CEM 11+ Mock Exams 2026
Realistic CEM-style mock exams with mixed-subject papers, fast-paced questions and detailed performance reports to prepare your child for grammar school entrance tests.
What Is the CEM 11+ Exam?
Important Update: CEM Withdrawal from Grammar School Testing
In 2023, CEM announced that it would stop producing paper-based 11+ entrance exam papers for grammar schools. Some schools that previously used CEM have since transitioned to new exam formats or providers. If your child is preparing for a grammar school entrance test, always check directly with your target school to confirm the current exam format, as arrangements may have changed since CEM's withdrawal.
The CEM 11+ exam is a grammar school entrance test developed by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM), which is based at Durham University. CEM was historically one of the two main providers of 11+ assessments in England, the other being GL Assessment. CEM tests were used by selective schools in a number of regions to assess whether students are suited to a grammar school education. Following CEM's withdrawal from grammar school testing in 2023, some schools have moved to alternative providers or developed their own assessments, though the CEM-style format remains a useful basis for preparation.
CEM 11+ exams assess four core areas: English (including comprehension, grammar, spelling and punctuation), mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. What distinguishes CEM from GL is the way these subjects are presented. Rather than testing each subject in a separate paper, CEM combines multiple subject areas within a single paper. Students are required to switch rapidly between different question types, for example moving from a maths section to a verbal reasoning section and then to an English comprehension passage, all within the same timed paper.
This mixed-format approach means that CEM exams test not only subject knowledge but also a student's ability to adapt quickly, manage their time across varied question types and maintain concentration through frequent transitions. The pace of CEM papers tends to be faster than GL papers, with more questions to answer per minute. Additionally, CEM does not publish past papers or release official practice materials, which makes the content less predictable from year to year and makes realistic mock exams an especially important part of preparation.
The CEM 11+ is typically sat in September of Year 6. Results are used by grammar schools to determine admissions, and in many areas the CEM score forms the primary basis for selection. Read our full CEM exam guide for a detailed breakdown of the format and preparation strategies.
CEM 11+ Exam Format
CEM exams typically consist of two papers, each around 45 to 50 minutes long. Each paper contains a mix of subjects rather than focusing on a single area. Below is an overview of the subjects covered and how the CEM format compares to GL.
| Subject Area | What Is Tested | CEM Format | GL Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Comprehension, grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary | Mixed within papers alongside other subjects | Typically a separate English paper |
| Mathematics | Arithmetic, problem solving, data handling, shape and space | Mixed within papers alongside other subjects | Typically a separate Maths paper |
| Verbal Reasoning | Word patterns, analogies, codes, logic with words and numbers | Mixed within papers alongside other subjects | Often a separate VR paper |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Patterns, sequences, spatial awareness, figure analysis | Mixed within papers alongside other subjects | Often a separate NVR paper |
Key Differences: CEM vs GL
Paper structure: CEM mixes subjects within each paper. GL tests each subject in a separate paper.
Pacing: CEM papers generally require answering more questions per minute, creating a faster-paced test.
Predictability: CEM content can vary from year to year. GL follows a more consistent format.
Past papers: CEM does not publish past papers. GL past papers are available from various publishers.
Which Regions Have Used the CEM 11+ Exam?
These regions have historically used CEM-style exams for grammar school admissions. Following CEM's withdrawal from grammar school testing in 2023, some schools have adopted new exam formats or moved to alternative providers. The CEM-style format may still be a useful reference for preparation, but arrangements vary by school. Always verify the current exam format directly with your target school before beginning preparation.
Gloucestershire
Parts of the county
Walsall
Grammar schools in the borough
Wolverhampton
Grammar schools in the city
Hertfordshire
Some selective schools in parts of the county
Note: This list reflects historical usage. Since CEM's withdrawal from grammar school testing in 2023, some of these schools may have changed their exam provider or format. Always confirm the current arrangement with the school directly.
Why Mock Exams Are Essential for CEM Preparation
Mock exams are a critical part of preparing for any 11+ exam, but they are particularly important for CEM-style tests. The main reason is that CEM does not release past papers or publish official practice materials. Unlike GL, where past papers can be purchased and used for practice, there is no equivalent resource for CEM. This means that children preparing for a CEM exam have fewer opportunities to experience the real format unless they sit CEM-style mock exams.
Beyond the lack of past papers, the mixed-subject format of CEM exams creates a unique challenge. Students need to practise switching between different question types quickly and maintaining focus through varied sections. This is a skill that can only be developed through repeated practice under realistic conditions. A child who has only practised individual subjects in isolation may find the transition between topics within a CEM paper disorientating on exam day.
No Official Past Papers
CEM does not release past papers, making mock exams one of the only ways to experience the real exam format before test day.
Build Switching Skills
CEM papers require rapid transitions between subjects. Mock exams train students to shift focus from maths to English to reasoning without losing time.
Develop Exam Stamina
The fast pace of CEM tests demands sustained concentration. Regular mock practice builds the mental endurance needed for the full exam.
Manage Time Pressure
CEM exams have more questions per minute than GL tests. Mock exams help students develop the speed needed to complete all sections.
