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.

Try a CAT4 practice test by clicking below:
CAT4 PRACTICE TEST

CAT4 Skills Development

A cognitive skill or a physical skill like riding a bike is only difficult until you know how to do it. Children are experts at learning and the way they do this is one step at a time. They start with the foundations and then keep going until they finish building a house.

On the way of course they fall down, but there are key stages which once they have completed they won’t need to go back to except to refine. The persistence and determination of children is something which is truly amazing – as adults we are quick to give up but a child doesn’t until they take their first steps.

Foundational skills on which other talents continuously develop as a child grows – see CAT4 Assessment post for details. These skills are the skills that the CAT4 test attempt to measure. In the past assessments would only focus on knowledge but in the modern age problem solving and the ability to learn quickly are more important than being able to recall information which can just as easily be found by browsing the web.

Brain Function and Cognitive Growth

The thinking skills that are developed come from the brain and the way in which it is being wired together – and this wiring is dependent on the stimulus and challenges the child faces and overcomes. Brain cells or neurons fire off in all directions and create millions of connections as they branch out and reach other neurons. These multitudes of connections – or neural pathways are basically communication paths synonymous to the internet where computers are able to communicate with any other computer connected to the network.

These neurons don’t touch rather they pass information through electrical impulses (or synapses) – so a system of electrical chemical processes allows are thoughts to form and our abilities to develop. The more we are exposed to a particular problem the more synapses and connections are made and reinforced and thus a child becomes gifted in a particular skill.

So to develop the Cognitive Abilities that are useful as we age and part of the CAT4 assessment – children need to be exposed to simpler but similar challenges and puzzles to help these pathways to develop. The brain is truly an amazing organ but as with any part of the body if it’s not used it falls into disarray. In the same children need to be exposed to different experiences to expand their awareness and understanding of the world around them.

Cognitive Skills

Cognitive skills are enhanced by memory, speed, problem solving and attention. CAT4 tests evaluate specific skills, verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, spatial; but these are time constrained so if a student is unable to think quickly or solve problems or focus or remember similar scenarios they are highly unlikely to score highly. So the development of these attributes along with focusing on the different types of CAT4 tests is key to higher cognitive abilities. Simply having practiced similar tests is not enough but it does provide context which removes a degree of complexity which would otherwise potentially overwhelm a student when faced with an unfamiliar setting.

Nature or nurture – Why are some children smarter?

There is an age old debate over nature and nurture – now without going into too much detail not all brains process information the same way – some children have more “flexibility” in their structures and easily take in knew knowledge and setup new networks. Other children take a little longer to develop these abilities. One child may retain these abilities for longer even without using them while another may simply “drop” the unused skill (or network) after a short period. We are all different but we all have the ability to develop our skills at any age so even if a child is not scoring so well on tests – or on the CAT4 – there is nothing to say that without practice and patience abilities can’t be developed.

There are so many skills as an adult you think you know instinctively about how the world works but its very likely that you have been exposed to similar knowledge problems and patterns as you developed as a child. All the information we accumulate is useful knowledge and helps us process new situations based on past lessons. People accumulate all this useful knowledge through experience, so during childhood parents need to provide challenging scenarios to help their children develop the necessary foundational skills.

What do you think? Is it nature or is it nurture that determines abilities?

What are CAT Tests?

CAT Tests or Cognitive Ability Tests are assessments used by many schools and even during job interviews to assess an individuals overall intelligence and future potential. They provide a good indication of future performance and many secondary schools, particularly private, grammar and international schools, use CAT Tests to assess a child’s ability before they start Year 7. These tests are also used by some schools in year 7 and year 8 to help determine which academic set a child should be placed in. The CAT test isn’t used to assess academic and topic knowledge but rather a child’s potential if provided with an appropriate learning environment.

Assessing a child’s ability in any area – or the groups abilities in the different areas – helps the teacher to focus on different learning styles and create material and assessments that provide maximum benefit.

Types of CAT Tests

CAT4 / CogAT

There are a variety of CAT tests which are focused on different age groups and created for different purposes. The CAT4 test, or cognitive abilities test, is focused on:

– Verbal Reasoning – Thinking and problem solving with words
– Non-Verbal Reasoning – Thinking and problem solving with shapes and space
– Quantitative Reasoning – Thinking and problem solving with numbers
– Spatial Reasoning – Visualising, picturing and moving shapes around

There are various levels of the CAT4 test ranging from primary school all the way to college / year 12. CogAT is a very similar test and generally used in schools within the United States.

UCAT Test

The UCAT is a University Clinical Abilities Test which focuses on areas which are more in line with the requirements of a health care professional and consists of:

• 1: Verbal Reasoning.
• 2: Decision Making.
• 3: Quantitative Reasoning.
• 4: Abstract Reasoning.
• 5: Situational Judgement.

Again the first four sections of the UCAT are clearly measuring cognitive abilities which are related to clinical practice – for instance verbal reasoning skills are required to read reports and / or research papers, decision making is needed to determine a care plan for a patient based on the information available, quantitative reasoning is essential when determining dosages, abstract reasoning is needed to be able to see patterns in x-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds. Section 5 is the one area which is context specific and bringing together all of the other cognitive skills in actual scenarios.

