The Common Entrance Examination is an entrance exam taken by students in the United Kingdom who wish to enroll in independent schools at the age of 11 or 13. The exam is designed to test students' academic abilities and covers a range of subjects including English, Mathematics and Science

There are two versions of the exam: Common Entrance at 11+ and Common Entrance at 13+. The Common Entrance at 11+ is usually taken by students in their final year of primary school, while the Common Entrance at 13+ is taken by students in their final year of preparatory school.

The exam is administered by the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB), which is an organisation that sets and oversees the exams. The exam is not compulsory, but many independent schools use it as a basis for admission. Some schools may also require students to take additional exams or interviews as part of the admission process.

It is worth noting that not all independent schools require students to take the Common Entrance Examination. Some schools may have their own entrance exams, while others may base their admission decisions on other factors such as interviews, references, and previous academic performance