Repton School Dubai CAT4 Guide — Admissions & Preparation
Securing a place at Repton School Dubai is a major goal for many families across the UAE. As one of Dubai’s most established British curriculum and IB schools, competition is strong, and understanding how the admissions process works is essential. A key part of that process is the CAT4 cognitive abilities test, used by many top international schools to assess reasoning ability, academic potential, and suitability for advanced programmes.
This guide explains exactly how Repton uses the CAT4, what score parents should aim for, and how to prepare effectively.
Is Repton School Dubai a good school?
Repton School Dubai is widely regarded as one of the top British-curriculum schools in the UAE.
Here’s why parents rate it so highly:
One of the largest British schools in the Middle East, with world-class facilities.
Offers the IB Diploma, IB Career-related Programme, and A-Levels, giving academic flexibility.
Strong exam results and a history of Oxbridge, Russell Group, and top US college acceptances.
A highly diverse international student body with strong pastoral care and optional boarding.
Long-standing reputation since opening in 2007 as an academically ambitious and selective school.
Families applying to Year 5, Year 7, Year 9, or Sixth Form should expect a rigorous and competitive admissions process, particularly for students transferring from non-British systems.
Does Repton School Dubai use CAT4 for admissions?
Repton School Dubai uses the CAT4 test as part of its admissions process for many year groups, especially from Year 3 to Year 12.
CAT4 is typically included within the school’s “Computer-Based Assessment”, alongside interview or observation components. For Year 7 entry (a major intake point), CAT4 Level D is commonly used.
Why Repton uses CAT4:
It evaluates reasoning ability, not just curriculum knowledge.
It provides a standardised benchmark for students from different backgrounds.
It helps identify a child’s learning profile and potential, supporting placements and support.
For international families relocating to Dubai, CAT4 helps the school fairly assess students who may have trained under very different education systems.
What is the CAT4 test for Repton Dubai?
CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test, Fourth Edition) is an ability test used in thousands of schools worldwide, including most leading British and international schools in the UAE.
CAT4 measures four core reasoning areas:
🧠 Verbal Reasoning – using and understanding words and language
🎲 Non-Verbal Reasoning – identifying patterns and relationships
➗ Quantitative Reasoning – working with numbers logically
🪐 Spatial Reasoning – mentally rotating shapes and visualising objects
Each area is designed to reveal a student’s underlying problem-solving ability and academic potential. Repton Dubai uses these results to assess how well a student will cope with their curriculum and the pace of learning. CAT4 is not a curriculum test. It does not test maths content, science knowledge, grammar rules, or reading comprehension directly. Instead, it focuses on how students think.
What CAT4 level does Repton Dubai use In Year 7?
For Year 7 entry, the most common CAT4 level used in UAE schools is CAT4 Level D. This is designed for students aged 11–12.
Other CAT4 levels used at Repton include:
Level C – for Year 6
Level D – for Year 7
Level E – for Year 8–9
Level F/G – for older secondary students
Levels differ mainly in difficulty and timing, but all assess the same four reasoning areas. If your child is preparing for Year 5 or below, Repton may use a mixture of early CAT assessments and internal measures.
What CAT4 score Is Needed For Repton Dubai?
Repton does not publish an official CAT4 pass mark. However, based on parent reports, UAE admissions data, and norms across competitive British schools, families should aim for:
Target SAS Score for Repton Dubai:
110+ SAS (above average) is typically competitive.
120+ SAS is considered strong.
130+ SAS places a child in a very high band.
A SAS of 100 represents the UK average. Top-tier schools often make offers to students scoring above 110 but the exact amount needed changes each year. However, bear in mind that admissions decisions are not based solely on CAT4. Repton School also considers school reports, interviews, English proficiency, and overall suitability. Strong CAT4 performance helps compensate for gaps in curriculum alignment, especially for students transferring from non-British systems.
Repton will not usually disclose exact score requirements, but a strong CAT4 profile certainly strengthens an application.
What questions appear in the Repton Dubai CAT4 test?
The CAT4 is made up of timed, multiple-choice questions. Students complete short modules, each designed to assess a specific type of reasoning.
1. Verbal Reasoning
Tests language-based logic and relationships. Examples include:
Verbal analogies
Word classifications
Sentence completion patterns
2. Non-Verbal Reasoning
Visual pattern recognition. Examples include:
Figure matrices
Shape pairings
Pattern sequences
3. Quantitative Reasoning
Number-based logic. Examples include:
Number analogies
Number series
Relationship problems
4. Spatial Reasoning
Visualising and rotating shapes. Examples include:
Shape rotations
3D cube nets
Figure analysis
Most UAE parents find the spatial reasoning sections the most unfamiliar, especially if their child has never practised them before. Understanding these question types is essential for targeted preparation.
How should my child prepare for the CAT4 test for Repton School Dubai?
CAT4 is not a test of learned content, but students who prepare consistently perform significantly better, especially in the spatial and non-verbal domains. Here is our recommended preparation approach:
1. Start early (ideally 3–6 months ahead)
CAT4 rewards familiarity. Even high-ability students can struggle without exposure to the question style. Remember, your child will most likely never have seen these types of questions before.
2. Build a baseline
Use a diagnostic CAT4-style test to identify strengths and weaknesses.
