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What is the CAT4 test format?

The CAT4 (Cognitive Ability Test) is a reasoning ability test used by schools to assess a child’s potential. It evaluates verbal, non-verbal, mathematical, and spatial reasoning to help educators place students in an academic bracket.

2025 CAT4 Practice Tests and FREE 2025 CAT4 samples

Our FREE CAT4 mock tests and CAT4 practice questions

• Then also our parents 2025 CAT4 guide.

CAT4 FAQs

CAT4 stands for Cognitive Abilities Tests fourth version. It helps students and teachers understand students’ different learning style and academic potential.

What is the CAT4 format?

These are the four CAT4 test batteries:

• CAT4 Non-verbal reasoning test battery.
• Spatial ability CAT4 test battery.
• CAT4 Verbal reasoning test battery.
• Quantitative reasoning CAT4 test battery.

Each CAT4 test “battery” will assess a student’s thinking, or reasoning, in:

• Verbal reasoning, which is thinking with words.
• Quantitative reasoning, which is thinking with numbers.
• Non-verbal reasoning, which is thinking with shapes and space.
• Spatial ability, which is thinking with visual images.

Does the UK Government set the CAT4?

The CAT4 was created by GL Assessment independently of the UK government. The tests are marked by GL Assessment and the graded papers are returned to the school.

What’s the purpose of the CAT4?

The purpose of the CAT4 test battery is to help pupils and teachers understand their pupils’ different learning styles and their pupils’ academic potential. In other words, its purpose is to act as a diagnostic assessment.

Each CAT4 section is strictly timed. In fact, it is this timed element which makes the CAT4 the diagnostic test it is.

The CAT4 is a school assessment which aids teachers in understanding how their pupils learn best. It was created by GL Assessment independently of the UK government. Thus, CAT4 test results are marked by GL Assessment. Then the graded CAT4 papers are returned to the respective school, or school teachers.

In summary, its purpose is as a diagnostic assessment to help teachers understand how pupils learn best. Also, CAT4 results indicate each pupil’s academic potential, the most suitable pace of learning and whether additional support or challenge is needed.

Is additional time allowed for children with SEND?

The CAT4 is a timed assessment so additional time is not usually permitted. This would impact the reliability of the CAT4 results. It’s this timed element which makes the CAT4 the diagnostic test it is.

The CAT4 standardisation process showed that a few students obtained higher scores with more time. Extra time therefore gives an inflated view of ability (compared to the CAT4 norms).

How many CAT4 test levels are there?

See the CAT4 section below for each CAT4 test level:

• Firstly, our 2025 CAT4 practice tests Year 6.
• And then, our 2025 CAT 4 test practice Year 7.
• Plus also, our 2025 cat4 practice tests Year 8.
• Next, our 2025 CAT4 test practice Year 9.
• Also, our 2025 CAT 4 practice tests Year 10.
• Finally, our 2025 CAT4 test practice Year 11.

What is the CAT4 pass-mark?

There is not a standard CAT4 pass mark. Anything over a 126 CAT4 score is performing in the top 4% is a good CAT4 test score. Or better. And given the respective number of independent school places, compared to applicant numbers and CAT4 ability levels, could well ensure entry.

So, how do schools apply the results? This is explained in more details in the sections below.  Individual schools will have their own CAT4 policy and set their own CAT4 cut-of score.

What’s a good CAT4 score?

Broadly speaking, any CAT4 score over 126 is a good CAT4 test score. This means the child is usually in the top few percent of pupils. This is based in the CAT4 standardization norm tables. Or better.

Of course, the respective number of independent school places, compared to applicant numbers must always be considered. In addition to that entry year’s CAT4 scores.

Pupils can track their own academic progress using the CAT4’s progress indicators. The results are good indicators of GCSE, A-level and IB course success. GL’s individual student report for teachers provides data that helps to understand a pupil’s learning profile. The implications for teaching and learning are profound and base decisions on objective not subjective opinion.  

How are independent school CAT4 score cutoffs set?

