GL vs CEM: Which 11+ Exam Board Does Your School Use? Complete 2026 Guide

Your entire 11+ preparation strategy hinges on one thing most parents overlook until it is far too late: which exam board your target school actually uses. I have seen families spend months drilling CEM-style mixed papers only to discover their grammar school switched to GL Assessment two years ago. Others invest in stacks of GL practice books when their child is sitting a completely different format. It is a costly mistake — not in money, but in wasted time your child cannot get back.

Here is the truth: GL Assessment and CEM test different skills, in different formats, under different time pressures. A child who would score in the top 5% on a GL paper might struggle with CEM's rapid-fire section changes, and vice versa. Getting this wrong does not just mean suboptimal preparation — it means your child walks into that exam hall unprepared for what they are actually facing.

In this guide, I will break down exactly how GL and CEM differ, which regions use which board (including the recent shake-up where many areas switched providers), and how to tailor your child's preparation so every minute of study time counts.

GL vs CEM at a Glance

Before we get into the detail, here is a side-by-side comparison of the two main 11+ exam boards:

| Feature | GL Assessment | CEM |

|---|---|---|

| Full name | Granada Learning Assessment | Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (Durham University) |

| Number of papers | 4 separate papers | 2 mixed papers |

| Subjects tested | English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning | English + VR combined, Maths + NVR combined |

| Question format | Multiple choice (typically) | Mix of multiple choice and standard answers |

| Total questions | Approximately 260 across all papers | Varies — format changes yearly |

| Time per paper | Around 50 minutes each | Two papers, each around 45 minutes |

| Format predictability | High — consistent year to year | Low — format deliberately changed each year |

| Official practice papers | Yes — GL publishes them | No — CEM does not release practice materials |

| Curriculum alignment | Extends beyond KS2 into VR/NVR | Closely aligned to KS2 National Curriculum |

| Ease of preparation | More structured, easier to target | Harder to predict, broader preparation needed |

| Market share (2026) | Majority of grammar schools | Reduced — many schools switched to GL from 2023 |

GL Assessment: The Predictable Powerhouse

GL Assessment (originally Granada Learning) is by far the most widely used 11+ exam provider in England. Following a major shift in 2023-24 when CEM scaled back its paper-based offering, GL now administers entrance tests for the majority of the UK's 163 state-funded grammar schools.

How GL Papers Are Structured

The standard GL 11+ consists of four separate papers, each focusing on a single subject:

1. English (approximately 50 questions, 50 minutes)

The English paper typically opens with a reading comprehension passage followed by 25-30 multiple-choice questions. After that, your child faces sections on spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary — usually around 10 questions each. The vocabulary questions ask children to select words that are the "best fit" for a given sentence, so a broad reading diet really pays off here.

2. Maths (approximately 50 questions, 50 minutes)

Number-based questions dominate the GL Maths paper — you will see roughly five times more number questions than any other type. Topics cover the Year 5/6 curriculum including fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, basic algebra, geometry, and multi-step word problems. The questions are multiple choice, but do not let that fool you — the wrong answer options are carefully designed to catch common calculation errors.

3. Verbal Reasoning (approximately 80 questions, 50 minutes)

This is where GL really differs from standard school work. Verbal Reasoning tests your child's ability to manipulate words and language logically. Question types include code-breaking, word analogies, hidden words, letter sequences, and synonym/antonym identification. With 80 questions in 50 minutes, speed is absolutely critical — that works out at roughly 37 seconds per question.

4. Non-Verbal Reasoning (approximately 50 questions, 50 minutes)

Non-Verbal Reasoning uses shapes, patterns, and spatial puzzles to assess logical thinking without relying on language. Question types include odd-one-out, sequences, matrices, and reflection/rotation problems. Many children find this the most enjoyable paper, but it still requires systematic practice to achieve high scores consistently.

Why Parents Like GL

The biggest advantage of GL is predictability. Because the format stays largely consistent from year to year and official practice materials exist, you can build a highly targeted preparation plan. Your child can practise with papers that closely mirror what they will face on exam day. There are no nasty surprises.

GL's separate papers also make it easier to identify and address weaknesses. If your child is strong in Maths but struggles with Verbal Reasoning, you know exactly where to focus your efforts.

