Looking for the BEST 2025 CAT4 practice tests ?

The Most Accurate CAT4 Practice Tests

We offer the most accurate 2025 CAT4 practice tests and FREE CAT4 2025 Sample Tests.

Here is a useful FREE DOWNLOAD CAT practice/sample test: FREE CAT4 practice test PDF download.

GL Assessment’s CAT4 Tests

The CAT4 is a leading cognitive abilities test, used from Key Stage 1 to young adulthood. In the US, it’s often used for gifted and talented admissions, while in the UK, it serves as an Independent School entry exam. Each of the eight CAT4 assessments has a unique psychometric design. However, based on our experience with traditional entrance tests, we know which proven tips and practice strategies still apply.

2025 CAT4 Practice Tests and FREE 2025 CAT4 Samples

Are these THE BEST CAT4 practice test materials?

Yes, they are! So, why does School Entrance Tests make this claim?

Firstly because they are tailored to the actual, real-life CAT4 format. Secondly, because they are specific to each CAT4 test taker’s age.

What’s the purpose of the CAT4?

The CAT4 test battery helps teachers understand their pupils’ learning styles and academic potential. Designed by GL Assessment independently of the UK government, it serves as a diagnostic tool to identify how each pupil learns best. Each section is strictly timed, which is key to its diagnostic value.

Results are marked externally by GL Assessment and returned to the school. They provide insight into a pupil’s learning pace, potential, and whether they may need extra support or greater challenges.

How to Develop a CAT4-Passing Mindset

Stay calm, positive, and confident in your cognitive abilities as you prepare. Review all the FREE CAT4 sample papers below, focusing on your age group, and use resources like our full CAT4 practice testing material and skills courses to boost your understanding. Remember, CAT4 results are just one part of your academic journey — your reasoning and problem-solving skills go far beyond the test.

Key Skills Needed for the CAT4

• Analysing and predicting patterns in shapes and sequences
• Applying creative, deductive, and analytical thinking Identifying patterns and connections in words (which belong, which don’t, and why)
• Interpreting number patterns to find missing or next values
• Visualising and transforming shapes to determine the correct outcomes

How, why and when is the CAT4 used?

The CAT4 is a widely respected school assessment, valued for its comprehensive insight into pupils’ cognitive skills. Divided into eight sections, it assesses verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning.

CAT4 results provide teachers with individual profiles of learning preferences and indicators of likely future performance. This allows for tailored interventions targeting weaker skill areas, effective resource allocation, and the development of gifted programmes for high-achieving pupils.

Reports for both teachers and parents are clear and practical, and GL Assessment offers a range of supportive materials.

In short, CAT4 helps schools understand each pupil’s learning style, academic potential, and the level of support or challenge they may need.

What the CAT4 Assesses

The CAT4 measures rational thinking, logical thinking, and problem-solving, focusing on how students think rather than what they know. Instead of assessing core subjects, it offers a broader view of each pupil’s learning style and academic potential. Key Features of the CAT4:

• Available year-round with immediate results
• Assesses four reasoning areas: quantitative, verbal, non-verbal, and spatial
• Spatial reasoning skills are crucial for success in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM)
• Measures abilities not assessed by traditional exams like the 11+ or SATs

Effective CAT4 Test-Taking Strategies

While strategies can vary based on individual strengths and preferences, these general tips can help:

• Familiarise yourself with the different CAT4 sections and question types.
• Practise regularly with sample questions or recommended CAT4 papers for your age to build speed and accuracy.
• Focus on key skills like reasoning, English comprehension, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Identify weak areas and target them during practice to improve overall performance.
• Manage your time carefully — don’t spend too long on a single question.
• Read all instructions and questions carefully to fully understand what’s being asked.
• Stay calm and positive throughout your preparation and the test itself — avoid panicking at any stage.

Is CAT4 Practice the Best Preparation?

Yes — CAT4 practice is the best preparation, even though many schools discourage it to preserve the test’s assessment of ‘natural’ cognitive ability. However, just like a runner wouldn’t show up to a marathon without training, pupils benefit from practising.

