The Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) is a widely used assessment in UK schools, designed to measure a pupil’s reasoning abilities and academic potential. Developed by GL Assessment, the CAT4 is independent of the UK government and serves as a diagnostic tool for teachers to understand learning styles, identify strengths and weaknesses, and tailor educational support. For parents and pupils preparing for the CAT4, access to free sample tests and practice materials is a valuable resource. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the available free CAT4 practice tests, the skills they assess, and how to use them effectively for preparation, based solely on the provided source material.
The CAT4 test battery is utilised across a range of educational stages, from Key Stage 1 (Year 3) through to secondary education (Year 11). It is employed in both the state and independent school sectors in the UK. For primary schools, the CAT4 can be used to assess students during non-SAT years, providing insight into pupil achievements against the National Curriculum and helping teachers understand individual strengths and weaknesses. In the secondary sector, particularly in top schools and for independent school entry, CAT4 results are a significant component of the assessment process. The test is administered by GL Assessment, and results are marked externally before being returned to the school.
The CAT4 is composed of four distinct test batteries, each assessing a different area of cognitive reasoning. These are: * Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses thinking with words, including the ability to identify patterns and connections in language, such as determining which words belong together and why. * Quantitative Reasoning: This involves thinking with numbers, requiring pupils to interpret number patterns to find missing or subsequent values. * Non-Verbal Reasoning: This assesses the ability to analyse and predict patterns in shapes and sequences, applying creative, deductive, and analytical thinking. * Spatial Ability: This section evaluates thinking with visual images, focusing on the ability to visualise and transform shapes to determine correct outcomes. The development of spatial reasoning skills is noted as being particularly crucial for success in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects.
The purpose of the CAT4 is not to assess knowledge of specific core subjects but to provide a broader view of a pupil’s learning style, academic potential, and cognitive abilities. The test measures rational thinking, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The results offer teachers individual profiles of learning preferences and indicators of likely future performance. This information allows for tailored interventions to target weaker skill areas, effective allocation of educational resources, and the development of gifted and talented programmes for high-achieving pupils. Reports for both teachers and parents are designed to be clear and practical. For parents, understanding the CAT4 can help in supporting their child's educational journey and identifying areas where additional challenge or support may be beneficial.
For those preparing for the CAT4, practising with sample questions and familiarising oneself with the test format is considered an effective strategy. While some schools may discourage practice to preserve the assessment of ‘natural’ cognitive ability, it is argued that preparation is beneficial, much like training for any other challenge. Using the correct, age-specific practice materials is essential for effective preparation. The most relevant practice resources are those tailored to the specific CAT4 level corresponding to the pupil's year group.
A range of free CAT4 sample tests and practice materials is available, specifically designed for different age groups and CAT4 levels. These resources are created to mirror the actual CAT4 format and are aligned with the age of the test-taker. The following free sample tests are available by pupil age and corresponding CAT4 level:
- Year 3 (Approximately Age 7-8): Free CAT4 Year 3 sample test.
- Year 4 (CAT4 Level A): Free CAT4 Level A sample test for Year 4 pupils.
- Year 5 (CAT4 Level B): Free CAT4 Level B sample test for Year 5 pupils.
- Year 6 (CAT4 Level C): Practice papers for CAT4 Level C.
- Year 7 (CAT4 Level D): A CAT4 Level D test sample.
- Year 8 (CAT4 Level E): Practice materials for CAT4 Level E.
- Year 9 (CAT4 Level F): Practice papers for CAT4 Level F.
- Year 10 (CAT4 Level F): Free CAT test practice for Year 10, which typically corresponds to the CAT4 Level F.
- Year 11 (CAT4 Level G): CAT4 Level G practice papers and free CAT4 test guides for school Year 11.
In addition to these age-specific samples, a general free CAT4 Level X test practice is also mentioned. For pupils or parents seeking more comprehensive preparation, full CAT4 practice test packs for all ages and video courses are available for purchase. These video courses, for example, for Year 8, are designed to help overcome specific difficulties with CAT4 questions or papers.
To develop an effective CAT4-passing mindset, it is recommended to stay calm, positive, and confident in one's cognitive abilities. Reviewing all free CAT4 sample papers relevant to the pupil's age group is a key step. Utilising resources like full CAT4 practice testing material and skills courses can further boost understanding. It is important to remember that CAT4 results are just one part of the academic journey, and reasoning and problem-solving skills extend far beyond the test itself.
When using practice materials, pupils should focus on building key skills. These include analysing and predicting patterns in shapes and sequences; applying creative, deductive, and analytical thinking; identifying patterns and connections in words; interpreting number patterns; and visualising and transforming shapes. Effective test-taking strategies also involve familiarising oneself with the different CAT4 sections and question types, practising regularly with sample questions to build speed and accuracy, focusing on key skills like reasoning and problem-solving, identifying weak areas to target during practice, managing time carefully, reading all instructions and questions carefully, and maintaining a calm and positive attitude throughout preparation and the test.
For parents, a guide to GL Assessment’s CAT4 tests can be invaluable. It clarifies how the test is used in both primary and secondary school settings. In primary schools, CATs are used to assess students even during non-SAT years, as children are not required to take tests between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 SATs under the current National Curriculum. The CAT4 helps teachers understand the strengths and weaknesses of each child individually. For secondary schools, particularly top independent schools, CAT4 results form a part of the application case studies.
The CAT4 is available year-round, and results are provided immediately after the test is completed. This allows schools to quickly gain insight into a pupil’s learning pace, potential, and whether they may need extra support or greater challenges. The test is strictly timed, which is a key component of its diagnostic value. GL Assessment, the publisher of the CAT4, also offers a range of supportive materials for schools and parents.
For any queries, sample test issues, or specific CAT4 questions that cannot be answered, it is recommended to consult official sources such as ISEB, Cambridge Assessment, Hodder Education, and the actual GL Assessment CAT4 publishers themselves. These are the most authoritative sources for information about the test.
In summary, the CAT4 is a comprehensive cognitive assessment tool used widely in UK schools to understand pupil potential and learning styles. A variety of free, age-specific sample tests and practice materials are available to help pupils prepare effectively. By using these resources, focusing on key reasoning skills, and employing sound test-taking strategies, pupils can approach the CAT4 with greater confidence and readiness.