Key GL Numbers to Know

• 260 — Approximate total questions across all four papers
• 50 minutes — Standard time per paper (varies slightly by region)
• 37 seconds — Average time per question on the Verbal Reasoning paper
• 121 — Typical qualifying score in Buckinghamshire (top 37% of candidates)
• 80%+ — Score most grammar schools expect for a competitive application

CEM: The Unpredictable Challenger

CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring), developed by Durham University, was introduced as an alternative to GL with one ambitious goal: to create a "tutor-proof" exam that would test children's natural ability rather than their capacity to be drilled on practice papers.

The idea was admirable — reduce the advantage that wealthier families gain through private tutoring and level the playing field. In practice, CEM has not quite achieved this, but it has created a genuinely different assessment experience that requires a different preparation approach.

How CEM Papers Are Structured

Unlike GL's four separate subject papers, CEM uses two mixed papers that combine subjects within each sitting:

Paper 1: Maths + Non-Verbal Reasoning/Spatial Reasoning (approximately 45 minutes)

This paper weaves together numerical questions and pattern-based reasoning. Your child might answer a block of Maths questions, then switch to a Non-Verbal Reasoning section, then back to Maths. Each section is tightly timed, and children typically cannot go back to previous sections once time is called.

Paper 2: English + Verbal Reasoning (approximately 45 minutes)

Similarly, this paper alternates between comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning tasks. The emphasis on vocabulary is significantly heavier than in GL — CEM is known for testing words that many Year 5 children will not have encountered unless they are genuinely avid readers.

The "Tutor-Proof" Myth

CEM was designed to be resistant to coaching. The exam format changes every year, CEM does not publish official practice papers, and the organisation actively advises against exam-specific preparation. Their recommendation? Children should simply "read widely and develop independent study skills."

Here is the reality, though: while CEM is harder to prepare for than GL, it is absolutely not tutor-proof. Children who read extensively, have strong vocabularies, and are comfortable with rapid context-switching still outperform those who do not — and those skills can absolutely be developed with the right approach. The difference is that CEM preparation needs to be broader and less formulaic than GL preparation.

What Makes CEM Tricky

• Unpredictable format — Your child cannot memorise a specific paper structure because it changes annually
• Rapid section changes — Switching between Maths and NVR (or English and VR) within a single paper requires mental agility
• Heavy vocabulary demands — CEM tests words well beyond the KS2 curriculum, often drawn from literary and academic contexts
• No official practice materials — You are working with third-party resources that can only approximate the real thing
• Time pressure — Tight section timings with no opportunity to return to earlier questions

Important Update: CEM's Reduced Role

In late 2022, CEM announced it was moving away from traditional paper-based 11+ testing. From the 2023-24 admissions cycle onwards, the majority of grammar schools that previously used CEM switched to GL Assessment. This was a seismic shift in the 11+ landscape.

However, CEM has not disappeared entirely. Some regions and individual schools still use CEM-style assessments, and the organisation continues to offer entrance assessments through its Cambridge-based operations. It is essential that you check directly with your target school's admissions office to confirm which provider they currently use — do not rely on information from even 12 months ago, as schools can and do switch.

ISEB: The Independent School Option

If your child is aiming for an independent (private) school rather than a state grammar school, you may encounter the ISEB Common Pre-Test instead of GL or CEM.

The ISEB Pre-Test is used by over 50 leading UK independent schools, and it works quite differently from both GL and CEM:

• Fully online and adaptive — The test adjusts difficulty in real time based on your child's responses. Answer correctly and the next question gets harder; answer incorrectly and it gets easier
• Four subjects — English (25 minutes), Maths (50 minutes), Non-Verbal Reasoning (32 minutes), and Verbal Reasoning (36 minutes)
• Total duration — Approximately 2.5 hours across all sections
• Taken at the child's current school — Usually in the autumn term of Year 6
• No going back — Children cannot revisit previous answers, which is a major adjustment for many

The adaptive nature of ISEB means that two children sitting the same test will answer completely different questions. This makes it virtually impossible to compare experiences after the exam — something to bear in mind when your child comes out and talks to classmates.

Key point: ISEB Pre-Tests are commissioned from GL Assessment, so there is a strong overlap in the style and format of questions. If your child is applying to both grammar schools (via GL) and independent schools (via ISEB), their preparation will have significant crossover.

