CAT tests are one of the tools schools use to understand how a child learns and where their strengths lie. They are sometimes part of admissions for selective independent or grammar schools, and many schools also use them to track progress and guide teaching. For parents, it can be helpful to know how to interpret the results and what they show.
What exactly is a CAT test, how are scores reported and what do they really mean for your child’s education?
What is a CAT test?
CAT stands for Cognitive Abilities Test. Rather than testing knowledge in specific subjects, CATs measure a child’s ability to think with words, numbers and shapes. The idea is to give schools an insight into how a child learns best, not just what they already know.
The test is usually taken on a computer and covers three main areas:
- Verbal reasoning – understanding and working with words.
- Quantitative reasoning – problem-solving with numbers.
- Non-verbal reasoning – spotting patterns and relationships in shapes and diagrams.
Some schools also include a spatial reasoning section, which looks at how children visualise and manipulate shapes in their mind.
Why schools use CAT tests
CATs give teachers and admissions teams another piece of the puzzle when considering a child’s potential. Unlike subject-based exams, they focus on underlying reasoning skills, which can sometimes highlight strengths not immediately visible through classwork or grades.
For admissions, particularly at selective schools, CATs can help identify children with strong learning potential, even if their current attainment doesn’t tell the whole story. In other schools, CATs are often used to set benchmarks, track progress and guide how teaching is pitched.
How CAT test scores are reported
This is the part many parents ask us about. CAT results are given as age standardised scores, usually on a scale where the national average is 100.
- A score of 100 means a child is performing exactly in line with the national average for their age.
- A score above 100 suggests stronger-than-average reasoning ability in that area.
- A score below 100 indicates an area where they may need more support or development.
Because CATs are age standardised, the score takes into account how old your child is in months compared to others in the same school year. This makes the results fairer, as children born later in the academic year aren’t disadvantaged.
Making sense of the results
It’s natural for parents to focus on the numbers, but CAT scores are best seen as a guide rather than a verdict. A child might perform better in one area than another, for example, stronger in verbal reasoning than non-verbal. This simply gives a picture of learning preferences and can help schools (and parents) understand how to support them best.
Scores can also change over time. A child’s abilities develop as they grow, and practice in problem-solving or exposure to new challenges can help them build confidence across all areas.
How you can support your child
You don’t need to “teach to the test” with CATs. In fact, the most helpful approach is to support your child’s general thinking and problem-solving skills. Here are a few practical ways:
- Encourage reading and discussion – Talking about stories, new words and ideas builds verbal reasoning naturally.
- Play number games – Puzzles, times tables practice and everyday problem-solving (like working out change in a shop) strengthen quantitative reasoning.
- Use logic puzzles and patterns – Jigsaws, shape games and brain teasers help with non-verbal reasoning.
- Build confidence – Praise effort and persistence. A child who feels confident is more likely to approach new challenges positively.
At Dukes Tutoring, we also find that gentle practice with reasoning-style questions, when introduced at the right time, can help children feel more comfortable with the test format.
The role of tutoring in CAT preparation
For families considering selective school admissions, tutoring can provide targeted support that goes beyond simple practice questions. Every child approaches problem-solving differently, and one-to-one tutoring can make a real difference to how they feel about the test.
At Dukes Tutoring, our tutors help children in several key ways:
- Understanding the question types – CATs include different formats, from verbal analogies to number sequences and shape patterns. We introduce these in a calm, structured way so children know what to expect and feel less daunted when they sit down at the computer.
- Developing reasoning strategies – Rather than guessing, children learn methods for working through problems step by step. This might include spotting number relationships, identifying clues in the wording or using elimination to narrow down choices.
- Building confidence in weaker areas – It’s common for a child to feel stronger in one reasoning skill than another. Our tutors identify these gaps and gently strengthen them, so children approach the test with a more balanced skill set.
- Learning test-day skills – Time management is just as important as reasoning ability. We show children how to pace themselves, move on from tricky questions and keep their focus across the whole paper.
Tutoring is never about endless drilling or pressuring children. Instead, it’s about equipping them with tools, strategies and self-belief. When children feel prepared and confident, they are able to show their true ability and often enjoy the process of solving problems along the way.
Key takeaways for parents
CAT tests are designed to reveal how children think and learn, rather than what they’ve memorised. They provide useful information for schools, but they are only one part of the picture. By understanding the scores and supporting your child’s natural strengths, you can help them make the most of their education journey.If you’d like tailored support with CAT test preparation or school admissions, our team at Dukes Tutoring would be delighted to help. Call 020 3488 0754, email info@dukestutoring.com, or complete our online enquiry form to find out more.