CAT4 test scoring cut-offs vary by independent school. Sometimes considerably. Hence any child’s Independent school appliCATion context is as important as their CAT4 performance, or CAT4 potential. CAT4 parents / CAT 4 Turks must always check the independent school’s latest CAT4 Year 7 entrance requirements.  

CAT4 test practice

How are CAT4 results used?

The CAT4 provides teachers with useful information on how their students learn. Teachers are provided with

• An individual profile of learning preference
• A range of indicators of likely future performance.

Educators gain insights into that pupils skill strengths and skill weaknesses in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, spatial reasoning and in non-verbal reasoning. Thus:

• Tailored interventions can be designed that target a student’s weaker skill areas.
• A school’s valuable resources can then be most effectively targeted at ensuring each pupil is given every opportunity to achieve their own potential.
• Gifted programs, typically in the US, can then be tailored for high-achieving pupils.

Thereby allowing the CAT4 score-based classroom interventions focus on:

• That pupils weaker are as for improvement.
• Ensuring each pupil is given every opportunity to achieve their own potential.
• Tailoring gifted educational programmes to each high-achieving pupil.

In summary, CAT4 results indicate each pupil’s academic potential, the most suitable pace of learning and whether additional support or challenge is needed.

 

How do parents receive their child’s CAT4 results?

Most schools inform parents about CAT4 tests in advance. This is to inform all the school’s parents of CAT4 test-takers about their plans. It also helps to set these pupils’ expectations. Individual reports to parents show the performance of their children across the four CAT4 sections: CAT4 spatial reasoning; CAT4 verbal reasoning; CAT4 numerical reasoning; and CAT4 non-verbal reasoning. Such CAT4 focused schools should flag key CAT4 facts to parents of CAT4 pupils.  

The CAT4 publishers, GL Assessment, provide guidance for parents. See some of there’s key materials below:

• First the CAT4 quick start guide.
• Next the UK CAT4 administration manual.
• And then the international CAT4 administration manual.
• Plus, the CAT4 assessment overview.
• Then finally, CAT4 teacher guidance.

Typically, CAT4 results are interpreted for parents in terms of their child’s skill strengths and areas for improvement. we’ve provided some example CAT4 reports reports below:

Is CAT4 practice the best CAT4 preparation?

We say yes. However, CAT4 practice is discouraged by most schools and by most teachers. This is to maintain the integrity of the CAT as a school assessment of ‘natural’ cognitive ability.  Whilst this is an admirable aim, you would expect every runner to practice for a marathon. You would not tell them that a true athlete just turns up in the day and does their best.

Most pupils will be familiar with knowledge-based testing. They will probably not have encountered such cognitive ability test (CATs), as the CAT4 test battery. Some schools offer CAT4 familiarisation papers for this reason. See the subsequent section.

These are particularly useful for the four CAT4 subtests found in the CAT4 spatial reasoning (CAT4 Figure Recognition and CAT4 Figure Analysis) and CAT4 not-verbal reasoning sections (cat4 Figure Matrices and CAT4 Figure Classification).

Have a CAT4 question?

Feel free to contact our Founder, Rob Williams, who is a specialist CAT4 test designer.

An Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Rob Williams is a Chartered Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working and designing tests.

He is also the author of five psychometrics books and has worked for the  school entrance test publishers ISEB, Hodder and GL Assessment, the CAT4 publisher.

Why and when is the CAT4 used?

There are many reasons why the CAT4 has become so popular for school assessment. In particular, because…

• The CAT4 is one of the most respected school assessments.
• Aligned with the above point is the fact that the CAT4 provides one of the most comprehensive pupil assessments possible.
• This is because it is divided into to eight sections. Each CAT4 section assessed a different cognitive skill.
• There are informative and easy-to-apply CAT4 reports made available for both teachers and for parents.
• The CAT4 publishers, GL Assessment, provide many supportive CAT4 materials. See the next section.

Interpreting the CAT4 Parents report

The CAT4 Parent’s Report is a comprehensive analysis of your child’s cognitive abilities.

