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Al Muna Academy	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Abu Dhabi International School	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Rydal Penrhos Abu Dhabi	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
International Community School Abu Dhabi	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.

2. Dubai

Dubai’s competitive educational landscape makes the CAT4 test a key tool for schools to evaluate students’ reasoning, logic, and problem-solving skills. International schools in Dubai frequently administer the CAT4 exam to benchmark student performance and guide curriculum planning. CAT4 preparation resources are in high demand, with many parents enrolling their children in practice programs.

School Name	Curriculum	Notes
Dubai College	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 and Year 8 admissions.
Kings’ School Dubai	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
GEMS Wellington International School	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 and above.
Dubai British School	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Nord Anglia International School Dubai	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 and above.
Repton School Dubai	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
GEMS Dubai American Academy	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
The English College Dubai	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Raffles World Academy	IB (International Baccalaureate)	CAT4 is used for admissions in certain grades.
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD)	IB (International Baccalaureate)	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
GEMS Metropole School	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 and above.
Brighton College Dubai	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Dwight School Dubai	IB (International Baccalaureate)	CAT4 is used for admissions in certain grades.
GEMS World Academy Dubai	IB (International Baccalaureate)	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.

3. Sharjah

In Sharjah, the CAT4 test is commonly used by schools to gain insights into students’ cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Sharjah’s focus on balanced education means the CAT4 results are often used to support personalized learning plans. Parents in Sharjah are increasingly investing in CAT4 practice materials to ensure their children perform well in this assessment.

School Name	Curriculum	Notes
Sharjah English School	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
American School of Creative Science	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
GEMS World Academy Sharjah	IB (International Baccalaureate)	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Sharjah American International School	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
International School of Creative Science	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Sharjah Indian School	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Al Ameer English School	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Sharjah Modern School	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Sharjah Private School	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Sharjah International School	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.

4. Ajman

Schools in Ajman use the CAT4 test to assess students’ academic potential and cognitive abilities. The test helps educators identify areas where students may need additional support or enrichment. With a growing emphasis on academic excellence, many parents in Ajman are turning to CAT4 practice tests to help their children excel.

School Name	Curriculum	Notes
GEMS Ajman Academy	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
International Academic School Ajman	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Ajman Academy	IB (International Baccalaureate)	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Ajman Indian School	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Al Mawakeb School Ajman	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
City School Ajman	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Ajman School	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Al Mizhar American Academy	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Ajman Modern School	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Ajman International School	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.

5. Umm Al Quwain

In Umm Al Quwain, the CAT4 test is gaining popularity as a tool for evaluating students’ reasoning and problem-solving skills. Schools use the results to create targeted learning strategies. Parents in Umm Al Quwain are increasingly aware of the importance of CAT4 preparation and are seeking resources to help their children succeed.

School Name	Curriculum	Notes
Umm Al Quwain Indian School	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Umm Al Quwain Academy	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Umm Al Quwain International School	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Umm Al Quwain Modern School	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Umm Al Quwain American School	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Umm Al Quwain British School	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Umm Al Quwain Islamic School	Ministry of Education (UAE)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Umm Al Quwain Private School	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Umm Al Quwain International Academy	IB (International Baccalaureate)	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Umm Al Quwain School of Excellence	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.

6. Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah’s schools use the CAT4 test to measure students’ cognitive abilities and academic potential. The test is particularly valued for its ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of a student’s strengths and areas for improvement. CAT4 practice tests are becoming a key resource for families in Ras Al Khaimah aiming for academic success.

School Name	Curriculum	Notes
Ras Al Khaimah Academy	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
GEMS Modern Academy Ras Al Khaimah	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Al Mawakeb School Ras Al Khaimah	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Ras Al Khaimah International School	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Ras Al Khaimah American Academy	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Ras Al Khaimah Schools	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Al Mizhar American Academy Ras Al Khaimah	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Ras Al Khaimah Indian School	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Ras Al Khaimah Modern School	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Ras Al Khaimah International School	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.

