CAT4 and Repton School Dubai admissions

Repton's admissions process page describes four steps: make an enquiry, visit the school, register (submitting your child's passport and latest school report), and attend an assessment. The page describes age-appropriate assessments: observed play for younger children in the Early Years, and formal assessments in Reading, Mathematics and English for Year 1 and above. It says the process looks at the whole child, including social competence, maturity and behaviour, and that remote assessments are offered to international applicants who cannot attend in person.

The 2026-27 admissions policy adds detail. It describes an inclusive admissions process that considers academic ability, aptitude and personal qualities, and states that “an interview and assessment are required for all applicants.” Final decisions are made by the Heads of School with the Admissions & Parent Experience Manager and the Principal, after considering all submitted documentation, including videos, interviews and assessment outcomes. Where a year group is full, applicants go on a waiting list.

The policy says that, depending on entry year and individual needs, assessment may include CAT4, reading videos, or play-based videos for Foundation Stage, and that older applicants may also be interviewed by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. By phase, it sets out:

• Foundation Stage: the most recent nursery or school report where available, and a play-based assessment of approximately 30 minutes (a video call for families overseas).
• Junior School, Years 1 to 6: the two most recent academic reports with comments on Mathematics, English and Science; a minimum attendance record of 90% preferred; a CAT4 may be requested for Year 2 applicants and above; an online or in-person interview may be requested.
• Senior School, Years 7 to 13: the two most recent academic reports and the most recent CAT4 report; a minimum attendance record of 90% expected; applicants without a current CAT4 result are scheduled for assessment; an online or in-person interview may be requested.

The admissions process page describes formal assessments in Reading, Mathematics and English from Year 1, while the policy names CAT4 and school reports. Neither publishes a CAT4 score threshold. Ask the admissions team which assessment your child's year group will sit, and whether a CAT4 your child has already taken counts as current.

The policy lists entry requirements for each post-16 pathway. A Levels and IBDP Standard Level ask for six IGCSE or GCSE passes at Grade 6 or above (or equivalent), with English Language and Mathematics required for A Levels. BTEC asks for five at Grade 5 or above, including English Language and Mathematics. IBDP Higher Level asks for Grade 7 or above at IGCSE, with Grade 8 for Mathematics and Physics. Year 12 applicants from a UK curriculum background submit mock examination results with their most recent end-of-year report.

The policy also says external applicants are not accepted directly into Year 13, Year 11 applications are considered case by case, and Year 10 and Year 12 applicants complete subject option forms, with course availability possibly depending on application date. Boarding applicants from Year 7 must first pass the day-student process.

Repton's 2026-27 assessment policy says all new students, and those in year groups identified by the KHDA, complete CAT4 on arrival. The school uses the results to indicate a student's academic potential across four cognitive domains. In the Senior School, CAT4 data is analysed against the IGCSE 9 to 1 grading scale and compared with potential IB and A Level grades. The policy also says CAT4 helps identify More Able, Gifted and Talented students, and that individual CAT4 reports are sent home.

For Senior School entry, start with paperwork: ask your child's current school for their most recent CAT4 report and two recent reports, and check attendance, since the policy names a 90% minimum. If your child has no current CAT4 and will sit one at Repton, aim for familiarity: knowing the four question types, reading instructions carefully and working steadily against an on-screen timer. GL Assessment, which publishes CAT4, advises against extensive practice. For younger children, steady reading and secure maths matter more than any test technique.