CEM 11+ Exam Guide
Everything parents need to know about the CEM 11+ exam — format, subjects, how it differs from GL Assessment, and preparation strategies for grammar school success.
1. What is CEM?
CEM stands for the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, a department within Durham University. Founded in 1983, CEM has been involved in educational assessment, monitoring, and research for over four decades.
CEM historically provided 11+ entrance exams for a significant number of grammar schools across England. Their exams were known for a distinctive format: rather than testing each subject in a separate paper (as GL Assessment does), CEM combined subjects into mixed-format papers. This meant children might encounter English comprehension, verbal reasoning, and vocabulary questions within the same timed section.
In 2023, CEM ceased offering paper-based 11+ exams for grammar school admissions. This was a significant development that affected many grammar schools across England. Most schools that previously used CEM have since transitioned to GL Assessment or other testing arrangements. CEM continues to provide online assessments for independent schools, but its role in state grammar school admissions has ended.
2. How CEM Exams Differ from GL Assessment
While both CEM and GL Assessment test similar core skills (English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning), their approaches differ significantly. Understanding these differences is important for parents whose schools may still use CEM-style assessments or who want to understand the exam landscape.
| Feature | CEM | GL Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring (Durham University) | GL Assessment (Granada Learning) |
| Paper Structure | Subjects mixed together in combined papers | Separate papers for each subject |
| Answer Format | Mix of multiple choice and other formats | Multiple choice throughout |
| Predictability | Format can change between sittings | Consistent format year to year |
| Past Papers | Not released to the public | Widely available from publishers |
| Pace | Generally faster pace, more time pressure | Steady, consistent pace |
| Verbal Reasoning | Mixed into English/comprehension sections | Separate dedicated paper |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Mixed into maths/spatial sections | Separate dedicated paper |
The most significant practical difference was the mixed-format paper structure. In a CEM exam, a child might face a comprehension passage followed by verbal reasoning questions, then vocabulary, all within the same timed section. This required children to switch between different types of thinking rapidly, adding an extra layer of challenge.
3. Subjects Tested in CEM Exams
CEM exams tested the same four core areas as GL Assessment — English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning — but structured them differently. Rather than four separate papers, CEM typically combined subjects into two main papers.
English & Verbal Reasoning
CEM combined English comprehension with Verbal Reasoning in a single paper. This section tested reading comprehension, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, odd-one-out), verbal analogies, word codes, and grammatical understanding. The emphasis on vocabulary was notably high, and children with strong reading habits had a significant advantage.
Key Topics:
Maths & Non-Verbal Reasoning
The second paper combined Mathematics with Non-Verbal Reasoning. The maths content covered the KS2 curriculum with emphasis on problem-solving, and the NVR section tested pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and logical reasoning using shapes and figures. Questions were often interspersed rather than grouped by type.
Key Topics:
4. Regions That Used CEM
Before CEM’s withdrawal from paper-based grammar school testing in 2023, several regions across England used CEM exams for their 11+ entrance assessments. The following areas were among the most notable users of CEM. For region-specific preparation, see our Birmingham 11+ mock exams page:
Birmingham
Historically used CEM for several grammar schools. Some schools have since transitioned to other providers following CEM's withdrawal from paper-based 11+ in 2023.Buckinghamshire
Used CEM for many years. Following CEM's withdrawal, Buckinghamshire has moved to other testing arrangements.Gloucestershire
Grammar schools in the Gloucester and Stroud areas historically used CEM-style assessments.Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton Grammar School area historically used CEM-format tests.Walsall
Queen Mary's Grammar School and Queen Mary's High School historically used CEM assessments.Other Areas
Various individual grammar schools across England used CEM. Since CEM's withdrawal from paper-based grammar school testing in 2023, most have transitioned to GL Assessment or other providers.5. Why CEM Was Harder to Prepare For
CEM exams were widely considered more challenging to prepare for than GL Assessment exams. This was not necessarily because the questions themselves were harder, but because the preparation process was less predictable. Several factors contributed to this:
No Past Papers Released
CEM never published official past papers. This was a deliberate policy intended to prevent over-preparation, but it made it much harder for parents to know exactly what format the exam would take. In contrast, GL Assessment papers are widely available from publishers.