FSCE: The New Kid on the Block

Since 2024, a new exam format has emerged that parents should be aware of: the FSCE (Foundation for School Curriculum Education) exam. Linked to Reading School, this format has been adopted by eight grammar schools as of the 2025-26 entry cycle:

• Reading School (Berkshire)
• Chelmsford County High School for Girls (Essex)
• Colyton Grammar School (Devon)
• Heckmondwike Grammar School (West Yorkshire)
• The North Halifax Grammar School (West Yorkshire)
• The Crossley Heath School (West Yorkshire)
• Skipton Girls' High School (North Yorkshire)
• Lancaster Girls' Grammar School (Lancashire)

FSCE differs from both GL and CEM in that it does not include standalone Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning sections. Instead, it features a dedicated Creative Writing paper and delivers instructions via pre-recorded audio. The content is designed around the KS2 curriculum up to the end of Year 5.

If your target school is on this list, you will need to research the FSCE format specifically — preparing for GL or CEM alone will not be sufficient.

Which Regions Use Which Exam Board?

This is the information most parents are desperately searching for. Below is the current regional breakdown for the 2025-26 admissions cycle. Always verify with your specific school, as individual schools within a region can use different providers.

Regions Primarily Using GL Assessment

| Region | Notes |

|---|---|

| Berkshire | Some schools now using FSCE |

| Bexley | GL format |

| Birmingham | GL format |

| Buckinghamshire | GL format — qualifying score typically 121+ |

| Gloucestershire | GL format |

| Kent | GL format (the "Kent Test") — 33 grammar schools |

| Shropshire | GL format |

| Walsall | GL format |

| Warwickshire | GL format |

| Wirral | GL format |

| Wolverhampton | GL format |

Regions Primarily Using CEM

| Region | Notes |

|---|---|

| Cumbria | Check individual schools |

| Dorset | Check individual schools |

| Lancashire | Some schools now using FSCE |

| Lincolnshire | Check individual schools |

| Medway | Check individual schools |

| Northern Ireland | Transfer Test uses CEM-style format |

| Wiltshire | Check individual schools |

Regions Using a Mix of Providers

| Region | Notes |

|---|---|

| Devon | Mix of GL, CEM, and FSCE (Colyton Grammar) |

| Essex | Mix of GL and CSSE consortium; Chelmsford County High uses FSCE |

| Hertfordshire | Mix of providers — check individual schools |

| Trafford | Check individual schools |

| Yorkshire | Several schools now using FSCE; others use GL or CEM |

Critical reminder: The 11+ exam board landscape has been in flux since CEM's 2022 announcement. Schools that used CEM two or three years ago may now use GL or FSCE. The only reliable source of current information is your target school's admissions page or a direct call to their admissions office.

How to Prepare Differently for GL vs CEM

Now for the part you have been waiting for — practical preparation strategies tailored to each exam board.

GL Assessment Preparation Strategy

Because GL is predictable and well-documented, your preparation can be highly structured:

Months 1-3: Build Foundations

• Work through each subject systematically using GL-specific practice books (Bond, CGP, and Letts all publish GL-focused materials)
• Focus on mastering Verbal Reasoning question types — there are roughly 21 distinct types, and your child needs to recognise each one instantly
• Drill Non-Verbal Reasoning patterns until shape recognition becomes automatic
• Ensure Maths fundamentals are rock-solid, with particular attention to number work

Months 4-6: Targeted Practice

• Begin timed practice papers under exam conditions
• Aim for your child to complete each paper with 5 minutes to spare for checking
• Track scores across subjects and double down on the weakest area
• Introduce full mock exams monthly

Final 2 Months: Polish and Perfect

• Focus on exam technique: eliminating obviously wrong answers, educated guessing when stuck, time allocation
• Complete at least one full mock exam per week
• Work on stamina — sitting four papers in a day is physically and mentally demanding
• Keep sessions short and positive to avoid burnout

CEM Preparation Strategy

CEM requires a fundamentally different approach. You cannot just drill specific question types because the format changes:

Months 1-3: Cast a Wide Net

• Prioritise extensive reading above all else — aim for 30-45 minutes of varied reading daily (fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, magazines)
• Build vocabulary actively: learn 5-10 new words per week with definitions, synonyms, and usage in context
• Strengthen Maths problem-solving skills rather than rote procedures
• Practise switching between different types of tasks quickly

