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TUTORX ADMIN

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CAT Test

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CAT4 Exam: A Parent & Student Guide

The Cognitive Abilities Test Fourth Edition (CAT4) is a non-adaptive assessment created by GL Assessment, designed to measure a child's reasoning abilities and uncover their academic potential. Unlike curriculum-based exams, CAT4 evaluates natural ability, offering schools a comprehensive view of each student's strengths and learning needs.

  • Standardised on over 25,000 UK & Ireland students
  • Widely used for selective school admissions, class streaming, and predicting future performance

Why Do Schools Use the CAT4?

Assess academic potential for admissions or class placement
Stream students into ability-based sets
Predict future exam grades (e.g., GCSEs)
Identify students who may benefit from extra support or challenge
Support smooth transition from primary to secondary school
Help teachers tailor learning strategies to individual needs

CAT4 Levels by Age Group

Level A
Ages 8–9
Level B
Ages 9–10
Level C
Ages 10–11
Level D
Ages 11–12
Level E
Ages 12–13
Level F
Ages 13–15
Level G
Ages 15+
Note: Levels C and D are most common for 11+ entry.

CAT4 Structure & Format

CAT4 Test
72 minutes total
Available online or on paper
Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Figure Classification (10 min)
  • Figure Matrices (10 min)
No extra resources allowed
Verbal & Quantitative Reasoning
  • Verbal Classification (8 min)
  • Verbal Analogies (8 min)
  • Number Analogies (10 min)
Paper allowed for number analogies only
Quantitative & Spatial Reasoning
  • Number Series (8 min)
  • Figure Analysis (9 min)
  • Figure Recognition (9 min)
Paper allowed for number series only

How is the CAT4 Scored?

Raw Score
Points for each correct answer, combined for a total.
Standardised Age Score (SAS)
Adjusts for age, so younger students aren’t disadvantaged. Average SAS = 100.
National Percentile Rank (NPR)
Shows how your child compares to the national cohort (0–100).
Stanine Rank (ST)
Visual ranking from 1 (low) to 9 (high). 5 = average for year group.
What is a good CAT4 score?
For selective schools, a SAS of 115+ is often required for Year 7 entry.

How to Prepare for the CAT4

  • Familiarise your child with the question types (practice papers and online resources are helpful)
  • Encourage logical thinking and pattern recognition through puzzles and games
  • Practice under timed conditions to build confidence
  • Ensure your child is well-rested and relaxed on test day
  • For extra support, consider enrolling in a CAT4 preparation course with video lessons and practice materials
Tip: TutorX offers a free CAT4 course with video lessons and practice papers for extra preparation.

Key Takeaways

  • The CAT4 is designed to measure cognitive ability, not learned knowledge
  • It helps schools make informed decisions about admissions and support
  • Understanding the format and practicing can help your child approach the test with confidence
  • Scores are standardised for age and compared nationally

Course Outcomes

Latest Update: CAT4 Examination (UK)

  • CAT4 Exam Season 2025: The main CAT4 testing window for UK schools is typically between late April and mid-June. Schools will provide your child’s exact test date.
  • Test Format: The CAT4 is a 72-minute assessment, delivered online or on paper, covering verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning.
  • Results & Scoring: Results are usually available to schools within a week of completion. Scores are reported as Standardised Age Scores (SAS), National Percentile Ranks (NPR), and Stanines.
  • Missed a Test? If your child misses the CAT4 due to illness, contact your school immediately. Most schools offer a makeup session during the testing window.
  • Preparation Tips: Practice reasoning skills using official sample questions and resources. TutorX offers free CAT4 video lessons and practice papers for extra support.
Note: The CAT4 is not a pass/fail test. It helps schools understand your child’s learning profile and potential.

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