Changing Format
CEM was known for varying its exam format between sittings. The types of questions, the order in which subjects appeared, and the timing could change from year to year. This made it impossible to rely on a fixed preparation pattern.
Faster Pace
CEM exams generally operated at a faster pace than GL papers. Children needed to switch rapidly between different types of questions (from comprehension to verbal reasoning to vocabulary) within the same section, requiring strong mental agility.
Mixed-Subject Papers
By combining subjects into mixed papers rather than testing them separately, CEM added cognitive complexity. Children could not settle into one mode of thinking; they had to adapt constantly throughout each paper.
6. Preparation Strategies
Whether your school has transitioned away from CEM or still uses a CEM-style approach, the following strategies will help your child prepare effectively. These focus on building the underlying skills that all 11+ exams test, regardless of format.
- 1
Build an exceptional vocabulary
CEM-style exams placed heavy emphasis on vocabulary. Encourage daily reading of age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction. Keep a vocabulary notebook. Learn synonyms, antonyms, and words in context. This skill benefits preparation for any exam format.
- 2
Develop reading stamina and speed
CEM comprehension passages required rapid reading and understanding. Practise reading longer texts and answering questions about them under time pressure. Aim for your child to read fluently and quickly while retaining key details.
- 3
Practise switching between question types
Since CEM mixed subjects together, children needed to switch between comprehension, verbal reasoning, and vocabulary quickly. Create mixed practice sessions that include different question types in quick succession.
- 4
Strengthen core maths fluency
Ensure complete fluency with times tables, mental arithmetic, fractions, and problem-solving. The maths content in CEM exams covered the KS2 curriculum but required speed and accuracy under pressure.
- 5
Take mock exams under realistic conditions
Full-length mock exams are essential for building the stamina and time management skills needed for any 11+ format. Space mocks 3-4 weeks apart and review results carefully between each one.
- 6
Focus on breadth, not just depth
Because the CEM format was unpredictable, the best preparation strategy was to build broad, strong foundations across all subjects rather than drilling specific question types. This approach works well regardless of which exam format your school now uses.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions parents ask about the CEM 11+ exam.
CEM stands for the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring. It is a department within Durham University that has historically provided educational assessments, including 11+ entrance exams for grammar schools. CEM was founded in 1983 and has been involved in various educational testing and monitoring programmes. In 2023, CEM ceased providing paper-based 11+ exams for grammar school admissions, though it continues to offer online assessments for independent schools.
In 2023, CEM (Durham University) announced it would cease providing paper-based 11+ entrance exams for grammar school admissions. The exact reasons were not publicly detailed in full, but the decision meant that grammar schools previously using CEM needed to find alternative exam providers. Most have since switched to GL Assessment or adopted other testing arrangements.
No. CEM has never released official past papers to the public. This was a deliberate policy designed to prevent over-preparation and ensure the exam tested genuine ability rather than practised technique. While some publishers produce "CEM-style" practice materials based on the known format, these are not official CEM papers. This lack of past papers was one of the key reasons many parents found CEM exams harder to prepare for compared to GL Assessment.
Most areas that previously used CEM have switched to GL Assessment or have adopted new testing arrangements since CEM's withdrawal from paper-based grammar school testing in 2023. The specific arrangements vary by area and school. You should check directly with your target grammar school or local authority to confirm which exam provider and format they currently use.
If your target grammar school previously used CEM but has switched providers, your preparation should focus on the new exam format. Most former CEM schools have moved to GL Assessment, which tests English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning in separate multiple-choice papers. Check with the school to confirm their current format, then focus your preparation accordingly. The core skills tested (comprehension, vocabulary, mathematical reasoning, and logical thinking) remain similar regardless of the exam provider.
Prepare for Any 11+ Exam Format
Whether your school uses GL Assessment, CEM-style tests, or another format, Prep4All provides the practice questions, mock exams, and interactive lessons your child needs to succeed.