7. Fujairah

In Fujairah, the CAT4 test is used by schools to assess students’ reasoning, logic, and problem-solving skills. The results help educators design personalized learning plans to support student growth. Parents in Fujairah are increasingly focusing on CAT4 preparation to ensure their children are well-prepared for this important assessment.

School Name	Curriculum	Notes
Dibba English School	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Fujairah Academy	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
International Community School Fujairah	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Fujairah Modern School	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Al Mawakeb School Fujairah	American	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Fujairah Private School	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.
Fujairah Islamic School	Ministry of Education (UAE)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Fujairah Indian School	CBSE (Indian)	CAT4 may be used for placement in certain grades.
Fujairah City School	British	CAT4 is used for secondary school admissions.
Fujairah International School	British	CAT4 is used for Year 7 admissions.

What is the CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) and why is it used by UAE schools as part of their admission process?

Like many schools across the UK and Ireland, a large number of international schools in the UAE also use the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) to select candidates for admission. CAT4 is one of the most popular tests used by schools in the UAE as not just part of the admission process but also as part of predicting a child’s future performance in Year 8.

Developed by (GL) Assessment, CAT4 provides a comprehensive report on the cognitive and reasoning capabilities of a child and is an excellent predictor of a child’s future academic achievement. The test evaluates and provides scores for the exact strengths and weaknesses of each candidate. CAT4 tests in Dubai and Abu Dhabi work as an excellent tool for schools to filter out students during the admission process and are also used to identify children with extraordinary talents. In the UAE it is also at times used as a basis to award scholarships.

What Areas Does CAT4 Assess in the UAE?

The CAT4 reports on how well a student performs across four defined dimensions, which include:

1. Verbal Reasoning: The assessment involves traditional examining techniques and evaluates the subject’s verbal skills through the expression of ideas and thoughts in words.
2. Non-Verbal Reasoning: Used to judge the ability of a candidate to connect different shapes and understand the underlying pattern with the help of images and diagrams.
3. Spatial Reasoning: It measures the ability of a student to think and draw conclusions in three-dimensional space by manipulating shapes and objects. 
4. Quantitative Reasoning: Questions on quantitative reasoning appraise more than just general mathematical skills. It focuses on analyzing the candidate’s ability to think fast through numerical problems and work out relationships in a sequence of numbers.  

How is the CAT4 test conducted in the UAE?

The assessment can be either paper-based or computerized and is carried out in the form of a series of MCQ-styled questions and follows the standard approach as prescribed by GL Assessment.

CAT4 will test your child in several different ways and will consist of questions in various formats such as: 

• Verbal and Numerical Analogies, and Figure Matrices, all of which involve questions that deal with pattern recognition.
• Verbal and Numerical Classification where students have to work out a relationship between several images in question. Then, they identify which of the given options carries the same relationship.
• Numerical Series questions ask to figure out the connection between a given series of numbers. The student then has to select the correct option which shows the same connection.
• Figure Recognition shows a specific shape that is hidden in only one of the given multiple choices. Students have to identify which option is the right.
• Figure Analysis helps to determine whether a candidate has strong visualization skills. These questions require children to recognize the correct orientation of a given object or shape in the three-dimensions.

With such a wide testing approach, CAT4 assessments are great at pinpointing the strengths and weaknesses of a potential student in the UAE.

Entrance Tests other than the CAT4 used by Schools in the UAE

Apart from CAT4, various schools in Dubai or Abi Dhabi also conduct other tests according to their admission requirements. Some of the more popular entrance tests are described below:

1. Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE)

Independent School Entrance Examination is a test used by several private schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Scoring well in this test is a prerequisite for your child to get into the top private school of your choice. The ISEE tests the child across a wide range of abilities, including verbal skills, quantitative reasoning, mathematical, reading, and writing skills. 

