Nord Anglia International School Dubai CAT4 Entrance Exam — Admissions & Preparation
With a strong global brand and a campus offering the British curriculum plus the IB Diploma, Nord Anglia International School Dubai is a top choice for international families in the UAE. Part of its admissions process for competitive year groups incorporates the CAT4 cognitive abilities test, which helps assess a student’s readiness for its rigorous academic programmes.
This guide will walk you through how NAIS Dubai uses CAT4, typical expectations, how to prepare your child, and how to give them the best chance of success.
Is Nord Anglia International School Dubai a good school?
Nord Anglia International School Dubai is regarded as one of the premium international schools in the region.
Key features include:
A recognised global network of Nord Anglia schools, bringing enhanced opportunities (e.g., collaborations with MIT, Julliard) and enriched curriculum.
A British curriculum leading to the IB Diploma, with excellent exam performance and university placements.
State-of-the-art facilities, strong international student community, and emphasis on global citizenship.
High demand for places (especially Years 6, 7, and Sixth Form) meaning the admissions process is competitive and multi-stage.
If you are considering applying, it’s wise to treat the test component seriously, in particular the CAT4.
Does Nord Anglia International School Dubai use CAT4 for admissions?
NAIS Dubai uses the CAT4 assessment within its admissions/testing stage for many entry year groups.
Here’s how it fits:
The CAT4 ability test is used to evaluate reasoning skills and potential to cope with the school’s academic demands.
For mid-year and external applicants, CAT4 may be required to assess children who come from a broad variety of international systems.
Use of CAT4 helps the school compare pupils from different educational systems on a standardised basis.
As with other selective British curriculum schools in Dubai, a good CAT4 performance is a plus for any application to NAIS Dubai.
What is the CAT4 test for Nord Anglia International School Dubai?
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) is a standardisation used internationally to assess reasoning ability, and it is valued precisely because it tests thinking and reasoning, not simply memorised curriculum content.
It covers four core domains:
Verbal Reasoning – understanding, manipulating and using language
Non-Verbal Reasoning – analysing visual and abstract patterns
Quantitative Reasoning – numerical logic and relationships
Spatial Reasoning – visualisation, rotation and 3-D thinking
Nord Anglia International School Dubai uses the CAT4 to help understand a child’s cognitive profile and how they will thrive in a dynamic, accelerated setting.
What CAT4 level does Nord Anglia International School Dubai use (e.g., Year 7)?
While the exact level depends on the year group being applied for, the typical breakdown includes:
Level C – around Year 6
Level D – Year 7 entry (most common)
Level E – Years 8–9
Level F/G – For Year 10 and onwards
For example, a student applying for Year 7 will likely sit CAT4 Level D (age 11–12). It’s important to confirm during the admissions enquiry stage for the specific year.
What CAT4 score does Nord Anglia International School Dubai expect?
Nord Anglia International School Dubai does not publish an official “pass mark” for CAT4. However, based on patterns within Dubai’s British curriculum schools and competitive admissions, you should aim for:
Target SAS Score for NAIS Dubai:
110+ SAS – good
120+ SAS – strong competitive position
125–130+ SAS – very competitive
Remember, the school examines not just the overall SAS, but the profile across the four domains (verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, spatial). A weak area can be flagged, so preparation should emphasise all domains equally.
Good school reports, strong references and a well-rounded pupil profile support the application beyond just CAT4.
What questions appear in the Nord Anglia International School Dubai CAT4 test?
The CAT4 uses short, timed modules assessing different reasoning types. Students at NAIS Dubai should expect:
Verbal Reasoning
Analogies (word: word)
Classification (grouping words)
Sentence completion logic
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Shape matrices, hidden shapes
Visual sequences or missing pieces
Quantitative Reasoning
Number series
Number analogies
Relationship puzzles with numbers
Spatial Reasoning
Shape rotation
3-D to 2-D mapping
Cube nets and visual imagination tasks
Because many international students have limited exposure to spatial or non-verbal tasks, targeted preparation here can lead to the greatest improvement.
How should my child prepare for the CAT4 test for Nord Anglia International School Dubai?
A well-structured preparation plan gives your child a significant advantage in the CAT4 assessment for Nord Anglia International School Dubai.
1. Start well ahead
Ideally plan 3–6 months of preparation, especially if your child hasn’t faced these reasoning tests before.
2. Diagnostic assessment
Begin with a complete CAT4-style diagnostic test to identify strengths and weak spots.
3. Focus by domain
Verbal Reasoning
Vocabulary practice
Reading a wide range of texts
Analogy drills
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Visual puzzles
Patterns and classifications
Abstract reasoning tasks
Quantitative Reasoning
Number series, logic puzzles
Maths reasoning (rather than curriculum maths)
Spatial Reasoning
Tangrams, 3D-models, cube nets
Apps and tools for shape rotation
4. Time-based practice
Teach your child about pacing, skipping difficult questions, and returning later.
5. Digital practice
Since Nord Anglia International School Dubai uses CAT4 computer-based format, replicate the practice environment accordingly.
6. Build confidence and independence
Ensure your child is comfortable with the format, knows what to expect, and is not over-pressured.
7. Consider specialist reasoning support
Given the selectivity of Nord Anglia International School Dubai, structured reasoning courses or one-to-one support may give your child the edge.
When are the Nord Anglia International School Dubai admissions assessments?
Key points about Nord Anglia International School Dubai’s assessment timeline:
Applications open at the beginning of the academic year.
CAT4 assessments are typically held November to April, depending on year-group demand and availability.
Mid-year entry and overseas applicants may be scheduled flexibly.
Year 7 and Year 6 often see the highest demand; early application is strongly recommended.
FAQs about Nord Anglia International School Dubai & CAT4
Is Nord Anglia International School Dubai hard to get into?
Yes, especially for key intake years (Year 3, Year 5, Year 7, Sixth Form) and for those seeking scholarship/merit places.
Can you prepare for CAT4?
Yes, while CAT4 measures reasoning, preparation dramatically improves performance and comfort with the format.
Does CAT4 matter more than school reports?
No both are important. School reports, references and interview/observation all feed into NAIS Dubai’s holistic review.
Is CAT4 the same as an IGCSE entrance test?
No CAT4 tests reasoning and potential; IGCSE or GCSE entrance exams test curriculum knowledge.
What if my child comes from a non-British curriculum?
CAT4 helps level the field: reasoning skills are independent of specific curriculum. Focus on practice and familiarity.
How to support your child’s application to Nord Anglia International School Dubai
Nord Anglia International School Dubai delivers first-class education, global connections, and future-leading pathways. Because so many students apply, a strong CAT4 performance plays a key role in giving your child the best chance of success.
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