It provides valuable insights into their verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and spatial awareness.

This information forms the foundation of a strategic approach to homeschooling, ensuring that your child’s unique learning style and capabilities are at the forefront.

 CAT4-based Personalised Learning Pathways

• The CAT4 Parent’s Report empowers you to create personalized learning pathways for your child.
• With a deep understanding of their cognitive strengths and areas for growth.
• CAT4 children’s parents can curate learning materials and activities that align with their unique abilities, fostering engagement and improved learning outcomes.

Informed Curriculum Planning using the CAT4

• Using the insights from the report, you can design a curriculum that caters to your child’s cognitive profile.
• This approach ensures that the subjects and topics you choose resonate with their abilities, making learning not only effective but also enjoyable.

CAT4 Tailored Instruction

• The CAT4 Parent’s Report enables you to tailor your instruction methods to suit your child’s cognitive preferences.
• Whether they excel in visual learning or thrive through hands-on activities, you can adapt your teaching style to amplify their understanding and retention.

Using the CAT4 to addressing learning challenges

• The CAT4 Parents Report highlights any potential learning challenges your child might face.
• Armed with this knowledge, you can implement strategies and resources that address these challenges head-on, ensuring that your child receives the support they need to succeed.

Nurturing Well-Rounded Development using the CAT4 Parents Report

• CAT4 Parent’s Report isn’t just about academics.
• Since it also delves into spatial awareness and non-verbal reasoning skills.
• Thereby encouraging parents to integrate activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills crucial for holistic development.

Using CAT4 results to track your child’s school learning progress

• Regular CAT4 assessments and reports provide a way to track your child’s progress over time.
• Parents and teachers alike can celebrate their achievements and fine-tune your homeschooling strategies based on their evolving cognitive abilities.

Can dyslexic pupils take the CAT4 Test?

Firstly, consult your school’s learning support advisor to discuss whether CAT4 testing is appropriate and to explore other testing options if needed.

Whether a dyslexic child can take the CAT4 test depends on the school’s objectives and the severity of the dyslexia. Sometimes, the CAT4 test can help identify mild forms of dyslexia that may have gone undetected in school. However, for children with severe dyslexia, the CAT4 test may not be the most suitable assessment. In such cases, alternative testing arrangements are needed to ensure a clear picture of a dyslexic pupil’s cognitive abilities.

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THE best way to prepare for each CAT4 Test section

Use the first CAT4 practice test you buy as a diagnostic. Then ask yourself, Which type of CAT4 question type did you find to be the most difficult? Two CAT 4 modules assess each of these four reasoning skills:

• Verbal reasoning CAT4 skills are assessed by the CAT4 Verbal Analogies section and CAT4 Verbal Classification sub-test. This includes CAT4 practice Verbal Analogies sample questions and CAT4 Verbal Classification specific prep.

• Quantitative reasoning CAT4 skills are assessed by the CAT4 Number Analogies and by the Number Series CAT4 test sample. Our specialist CAT4 prep includes CAT4 practice Number Analogies questions and CAT4 Number Series prep.

• Non-verbal reasoning CAT4 skills are assessed by the CAT4 Figure Recognition section and by the CAT4 Figure Analysis sub-test. Our CAT4 explanations include CAT4 Figure Analysis practice questions and CAT4 Figure Recognition sample questions.

• Spatial reasoning CAT4 skills are assessed by the CAT4 Figure Classification sub-test and by the CAT4 Figure Matrices section. This includes CAT4 Figure Matrices practice questions and Figure Classification targeted CAT4 prep.

Most CAT4 test takers find at least 1-2 of the eight modules more difficult to understand. Often the CAT4 non-verbal reasoning or the CAT4 spatial reasoning are where pupils struggle. But the pupil will need to be fully confident about their CAT4 performance across the entire CAT4 exam.

