Parent guide · Year 4 · Grade 3
CAT4 in Year 4 (Grade 3)
What children aged 8–9 can expect from CAT4, with sample questions at the right level and free practice.
Recommended level
A
Typical age
8–9
Same as
Grade 3
Dubai core year?
Yes
What to expect in Year 4
Level A is the first level with the full set of question types used all the way up to Level G, so the formats your child learns now stay the same for years. In Dubai, Grade 3 (Year 4) is one of the core CAT4 year groups, so many children sit their first school-wide CAT4 this year.
CAT4 has four areas, each with two question types: non-verbal, verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning. On the digital test for Levels A to G, the eight sections add up to about 72 minutes of testing, usually split across sessions. It isn't a test of what's been taught in class, so there's nothing to revise, but knowing the question types makes a real difference to confidence.
Sample questions at Year 4 level
One question from each area, at our Grades 3–4 practice level (Years 4–5). Try them first, then reveal the answer.
Non-verbal reasoning · Figure classification
These three figures are alike in some way. Which option goes with them?
Show answer
Answer: D All three figures are grey. The shapes and numbers change, but the colour stays the same. Only the right answer is grey too.
Verbal reasoning · Verbal classification
Which word goes best with these three?
Show answer
Answer: C They are all ways to travel (vehicles).
Quantitative reasoning · Number analogies
The same rule changes each first number into the second. Which number is missing?
Show answer
Answer: C The rule is: multiply by 4 (8 → 32, 6 → 24). So 3 → 12.
Spatial reasoning · Figure analysis
The paper is folded, then holes are punched through it. What does it look like when it is unfolded?
Show answer
Answer: B The paper was folded once, so every hole goes through 2 layers. When you unfold it, each hole appears again as a mirror image on the other side of each fold line. That gives 2 holes in total.
Free Year 4 practice
Ten fresh questions per set, with instant feedback, at Grades 3–4 level:
Schools in our guides that use CAT4 for this year group
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS): JESS's Open Entry route for Years 3 to 9 lists a CAT4 mean score of 115+ as one of its academic criteria.
- Dubai International Academy (DIA) Emirates Hills: DIA Emirates Hills uses digital CAT4 testing for applicants from Year 3 upwards.
- Dubai British Schools: Khaleej Times reports that Dubai British Schools list CAT4 alongside a written English assessment for applicants from Year 3 to Year 12.
- GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi: GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi says all applicants for Year 3 to Year 10 are assessed with CAT4.
- Repton Abu Dhabi: Repton Abu Dhabi's admissions policy says a CAT4 assessment may be arranged, where necessary, for applicants from Year 1 to Year 13, alongside school reports.
Every school claim is sourced on the school's page. See all schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Questions parents ask about Year 4
Which CAT4 level does Year 4 sit?
GL Assessment recommends Level A for Year 4 (ages 8–9). Schools can choose a different level, so the school's letter is the best guide.
Is Year 4 the same as Grade 3?
Yes. British Year 4 is the same as Grade 3 in American, IB and many UAE schools. Children of the same age are in both.
How can my child practise for CAT4 in Year 4?
Use our free practice at Grades 3–4 level (Years 4–5): short sets of 10 fresh questions for each of the eight CAT4 question types, a printable mixed paper, and a free 20-minute practice test. Little and often works best.
Other year groups
Sources
Sample questions are original, written by Edzuno in the style of reasoning tests. Edzuno is independent and not affiliated with GL Education.