2.   The measure of Academic Progress (MAP)

MAP is a kind of entrance test that involves testing the reading ability, science, and math skills of a student. These tests are usually available in computerized form. The great thing about MAP tests is that they are customized to the student’s current level of knowledge and education. This way, every candidate gets a fair chance to prove their knowledge and the school can be sure the child has covered the material and meets a minimum academic standard. The drawback is that this is focused primarily on knowledge rather than the cognitive ability of a student to learn.

3.   Children’s Progress Academic Assessment (CPAA)

Is a standardized test that lets teachers evaluate your child and provides a very thorough analysis of where your child performed well and where there is room for improvement. It is a good idea to thoroughly review the works from previous years since subject knowledge is critical in passing these tests.

What curriculum do schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Offer?

Before you enroll your child in an international school, it’s important to figure out what curriculum you want your child to study. This depends on several factors such as:

1. Whether or not your child will stay in UAE for higher education. Especially relevant if you are an expatriate and plan to move back to your home country after a few years.
2. If another international curriculum will cover the same subjects as the curriculum of your home country.

International Baccalaureate (IB) schools are generally a good choice for those who come from countries which don’t follow a UK type curriculum with GCSE and A-Level assessments. The IB is easy to transfer and offers great flexibility and provides your child with the skills to switch at during later stages.

Should I send my child to an American or British curriculum?

There’s a huge number of both American and British international curricula offered in UAE schools. The American schools predominantly copy a U.S based education pattern accompanied by a credit scoring system, which is conveniently transferable. Their curriculum is much similar to what any IB school would offer. On the other hand, British schools are highly valued by expats who are interested in pursuing higher education in world-renowned UK-based educational institutes. However, at the end of the day, the decision boils down to where you plan to send your child to attend university.

What documents are mandatory for admission into a UAE school?

The specific admission requirements will be different for different schools. However, there are some basic documentation requirements you have to provide to get your child enrolled in any school in Dubai or Abu Dhabi:

• The school’s admission form
• Previous school records (if any)
• Proof of identification for the child and both parents
• Vaccination records
• The birth certificate of your child
• You will also have to submit a non-refundable admission fee when you get your child registered with the school.

Where can I find online ratings of schools in the UAE?

If you live in Dubai, then you must check the KHDA ratings for international schools in your area. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority or KHDA is a regulatory body that oversees matters related to the private education sector in Dubai. Their website rates schools against specific criteria and reports on where these schools rank on their list. KHDA’s rankings are made up of five levels starting at the top with ‘Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable’, and ending at the bottom with ‘Weak’. The criteria for KHDA ratings are a mix of many important factors, such as the school’s leadership capabilities, the student’s academic performance, quality of progress tracking systems, and reporting on results.

However, if you reside in Abu Dhabi, you can use the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) as your go-to website for school searching. This department was recently formed, following in the footsteps of KHDA, and provides the same type of services to the public. Hence, the KHDA and ADEK websites are trustworthy sources to provide you with the exact information you need for your child’s school admission.  

Does the School’s fee fit your budget?

Apart from determining ratings, the KHDA and ADEK platforms are also great sources for finding international schools that match your fee criteria. It’s no secret that International Baccalaureate schools are amongst the countries most expensive. These are then followed by American and British schools which have only marginally cheaper fees.

The school fees in Dubai start from as low as 1,800 AED and go up to a whopping 120,000 AED per annum.

However, one thing you should keep in mind is that the higher fees are generally indicative of a higher quality of education and the curriculum these schools follow. Of course there is a point at which the extra money in fees does not translate to better learning. There are good international schools in the UAE that are affordable and may be covered within your education allowances provided by your employer.

You can use the online international school database to determine which schools in your area you can afford. By entering your the site will find schools in your area within your budget – but as a caveat the list on this site is not comprehensive and its worth asking friends, families, and posting on expatriate websites for advice. Feel free to contact us if you still have any queries about the school system in the UAE, the admission process, and specifically the CAT4 school entrance exam for schools in the UAE. We will be happy to help.

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