What is UKiset, UKiset Prep and how can Gabbitas help?
If you’re reading this article now, you may already be contemplating UKiset and how it may benefit you or your child to take it. Furthermore, you may be wondering how you can possibly prepare for a test as challenging as UKiset. So, we have asked our Assessment Manager to break down our own UKiset preparation service and explain why you should be considering it if you’re taking the assessment.
Q: What is UKiset? 
UKiset is a standardised test that efficiently compares international students to their peers who have been in British schools all their lives. It is a computerised test which is designed to adapt to the student as they answer questions. Anyone from the age of 9.5 to 18 years old can take the test.
After the student has taken the test, the UKiset team can send a UKiset report to schools which provides valuable information on a student’s current level, as well as their academic potential. This type of assessment tool is especially important for international students as it bolsters their application with credible evidence that they can compete within the system.
UKiset tests students on some of the fundamental skills required to thrive in the British independent school system. The skills tested are English, maths, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning. UKiset uses various methods, including an essay question and comprehension tasks, to get a more well-rounded view of how a student may perform at their desired schools.
Q: What makes it so challenging to prepare for independently?
UKiset is notorious for being a well-guarded assessment tool. Sample papers are not issued and it can be hard to get to grips with unfamiliar styles of questions, such as the non-verbal reasoning questions. Many students will not have come across these types of questions in their daily schooling so may not completely understand what the question is asking. However, these questions are a reliable way of seeing a student’s problem-solving skills and logic.
My advice to those looking to prepare for the UKiset is to focus on the fundamental English and maths skills — vocabulary and grammar being very important, as well as knowing their times tables up to 12. I would also recommend taking the time to practice spatial reasoning questions, as the more familiar the student becomes with the style of questions, the easier it will be to recognise patterns.
Q: How can Gabbitas help you prepare to take UKiset?
Gabbitas has been offering high quality tuition for over a century in various subjects from the Sciences to the Arts. Our tutors are all DBS-checked and many hold more than one degree including doctorates, masters and even degrees in Medicine, all awarded by prestigious universities. Our most recent venture has been the UKiset preparation service, otherwise known as ‘UKiset Prep’.
Q: So what is UKiset Prep and how does it work?
Our UKiset Prep service provides one tutor for all aspects tested in UKiset. We aim to put the student at the centre of their own learning to fully engage them and encourage them to fulfil their potential. UKiset Prep has been designed to provide targeted tutoring to really focus on those areas where a student feels less confident or tends to score lower.
This targeted learning is established through a pre-assessment designed by our assessment team to reflect the actual test as much as possible. In summary, it has a non-verbal reasoning section, a maths section, and an English section that each vary in difficulty depending on the age of the student, as well as their initial English level.
The pre-assessment is analysed by the assessment team and the student is given areas to focus on. At Gabbitas, we involve the parents and student in their learning plan as much as possible to ensure that we are providing the most suitable tuition. For example, when a student is found to learn more efficiently from visual prompts, our tutors tailor their methods to engage the student and deliver outstanding results.
Q: What’s different about Gabbitas’ UKiset Prep service?
At Gabbitas we understand that the tutoring market is highly saturated.
It can be a deeply confusing experience for parents and student to find the tutor or agency that is the perfect fit for them. We know that to produce the best results, communication is key.
Throughout the process of selecting the most suitable tutor and onwards during tuition, we aim to provide thorough, consistent feedback that puts client experience at the heart. Each student is unique and learns in their own way. Gabbitas listens to all concerns, queries and requests and works to deliver a bespoke learning experience that takes into account a student’s individual requirements.
We’re known for delivering exceptional results, with the vast majority of our students achieving their desired goal and beginning their exciting new journey into the British independent school system, with Gabbitas providing support every step of the way.
Q: How do I get in touch to receive UKiset preparation from Gabbitas and when can I start?
To register your interest in UKiset Prep, contact Giulia Pandozzi, our UKisetPrep Consultant, directly at Giulia.Pandozzi@gabbitas.com or call our mainline on +44 (0) 203 026 7443.
Our UKiset Prep service has launched and is ready to provide you with personalised tutoring, whenever you’re ready.