Months 4-6: Build Agility

• Use CEM-style practice papers from publishers like Bond, CGP, and Letts (these are approximations but still valuable)
• Practise under strict timed conditions with section-by-section timing
• Work on cloze passages (texts with missing words) to build contextual vocabulary skills
• Develop comfort with unfamiliar question formats — the goal is adaptability, not memorisation

Final 2 Months: Simulate the Unknown

• Mix up practice sessions deliberately — combine Maths and NVR questions in a single sitting, then English and VR
• Practise with unfamiliar materials your child has never seen before
• Focus on mental resilience: what to do when a question type is completely unexpected
• Build confidence through breadth of preparation rather than depth on specific question types

Common Mistakes Parents Make

After working with hundreds of 11+ families, these are the errors I see most frequently:

1. Not Checking the Exam Board First

This is the number one mistake and it is astonishingly common. Parents buy stacks of practice books or sign up for tutoring programmes without first confirming which exam their child will actually sit. Always start here — everything else flows from this single piece of information.

2. Using the Wrong Practice Materials

GL-specific practice papers are not good preparation for CEM, and vice versa. Even within GL, regional variations exist. Make sure your materials match your specific exam format.

3. Over-Preparing for One Subject

In GL exams, each paper carries equal weight. Spending 70% of your preparation time on Maths because your child finds it easier is counterproductive. The biggest score gains come from improving your child's weakest subject, not polishing their strongest.

4. Ignoring the Time Pressure Element

Many children can answer 11+ questions correctly when given unlimited time. The exam is not just about knowledge — it is about speed and accuracy under pressure. If your child is not regularly practising under timed conditions, they are not preparing for the real exam.

5. Starting Too Late (or Too Early)

Starting serious preparation 18 months before the exam gives your child ample time without creating burnout. Starting just 3 months before rarely produces the results families hope for. Equally, starting in Year 3 is unnecessary for most children and risks turning them off the process entirely. Year 4 (January) is the sweet spot for most families to begin gentle, structured preparation.

6. Neglecting Reading for CEM

If your child is sitting a CEM exam, the single most impactful thing you can do is get them reading — widely, voraciously, and daily. No amount of practice papers will substitute for the vocabulary breadth that CEM demands. Encourage them to read above their comfort level: quality children's fiction, age-appropriate non-fiction, even the weekend broadsheets.

7. Not Doing Full Mock Exams

Practising individual question types is essential, but it does not replicate the stamina required to sit multiple papers in succession. Your child needs to experience the full exam duration — including the boredom, fatigue, and concentration dips — before the real day arrives.

8. Comparing Your Child to Others

Every 11+ Facebook group and school-gate conversation will tempt you into comparing your child's practice scores with others. Resist this. Different children peak at different times, practice scores on unofficial papers are unreliable indicators, and anxiety is contagious. Focus on your child's individual progress trajectory.

What to Do Right Now

Whether your child's exam is 18 months away or just around the corner, here are your immediate next steps:

• Confirm the exam board — Visit your target school's website or call their admissions office. Do not assume based on your region. Ask specifically: "Which exam provider do you use for Year 7 entry, and has this changed recently?"

• Check if your school has switched — Given the upheaval since CEM's 2022 announcement, many schools have changed providers. Even if a neighbour's older child sat CEM at the same school, your child might be facing GL or FSCE.

• Get the right materials — Once you know the exam board, invest in board-specific practice resources. Generic "11+ preparation" materials are better than nothing but significantly less effective than targeted ones.

• Build a tailored study plan — Use the preparation strategies outlined above to create a week-by-week plan that matches your child's exam format, current ability level, and the time remaining before the test.

• Start practising under realistic conditions — Use timed practice sessions that mirror the actual exam structure. Our AI-powered question generator can create unlimited practice sets tailored to GL, CEM, or FSCE formats, and our exam timer tool helps your child build the pacing instincts they will need on the day.

Practise Smarter, Not Harder

Knowing the difference between GL and CEM is not just academic trivia — it is the foundation that every other preparation decision rests on. The families who get the best results are not necessarily the ones who spend the most hours studying. They are the ones who study the right things, in the right format, with the right level of time pressure.

Use our AI question generator to create unlimited, board-specific practice questions that adapt to your child's level. Pair it with our exam timer tool to build the pacing skills that separate good scores from great ones.

Your child only gets one shot at the 11+. Make sure they are preparing for the exam they are actually going to sit.

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