Different CAT4 Skills are assessed by each CAT4 section

Each CAT4 test battery consists of eight short CAT4 sub-tests with each focusing on different cognitive abilities. You can find test practice for each CAT4 sub-test at these CAT4 skill section-by-section CAT4 links. The eight CAT4 modules follow a predictable pattern. You can learn how to improve each CAT4 sub-test scores in the section below:

• First, learn to improve your Figure Classification CAT4 score.
• Second, learn to improve your Figure Matrices CAT 4 result.
• Third, learn to improve your Verbal Classification cat4 score.
• And then next, learn to improve your Verbal Analogies CAT4 result.
• Also next, learn to improve your Number Analogies CAT4 score.
• And then next, learn to improve your Number Series CAT4 result.
• Also next, learn to improve your Figure Analysis CAT4 score.
• And then finally, learn how to improve your Figure Classification CAT4 result

Pupils’ Learning strategies using the results from different CAT4 practice tests

What makes the CAT4 such a good test?

National tests, like the CAT4, undergo a standardisation process as part of the development. So, with the CAT4 school assessment battery, comparison scores would have been collected by the test publisher, GL Assessment. This would have encompassed 10,000’s CAT4 scores across a wide range of counties, school types and CAT4 ability levels. Most importantly, separate CAT4 data is collected for each school year. These CAT4 results are then used to create age specific CAT4 comparison groups.  

What are CAT4 norms?

Schools then know that applicant CAT4 results will be compared, in the CAT4 GL reports, with how the age specific comparison group performed (during CAT4 development process). For any standardised school assessment, like the CAT4, the key summary statistic is the Standard Age Score (SAS). This is based an adjustment of each pupil’s raw score for age, which allows this age-adjusted CAT4 scores to be put on a continuous CAT4 score scale. This then allows comparisons to be made with a nationally representative sample, comprising students of the same age. It is therefore representative of age.  

• U.K. independent school sector use of the CAT4
• How most Primary schools use the CAT4 assessment
• Top secondary schools’s CAT4 case study applications for CAT4 results

  Their CAT4 website provides prospective CAT4 parents with a comprehensive overview of everything CAT4 related. This includes CAT4 Q&A. Such detailed CAT4 assistance certainly helps most parents to understand more about these ‘new school assessments’, GL’s CAT4 test. 

Effective CAT4 test taking strategies

GL Assessment’s CAT4 tests

CAT4 is a dedicated Cognitive Abilities Test widely used to assess a wide range of year groups from Key Stage 1 learners to young adults. It is frequently used in US primary and middle schools as a gifted and talented entrance test. In the UK, the CAT4 is also used as an Independent School entrance exam. All of the fourth generation CAT4’s eight assessments – or mini quizzes – have unique psychometric designs. Although given our experience of more traditional entrance test question types, we are confident which of our tips and practice tips recommendations still apply.  

 

Parents’ Guide to GL Assessment’s CAT4 Tests

Primary school cognitive ability assessment CAT4 Primary schools use CATs to assess the students even during non-SAT years. CAT4, administered by GL Assessment CAT, is useful at primary school level. These tests are mainly used to determine the pupil’s achievements because as per the current National Curriculum children are not required to take tests between KS1 and KS2 SATs.

What does the CAT4 offer teachers?

GL Assessment’s CAT4…

• Gives direction for informed intervention strategies.
• Setting and monitoring of each student’s most suitable academic goals.
• Provides reports are available for senior school leaders to help provide strategic direction focusing on…
• Areas where the school or class as a whole can improve.
• Essential data to help personalise learning, engage with parents, and monitor progress.

How is the CAT test for year 7 used by teachers?

Do you have a CAT4 question or a CAT4 challenge that you can’t find the answer to?

    Then ask our CAT4 expert your questions by emailing passedpapers@gmail.com An Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Rob Williams is a Chartered Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working and designing tests. Rob has consulted for many of the top school entrance test publishers, including the ISEB, Cambridge Assessment; Hodder Education, and the actual GL CAT4 publishers themselves.  

CAT4 video, Applying CAT4 results at your school

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