Parent guide · Year 9 · Grade 8
CAT4 in Year 9 (Grade 8)
What children aged 13–14 can expect from CAT4, with sample questions at the right level and free practice.
Recommended level
F
Typical age
13–14
Same as
Grade 8
Dubai core year?
No (may still be tested)
What to expect in Year 9
Level F covers Years 9 and 10. Many schools use CAT4 around now to inform GCSE or IGCSE option choices and to set expected grades.
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 9 level
One question from each area, at our Grades 7–8 practice level (Years 8–9). Try them first, then reveal the answer.
Non-verbal reasoning · Figure matrices
The top two figures go together in a certain way. Which figure goes with the bottom one in the same way?
Show answer
Answer: C In the top pair, from left to right the shape changes from right-angled triangles to L-shapes. Everything else stays the same, and each pair keeps its own number of shapes and direction. Doing the same to the bottom figure gives four white L-shapes turned a quarter clockwise.
Verbal reasoning · Verbal analogies
Optimist goes with hopeful in the same way that pessimist goes with…
Show answer
Answer: C An optimist is hopeful, and a pessimist is gloomy, always expecting the worst.
Quantitative reasoning · Number series
Which number comes next?
Show answer
Answer: D Each number is the two numbers before it added together. So the next number is 34.
Spatial reasoning · Figure recognition
Which design hides this exact shape? It must be the same size and the same way round.
Show answer
Answer: E Only the right answer contains the whole outline of the shape at exactly the same size and the same way round. The other designs hide a shape that is flipped, turned, bigger, or slightly different. Tip: find one distinctive corner of the shape first, then trace its sides in the design.
Free Year 9 practice
Ten fresh questions per set, with instant feedback, at Grades 7–8 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.
- Nord Anglia International School Dubai: Nord Anglia International School Dubai lists an online CAT4 for applicants from Year 5, with Maths and English assessments added from Year 7.
- 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 9
Which CAT4 level does Year 9 sit?
GL Assessment recommends Level F for Year 9 (ages 13–14). Schools can choose a different level, so the school's letter is the best guide.
Is Year 9 the same as Grade 8?
Yes. British Year 9 is the same as Grade 8 in American, IB and many UAE schools. Children of the same age are in both.
How can my child practise for CAT4 in Year 9?
Use our free practice at Grades 7–8 level (Years 8–9): 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.