3. Prepare by Topic
Verbal Reasoning
Improve vocabulary
Practise analogies and classification exercises
Encourage reading variety
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Jigsaw puzzles, tangrams
Shape pattern exercises
Identify relationships between visual elements
Quantitative Reasoning
Number sequences
Logical puzzles
Light algebra and reasoning drills
Spatial Reasoning
3D model building
Cube nets
Shape rotation apps and puzzles
This area often produces the greatest improvement with targeted practice.
4. Timed practice
CAT4 is strict on timing. Students need to learn when to move on and how to work under pressure.
5. Simulate test conditions
Use computer-based practice to replicate real assessment conditions.
6. Focus on confidence and mindset
A calm, practiced student scores far higher than a nervous or unfamiliar one.
7. Consider specialised CAT4 support
Dubai’s competitive environment means many families use structured guidance or targeted tutoring to help children reach the required standard.
When are the Repton School Dubai admissions assessments?
Timings vary by year group, but generally:
Applications open early in the academic year (usually in September or October).
CAT4 assessments typically run from November through April.
Overseas applicants may be tested remotely.
Year 7 entry often sees the largest wave of assessments between January and March.
Parents aiming for Year 5, Year 7, or Year 9 should enquire and apply several months early. Repton encourages early submissions, especially for competitive year groups.
FAQs about Repton Dubai and CAT4
Is Repton School Dubai hard to get into?
Yes, it is selective and competition is strongest for Year 5, Year 7, and Sixth Form.
Can you prepare for the CAT4 test?
Absolutely. CAT4 is an ability test, but performance improves significantly with structured preparation.
Does CAT4 measure intelligence?
No. CAT4 measures reasoning skills and potential, not curriculum achievement or intelligence.
Is CAT4 the same as an 11 Plus test?
No. The 11+ tests include curriculum content and reasoning. CAT4 focuses only on reasoning.
Can students retake CAT4?
Schools normally allow one attempt per admission cycle.
How to support your child’s application to Repton Dubai
Repton School Dubai is one of the most respected schools in the UAE, and the CAT4 test plays a central role in determining student suitability. With the right preparation (especially focused on verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative reasoning) your child can approach the assessment with confidence.
If you would like structured preparation, practice materials, or personalised guidance for your child’s CAT4 test or Repton admissions, we can help. The Exam Coach team supports students across the UAE with targeted reasoning training and admissions support tailored to top international schools.
How The Exam Coach Supports UAE Students
At The Exam Coach, we are 11 Plus exam experts, specialising in bridging the gap between excellent UAE schooling and UK school entrance exam readiness. Our weekly online classes are crafted specifically for UAE families and led by experienced UK tutors.
To help students master these subjects, we offer the following services:
What we offer:
💻 Online workshops covering English comprehension, creative writing, vocabulary, and reasoning
🇬🇧 Experienced UK tutors who teach specifically for the 11 Plus curriculum
🧠 Verbal Reasoning and English vocabulary sessions tailored to UK exam styles
⏰ Live interactive lessons delivered at times convenient for UAE students
🧍♀️ Stand-alone lessons (no long-term lock-ins) so parents can join for exactly what’s needed
We help students gradually build reasoning habits, improve writing technique, and gain confidence in timed exam settings. If you're serious about preparing your child for the 11+, our weekly online tuition for UAE students is designed to align with what top UK schools expect.
📚 Weekly Workshops 📚
In our 11 Plus weekly workshops, your tutor will share some background information about themselves and our workshops with new students. This is followed by 40 minutes of teaching time. Weekly workshops usually run at least a week, usually on weekday evenings. The dates and times of these workshops change each week to ensure everyone can benefit from them.
The content within each workshop varies between 11+ creative writing, comprehension, verbal reasoning or English vocabulary. These classes are a great way to experience our tuition and let your child learn something new before booking one of our courses. Weekly tuition allows us to regularly top up your child’s knowledge during the year prior to their exams.
Each weekly tuition workshop is standalone, meaning your child does not need to have attended any previous sessions to join one. Class notes are sent out 24 hours after each workshop to help students recap what they have learnt.
Types of taster workshop:
Tricky Vocabulary Workout
Verbal Reasoning Synonyms/Antonyms
Comprehension
Creative Writing
Details:
45 minutes.
Introduction to The Exam Coach.
Competitive class testing.
Self-assessed testing.
Walkthrough answers.
Class notes.
When they take place:
At least once a week (date and time announced on Mondays via our email newsletter).
How to register:
📝 11 Plus Practice Papers 📝
We have plenty of practice papers available for various 11+ exam boards to help your child prepare. We provide papers for CEM, GL, ISEB, Kent, Sutton, and Independent School exams.
🎙️ Our Vocabulary Podcast 🎙️
Our 11+ Daily Vocab Show podcast is available on our website and all major streaming platforms. In each episode, we teach children a new word, expanding their vocabulary one word at a time.
Every podcast episode focuses on one tricky piece of vocabulary, ensuring that your child’s vocabulary is built up slowly and that they fully understand each word they learn.
All podcast episodes can be found using the links below:
Listen to the first episode, featuring the word ‘siege’, by clicking the image below.