Identify Weak Areas
Detailed performance reports from mock exams reveal which subjects and question types need more practice, allowing targeted revision.
Reduce Exam Anxiety
Familiarity with the CEM format through repeated mock practice reduces the stress and uncertainty students feel on the actual exam day.
How to Prepare for a CEM 11+ Exam
Preparing for a CEM 11+ exam requires a broad approach that covers all four subject areas while also developing the speed and adaptability needed for the mixed-format papers. Here are practical steps to guide your child's preparation.
1. Start Early with Core Subjects
Begin building a strong foundation in English and maths from Year 4 or early Year 5. Focus on reading comprehension, grammar rules, spelling patterns, arithmetic fluency and problem solving. A solid grounding in the basics makes it easier to handle the speed and complexity of CEM questions later. Use our 11+ practice tests to build skills across all subjects.
2. Develop Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning are not typically taught in school, so dedicated practice is essential. Work through a wide range of question types including word codes, analogies, sequences and spatial reasoning. Familiarise your child with as many different question formats as possible, since CEM can introduce new question styles from year to year. Explore our interactive lessons for engaging reasoning practice.
3. Practise Under Timed Conditions
Speed is a significant factor in CEM exams. Once your child is comfortable with question types, introduce timed practice sessions. Start with generous time limits and gradually reduce them to match or exceed the pace of the real exam. This builds the ability to work quickly without sacrificing accuracy. Timed practice also helps students learn when to move on from a difficult question rather than losing valuable time.
4. Take CEM-Style Mock Exams
Sitting full-length CEM-style mock exams is the best way to prepare for the unique mixed-format papers. Mock exams allow your child to experience subject switching under real time pressure, build exam stamina, and receive detailed feedback on their performance. We recommend starting mock exams in the spring of Year 5 and taking 3 to 5 mocks in the months leading up to the September exam. Browse our available mock exams to get started.
5. Read Widely and Build Vocabulary
CEM English questions often draw on a broad vocabulary and require strong comprehension skills. Encourage your child to read a wide range of materials including fiction, non-fiction, newspapers and age-appropriate articles. Discuss unfamiliar words and their meanings. A strong vocabulary supports not only the English sections but also verbal reasoning, where word knowledge is frequently tested.
6. Review and Target Weak Areas
After each mock exam or practice session, review the results carefully. Identify which subject areas and question types caused the most difficulty and focus revision on those areas. Our mock exam performance reports provide topic-level analysis that makes it straightforward to pinpoint where additional practice is needed, so preparation time is used as effectively as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About CEM 11+ Mock Exams
The CEM 11+ exam is a grammar school entrance test created by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring at Durham University. It assesses students in English (comprehension, grammar, spelling and punctuation), mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Unlike GL-style tests that separate each subject into its own paper, CEM exams combine multiple subjects within a single paper, requiring students to switch between different question types rapidly. Note: CEM announced in 2023 that it would stop producing 11+ entrance exam papers for grammar schools. Some schools that previously used CEM have since transitioned to new exam formats. Always check with your target school to confirm the current exam format.
The main differences are in format and pacing. CEM exams mix subjects within each paper, so a student might answer maths questions followed by verbal reasoning and then English comprehension all within the same timed section. CEM tests also tend to have a faster pace with more questions per minute. Additionally, CEM does not publish past papers or official practice materials, whereas GL past papers are more widely available. The content and style of CEM tests can also vary from year to year, making preparation through mock exams particularly valuable.
CEM 11+ exams have historically been used by grammar schools in several regions across England, including Birmingham (King Edward VI consortium schools), parts of Buckinghamshire, areas of Gloucestershire, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and parts of Hertfordshire. However, following CEM's withdrawal from grammar school testing in 2023, some of these schools have moved to alternative exam providers or developed their own assessments. It is essential to confirm directly with your target school which exam format they currently use before beginning preparation.
No. CEM does not release past papers or publish official practice materials. This is one of the key differences between CEM and GL assessments. Because no official past papers exist, sitting CEM-style mock exams is one of the most effective ways to familiarise your child with the format, pacing and question styles they will encounter on exam day.
The CEM 11+ exam was typically taken in September of Year 6, when students are aged 10 or 11. The exact date varied by region and school. Since CEM ceased producing 11+ papers in 2023, schools that have transitioned to new formats may have different exam dates. Most families begin focused preparation in Year 5 and increase the intensity of practice through the summer term and summer holidays. Check with your target school for current exam dates and formats.
Effective CEM preparation should focus on building speed and accuracy across all four subject areas: English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Because CEM papers mix subjects together, practise switching between question types under timed conditions. Read widely to build vocabulary and comprehension skills. Work through a range of verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types. Take CEM-style mock exams to build stamina and familiarity with the mixed-format approach. Start preparation in Year 5 and gradually increase the difficulty and time pressure as the exam approaches.
Start Your CEM 11+ Mock Exam Preparation
Register today and give your child the best preparation for CEM-style grammar school entrance tests. Our mock exams replicate the real format so there are no surprises on exam day.