The common entrance examination, which is sat by thousands of pupils hoping to attend independent senior schools, is to undergo major changes.

There is to be a narrower focus on 'core' subjects - one of the aims being to make it easier for state school pupils to sit the exam.

And information and communication technology is to be given separate recognition.

The Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) has carried out a review of the exam structure, which has remained broadly unchanged for decades.

After consultation with preparatory and senior schools, the number of compulsory subjects to be studied for the exam is to be cut from seven to three - English, maths and science.

'Undue burden'

The emphasis of questions will move away from the recollection of facts, to the analysis and understanding of information.

There will also be the chance for pupils to have their achievement in information and communication technology recognised with a separate certificate.

David Hanson, director of education of the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS), which has more than 500 members both in the UK and abroad, said it was time the common entrance was made into a "lean and efficient ability assessment system".

Mr Hanson, who has worked on the proposals for the new common entrance model with the ISEB, said that in the past, there had never been a standardised review across all subjects, and that it had been necessary to reduce the "undue burden" of the exam on pupils, while making it more accessible.

Currently, pupils sit exams in the core subjects, English, maths and science, as well as French, history, geography and religious studies. Other subjects, such as Latin and Spanish, are optional.

Under the new proposals, candidates would only be obliged to take exams in the core subjects, although it is expected that the majority would still sit them in the other subjects.

'Accessible for state pupils'

Mr Hanson said: "Although the seven subjects were compulsory, in reality, exceptions were made, as there were children who may not have studied French, or for whom the religious studies syllabus may not be appropriate."

By limiting the compulsory subjects to English, maths and science, the board would be making the exam more accessible to state school pupils trying to gain places at independent secondary schools, as the core subjects were covered by all schools as part of the national curriculum.

The ISEB is already piloting a scheme in which achievement in ICT is recognised by a certificate awarded separately from the exam system, and hopes to develop similar initiatives for other subjects in the future.

Currently, each year about 6,200 pupils take the 13+ exam, about 200 the 12+ exam, and about 1,000 the 11+ exam, as many schools operate their own individual entrance systems.

Mr Hanson said that streamlining the common entrance structure would hopefully encourage more schools to adopt it, and thus reduce the pressure on pupils who might otherwise have to sit a number of difference exams for a variety of schools.

The revised common entrance system and syllabuses are expected to be ready, following further consultation with schools, for the first new exams to be taken in 2003.