Most students are used to knowledge-based tests and may find cognitive ability tests like the CAT4 test battery unfamiliar. Some schools provide CAT4 familiarisation papers to help, especially for the spatial and non-verbal reasoning sections, such as Figure Recognition, Figure Analysis, Figure Matrices, and Figure Classification.

Actual CAT4 Paper Examples

CAT4 SAMPLES per section FROM A REAL CAT4 TEST

• CAT4 Figure Analysis CAT4 sample question and Number Series sample CAT4 SAMPLE PAPER EXAMPLES.
• CAT 4 Figure Matrices sample and Figure Classification CAT4 SAMPLE PAPER EXAMPLES.
• CAT4 Number Analogies SAMPLE PAPER EXAMPLES and Verbal Analogies CAT 4 sample questions.
• CAT 4 Verbal Classification sample and Figure Recognition CAT4 SAMPLE QUESTIONS.

CAT4 Familiarisation Papers

ENGLISH CAT4 familiarisation papers

• English Familiarisation Paper 1
• Paper 2 English familiarisation
• English familiarisation paper 2 mark scheme

MATHEMATICS CAT4 familiarisation papers

• Maths familiarisation paper
• Answers for Maths familiarisation paper

FREE SAMPLE questions

Here are sample CAT4 sections so that you can practice those cat sections where you are weakest:

• 2025 CAT4 prep Figure Matrices grade 1, grade 5 cat Figure Matrices practice , CAT4 Figure Matrices grade 6 prep and
• CAT4 Figure Matrices grade 7.
• cat Number Series grade 5 and cat4 Number Series grade 7
• 2025 CAT4 Figure Classification grade 1 and CAT4 test prep Figure Classification grade 5
• cat 4 Number Analogies sample test for grade 5 and CAT4 Number Analogies grade 7 prep
• 2025 CAT4 Verbal Analogies grade 5 practice test
• CAT4 Verbal Classification grade 1 test prep and cat4 grade 7 Verbal Classification prep
• 2025 CAT 4 Figure Recognition test practice

The above are aimed at a cross-section of pupil grades from cat4 grade 1 to CAT4 grade 7. Our free CAT4 test samples for every pupil age.

CAT4 Practice Test Guides by school age group

• Firstly, our CAT4 Level A test practice for Year 4
• Secondly, our CAT 4 Level B test practice for Year 5.
• Thirdly, our CAT4 Level C practice papers for Year 6.
• And then, our CAT 4 Level D test practice for Year 7.
• Plus also, our CAT4 Level E test practice for Year 8.
• Next, our CAT4 Level F practice papers for Year 9.
• Also, our CAT 4 Level F test practice for Year 10.
• Finally, our CAT4 Level G test practice for Year 11.

Advice for a Year 8 pupil prepping for the 2025 CAT4

• Buy here all the Year 8 CAT4 test practice packs you need.
• The precision and alignment of our age specific CAT4 Level g test practice Year 8 is indispensable for passing your Year 8 CAT4 test.
• Use our CAT4 Year 8 VIDEO COURSES here, for example for Year 8, to overcome CAT4 Year 8 question specific or CAT4 Year 8 paper specific difficulties.

FREE CAT4 mock tests and CAT4 practice questions

• Recommended CAT 4 test practice and recommended CAT4 practice tests.
• Plus, the most accurate CAT4 sample tests and cat4 practice tests.
• Then also our parents 2025 CAT4 guide.

CAT4 FAQs

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.

How do parents receive their child’s CAT4 results?

• 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:

Interpreting the CAT4 Parents Report

The CAT4 Parents Report offers a detailed analysis of your child’s cognitive abilities, including verbal, non-verbal, quantitative reasoning, and spatial awareness. These insights lay the groundwork for a strategic, tailored homeschooling approach:

Creating Personalised Learning Pathways

With a clear understanding of your child’s strengths and areas for development, you can curate materials and activities that match their abilities, boosting engagement and learning outcomes.

Curriculum Planning with CAT4 Insights

The report helps you design a curriculum aligned with your child’s cognitive profile, ensuring subjects and topics resonate with their learning style for more effective and enjoyable education.

Tailoring Instruction Methods

The CAT4 report allows you to adapt your teaching methods—whether your child prefers visual aids, hands-on activities, or structured reasoning—enhancing their understanding and retention.