CAT Test

The Common Admission Test is another form of a cognitive ability assessment which is used by various universities to determine if you have the ability to attend higher education, particularly master level courses. It has in the past consisted of verbal and reading comprehension (VARC), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR) and quantitative aptitude. There is a lot of competition to get into university courses so these tests are one part of the admissions process set by the university to help select students who have the potential to do well.

Find out more about the UCAT by clicking here.

What is a good CAT test score?

A good CAT score is normally one which puts you in the 80th or 90th percentile of the cohort who takes the test. Ultimately if you achieve entry into the school of your choice your score was good enough !

A child’s ability to succeed at school academically and socially has been studied for many years – many academics, and I have to agree, feel that with the right support and development every child has the potential to achieve more. The age old debate of nature versus nurture still continues to haunt us but yes there are limitations based on physiology and genetics but with the right support the elastic nature of the brain is truly remarkable.

Schools are being held accountable for their students’ academic performance which has led to further focus on the diverse set of skills and attributes that indicate a child’s future performance – academically that is. When is a child ready to start school? What foundational skills are required? There are factors such as where in the social ladder the child comes from which also play a part – with the gap between children from higher and lower income families widening. You could even argue that a child’s readiness at the start of school impacts his or her learning and academic performance into their teens and ultimately effects their employment potential.

Basic Skills Vs Cognitive Skills

Some academics (click here for more info) conclude that basic literacy and numeracy skills are predictors of success while others feel more directly teaching preschool subjects to build skills in particular domains help. Preschool years are critical in a child’s development of mental processes from memory, focus, and problem solving. Those who come underprivileged background generally are behind in the development of these building blocks putting them at a distinct disadvantage when moving to higher level work.

Without the building blocks of memory, focus, and problem solving it becomes more difficult to build other knowledge whatever the domain. If we take the four pillars below as key indicators of future ability to gain knowledge then by setting and focusing on these as precursors to school readiness will allow children to quickly catch in foundational domain specific knowledge such as literacy and numeracy skills.

The contributions of different cognitive skills in academic achievement has been identified as major factors to predict ability and growth in emergent literacy and numeracy skills. So it seems and would make sense that by developing executive functions of the brain domain specific achievement is would positively be impacted.

There are so many factors in determining how a child’s cognitive development is impacted during the early years but if a more structured and explicit approach was taken – it may be possible that the tools building blocks of learning can be developed and used helping the individual perform at a higher level for the rest of his or her life.

Developing Cognitive Skills

Some simple ways of measuring and potentially even developing some of these general cognitive abilities:

1. Repeating a set of words or letters backwards
2. Jigsaws / small puzzles
3. Basic problem solving tasks
4. Card games – Snap, Pairs, Crazy 8, Black Jack etc..
5. Word connection games, verbal and visual
6. Alphabet Soup
7. Dot to Dot

What is probably the most important thing is to engage your child with new and interesting objects and set challenges for them so they have to use their cognitive functions from an early age – in this way they won’t only be ready for school but they will be equipped with the building blocks – foundational abilities – for the rest of their lives.

Find out how the difference cognitive skills assessed in the CAT4 are used in the real world:

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

What is the CAT4 used for?

The CAT4 can be used by schools in a number of different ways and the wealth of data can provide educators with an objective approach to determining teaching methods:

1. School entrance exam – as part of the school’s admission process to ensure children accepted into the school have similar abilities to learn.
2. Measure Learner Styles – to better understand the learner styles in a particular cohort of students and modify the teaching approach creating more effective learning experiences.
3. GCSE Predictor – the CAT4 has been shown to be an excellent predictor of future academic performance, in particular the CAT4 Year 8 seems to correlate directly with future GCSE grades.

Although it may seem harsh and possibly ethically / morally questionable but private and selective schools generally don’t want children who are too far apart in academic abilities. Teaching then becomes difficult and endd up slowing down to teach to the lowest common denominator. There is of course room for peer learning and differentiated learning approaches but many schools are not willing to compromise on the basic cognitive skills they want each and every child to have.

Many schools are using the CAT4 to determine how they should teach a particular cohort and also to predict a child’s future performance – particularly during their GCSE. Each child learns in a different way and each cohort of children may lean more towards a particular learning style which educators need to identify and use to inform their teaching methods and materials.

By developing your child’s cognitive skills in terms of thinking, reading, learning, remembering, reasoning, and paying attention your child will outperform many other children over time even with a starting point of low topic knowledge, furthermore these skills will support your child in every way and last a lifetime.

Can’t children be assessed in the classroom – why do we need the CAT4?

In a classroom the teacher only sees a few aspects of a child’s ability. Sometimes the child simply hasn’t ever felt the need to really use their cognitive abilities. Verbal skills are easy to identify but this hidden potential by determining reasoning ability, spatial reasoning, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, make a huge difference to future academic performance. Academic ability and topic knowledge is only one part of the puzzle. The teacher / schools needs to be able to assess the full profile of a child and the CAT4 is an excellent tool to break that down into simply, understandable parts.

Why the CAT4?

The CAT4 is one of the UK (possibly worlds excluding the USA of course) used test of reasoning abilities. It uses at least 25,000 students standardised results to provide an accurate baseline against which your child can be measured. There prove indicators for national tests and examinations during every stage from KS2, SATs, GCSEs and A-Levels. Provide a real insight into the way a child thinks.