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Merlin Practice

Know the CAT4 before test day.

Short, calm practice for every CAT4 question type, from paper folding to number analogies, with a clear report for parents. Made for families applying to schools in the Gulf and the UK.

Try the free tasterHow it works
  • Free 12-minute taster
  • No card needed
  • Original questions
  • One-off prices, no subscription
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Eight question types. No surprises on the day.

The CAT4 tests reasoning in four batteries. Children who have seen each question type spend the test thinking, not working out what is being asked. Every question here is original.

Non-verbal reasoning

Reasoning with shapes and patterns, without words or numbers.

Figure classificationThree figures share something. Choose the one figure of five that shares it too.Figure matricesWork out how the first figure turns into the second, then make the same change to the third.

Verbal reasoning

Reasoning with words: spotting links and relationships.

Verbal classificationThree words share a link. Choose the word of five that shares it most closely.Verbal analogiesFind how the first pair of words is linked, then complete the second pair the same way.

Quantitative reasoning

Reasoning with numbers: finding rules and relationships.

Number analogiesTwo pairs of numbers follow the same rule. Use it to complete the third pair.Number seriesFind the rule in a row of numbers and choose the number that comes next.

Spatial ability

Picturing shapes in the mind and moving them around.

Figure analysis (paper folding)A square is folded and holes are punched through it. Choose how it looks when unfolded.Figure recognition (hidden shapes)Find the design that hides the target shape at exactly the same size, with every side in full.

A little practice, spread over a few weeks.

  1. Step 1

    Try the free taster

    Two questions of every CAT4 type in about 12 minutes, then a profile across the four batteries. No card needed.

  2. Step 2

    Learn each question type

    Learning mode explains every answer step by step. Paper folding and hidden shapes animate so children can see why.

  3. Step 3

    Practise with the timer

    Short timed sets at a pace close to the real test, so the on-screen timer feels normal on the day.

Choose by year group

A report that reads like the CAT4 profile, without pretending to be one.

See which batteries feel familiar and which need practice, in plain English. No invented scores, percentiles or predictions: those only come from the real test.

Example report after a taster

  • Non-verbal reasoning

    3 of 4 correct

    Comfortable

    These question types already feel familiar. Timed sets will help with pace.

  • Verbal reasoning

    4 of 4 correct

    Comfortable

    These question types already feel familiar. Timed sets will help with pace.

  • Quantitative reasoning

    2 of 4 correct

    Getting familiar

    Some of these questions clicked. A few short practice sets will make the rest feel familiar.

  • Spatial ability

    1 of 4 correct

    New territory

    These question types are still new. Start with learning mode, where every answer is explained.

Written for families moving schools.

Many British and international schools use the CAT4 when children join. Our guides explain how it fits into admissions where you are, and what to ask the school.

Full practice opens soon.

The taster and sample sets are free now. Passes will be one-off payments: Test Month £29 for 1 month, or Admissions Pass £59 for 6 months, with brothers and sisters £15 each. Nothing is on sale yet.

See what a pass will include

Join early access

One email when full practice opens.

Questions parents ask.

Straight answers about the CAT4, the taster and prices.

See all questions

Still unsure? Email us.

Can we try it before paying?

Yes. The taster is free, needs no card and takes about 12 minutes. It covers all eight question types and ends with a profile across the four batteries.

Are these GL Assessment's CAT4 questions?

No. Merlin Practice is independent and every question is written by us. We practise the same eight question types the CAT4 uses, but never copy GL Assessment's questions, and we have no link with GL Assessment or any school.

Does preparing for the CAT4 help?

GL Assessment says children do not need to prepare, and the test measures reasoning rather than learned facts. Practice cannot change underlying ability. What it does is remove surprise: knowing each question type and how the timer works lets a child spend the test thinking, not working out what is being asked.

Which pass should we choose?

Test Month (£29 for 1 month) suits a test date that is coming up soon. Admissions Pass (£59 for 6 months) covers a full admissions season. Both are one-off payments, and an extra child is £15.

Which level should my child practise?

Pick your child's year group and we suggest the usual CAT4 level. Schools sometimes use a different level, so if the school has told you the level, choose that instead. You can switch level at any time.

Will we get a CAT4 score?

No. We never show standard age scores, stanines, percentiles or predicted results. Those come only from the real test. Our parent report shows which question types feel familiar and which need more practice.