Addressing Learning Challenges

Potential learning challenges highlighted in the report enable you to proactively apply strategies and resources to support your child’s success.

Fostering Holistic Development

Beyond academics, the CAT4 report encourages activities that develop creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, supporting well-rounded growth.

Tracking Progress Over Time

Regular CAT4 assessments provide benchmarks to monitor your child’s progress, celebrate achievements, and adjust your homeschooling approach as needed.

CAT4 test practice

How Parents Can Support CAT4 Preparation

Parents play a vital role in supporting CAT4 preparation by aligning learning methods with their child’s preferred learning style. Some children benefit from self-directed practice, while others may need a structured revision plan imposed by a parent or supported by regular lessons with a CAT4 tutor.

At a basic level, parents should provide a quiet, organised workspace—something many CAT4 students already use for school homework.

Encouraging wider reading is another key support strategy. Expanding vocabulary through reading can help students perform better, especially in the CAT4 verbal reasoning sections.

Using Practice Materials

To prepare effectively, students should work with high-quality practice resources, including:

• CAT4 practice tests
• Sample CAT4 test questions
• Accurate CAT4 test replicas
• Realistic mock CAT4 exams
• Recommended CAT4 preparation examples

Additionally, parents should look for practice materials that explain CAT4 scores and help familiarise students with the test structure, ensuring readiness and confidence on test day.

THE best way to prepare for each CAT4 Test section

Start by using your first CAT4 practice test as a diagnostic tool. Identify which question types you find most challenging—this will guide your preparation strategy. Each of the four core reasoning skills is assessed through two CAT4 modules:

• 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 students find 1–2 modules more challenging, often in non-verbal or spatial reasoning areas. However, strong performance across all eight CAT4 modules is important for overall success.

Understanding CAT4 Skills by Section

Each CAT4 test battery includes eight short sub-tests, each measuring a specific cognitive ability. High-quality, section-specific practice can help you improve scores systematically, as each module follows a predictable format. 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?

The CAT4 is a highly reliable assessment battery because it undergoes a rigorous standardisation process. GL Assessment, the test publisher, collects tens of thousands of CAT4 scores across different counties, school types, and ability levels. Crucially, separate data is gathered for each school year, allowing for the creation of precise, age-specific comparison groups. This ensures the CAT4 provides accurate, meaningful insights into each student’s cognitive abilities.

What are CAT4 Norms?

CAT4 norms allow schools to compare a student’s results to a nationally representative, age-specific group. During the CAT4 development process, GL Assessment collected comparison data for each age group. The key summary statistic is the Standard Age Score (SAS), which adjusts raw scores based on a student’s age. This ensures CAT4 scores are placed on a continuous, age-adjusted scale, making comparisons accurate and meaningful across students of the same age.

The CAT4 Case-Studies Offered by GL Assessment

GL Assessment also offers many CAT4 case studies, such as how these types of schools use the CAT4:

• 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.

Primary school cognitive ability assessment CAT4

Primary schools use CAT4 to assess students’ cognitive abilities during non-SAT years. Administered by GL Assessment, CAT4 helps measure achievement and learning potential when formal testing between KS1 and KS2 SATs is not required. Unlike subject-based tests, CAT4 gives teachers a clear view of each child’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall learning capacity, helping identify students who may need additional support.

What does the CAT4 offer teachers?

GL Assessment’s CAT4 provides essential insights to guide informed intervention strategies and set appropriate academic goals for each student. It offers detailed reports for senior leaders, helping shape strategic direction by highlighting areas for improvement across classes or the whole school. CAT4 also delivers critical data to personalise learning, support parental engagement, and track student progress effectively.

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

CAT4 profiles give teachers a well-rounded view of each student’s abilities, helping them assess progress and offer targeted support. Teachers use CAT4 results to identify strengths and weaknesses across verbal, non-verbal, spatial, and quantitative reasoning.

GL Assessment’s CAT4 is statistically reliable, verified annually with data from 250,000 pupils and standardised on 25,000 children. Group and individual reports are easy to interpret, providing a clear picture of each student’s learning potential.

CAT4 results are also benchmarked against national performance indicators like GCSE, KS2, and A-level outcomes.

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

Our CAT4 self-learning training videos