GL Assessment 11+ Exam Guide
Everything parents need to know about the GL Assessment 11+ exam — format, subjects, regions, scoring, and how to prepare your child for success.
1. What is GL Assessment?
GL Assessment (originally Granada Learning) is one of the leading providers of educational assessments in the United Kingdom. It is best known for providing the 11+ entrance exams used by the majority of grammar schools in England.
GL Assessment exams are standardised tests that measure academic ability across four subjects: English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Each subject is tested in a separate paper, and all answers are multiple choice. This standardised approach allows schools to compare candidates fairly, regardless of which primary school they attend.
GL Assessment exams are used by grammar schools across many regions of England, including Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and several London boroughs. Some areas use GL papers directly, while others (such as Kent with the “Kent Test” or Medway with the “Medway Test”) use bespoke versions of GL papers tailored to their specific requirements.
2. Exam Format & Structure
GL Assessment 11+ exams follow a consistent, standardised format. Each of the four subjects is tested in a separate paper, and all answers are recorded on a multiple-choice answer sheet. This format is one of the key advantages of GL exams — because the structure is predictable, children can practise effectively and know exactly what to expect on exam day.
The total examination typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours including breaks, though the exact schedule varies by region. Some areas test all four subjects on a single day, while others spread the papers across two sittings.
| Subject | Questions | Time | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | ~50 questions | ~50 minutes | Multiple choice |
| Mathematics | ~50 questions | ~50 minutes | Multiple choice |
| Verbal Reasoning | ~80 questions | ~60 minutes | Multiple choice |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | ~80 questions | ~60 minutes | Multiple choice |
| Total | ~260 questions | ~220 minutes | All multiple choice |
3. Subjects Tested in Detail
GL Assessment tests four subjects separately, each in its own paper. Two subjects (English and Maths) are based on the KS2 school curriculum, while two (Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning) are not taught in schools and require dedicated practice at home.
English
Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Children read passages and answer questions that assess literal understanding, inference, and deduction. Vocabulary questions test knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, and word meanings in context.
Key Topics:
Mathematics
Covers the KS2 maths curriculum with emphasis on problem-solving and mental arithmetic. Questions include multi-step word problems, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, measures, data handling, and basic algebra. Fluent recall of times tables up to 12x12 is essential.
Key Topics:
Verbal Reasoning
Measures problem-solving ability using words and language. This subject is not taught in schools and requires dedicated home practice. GL Assessment VR papers typically include around 21 standard question types covering codes, analogies, sequences, and logical deduction.
Key Topics:
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Evaluates visual-spatial thinking through shape-based puzzles and pattern recognition. Like VR, this is not part of the school curriculum. Questions test the ability to identify patterns, sequences, analogies, and spatial relationships using shapes and figures.
Key Topics:
4. Which Regions Use GL Assessment?
GL Assessment is used by grammar schools across many regions of England. The following list covers the main areas, though it is always advisable to check directly with your target grammar school to confirm which exam they use, as arrangements can change.
Kent
Kent Test — 32 grammar schools. One of the largest fully selective areas in England.Bexley
London Borough of Bexley — 4 grammar schools. Note: Bexley switched from GL Assessment to Quest Assessments for 2026 entry.Bromley
London Borough of Bromley — Newstead Wood School uses GL Assessment. St Olave's uses its own Selective Eligibility Test (SET).Enfield
London Borough of Enfield — 2 grammar schools.Barnet
London Borough of Barnet — 2 grammar schools including Queen Elizabeth's.Lincolnshire
15 grammar schools across the county, all using GL Assessment.Warwickshire
Multiple grammar schools including Stratford-upon-Avon.Wiltshire
Grammar schools in Salisbury area.Devon
Grammar schools including Colyton Grammar (which uses its own consortium test but GL-style format).Trafford
7 grammar schools in Greater Manchester.Wirral
4 grammar schools on the Wirral peninsula.Buckinghamshire
13 grammar schools. Fully selective county.Birmingham
8 grammar schools including King Edward VI consortium.Medway
Medway Test — 6 grammar schools.5. How GL Assessment Differs from CEM
The two main 11+ exam providers have historically been GL Assessment and CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, Durham University). While both test similar underlying skills, they differ significantly in format and approach.
It is worth noting that CEM ceased offering paper-based 11+ exams for grammar schools in 2023, and many former CEM schools have since switched to GL Assessment or other providers. However, understanding the differences remains useful as some schools may still use CEM-style approaches. Read our full CEM 11+ exam guide for a detailed comparison.
| Feature | GL Assessment | CEM |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | Separate papers for each subject | Subjects mixed together in combined papers |
| Answer Format | Multiple choice throughout | Mix of multiple choice and written answers |
| Predictability | Consistent format year to year | Format can change between sittings |
| Past Papers | Widely available from publishers | Not released; limited practice materials |
| Question Pace | Steady pace throughout each paper | Generally faster pace with more time pressure |
| Preparation | Easier to prepare for due to predictable format | Harder to prepare for due to changing format |
6. How to Prepare for GL Assessment Exams
One of the advantages of GL Assessment exams is their predictable, standardised format. This means targeted preparation is highly effective. Here is a practical preparation strategy:
- 1
Start with Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
These subjects are not taught in schools, so children need dedicated practice to learn the question types. Begin 12-18 months before the exam by introducing the standard question types gradually.
- 2
Strengthen core English and Maths skills
GL exams test KS2 content, but often at a higher level and faster pace than school. Ensure your child is confident with the full Year 5 and Year 6 curriculum, particularly in areas like fractions, comprehension, and grammar.
- 3
Build vocabulary systematically
A strong vocabulary is essential for both the English and Verbal Reasoning papers. Encourage daily reading and maintain a vocabulary notebook. Learn synonyms, antonyms, and words with multiple meanings.
- 4
Practise under timed conditions
GL papers are fast-paced, particularly VR and NVR. Regular timed practice is essential to develop the speed needed to complete all questions. Start with generous time limits and gradually reduce them.
- 5
Take full mock exams
Full-length mock exams build stamina and exam technique. They also help identify weak areas for targeted revision. Aim for 3-6 mock exams in the months before the real test.
- 6
Review and learn from mistakes
After each practice session or mock exam, review mistakes carefully. Understanding why an answer was wrong is more valuable than simply doing more questions.
7. Key Dates & Registration
The 11+ exam calendar follows a broadly similar pattern each year, though exact dates vary by region. Here is the typical timeline for grammar school areas using GL Assessment:
Registration
Registration typically opens in the spring or summer term of Year 5. Check your local authority or grammar school website for exact opening and closing dates. Some areas have very tight registration windows.
Exam Day
The 11+ exam is usually held in September of Year 6, typically in the first two weeks. Some areas may hold exams in early October. Check your local authority for exact dates.
Results
Results are typically released in mid-October. You will receive a standardised score and an indication of whether your child has reached the qualifying threshold for your area.
Application Deadline
The Common Application Form (CAF) for secondary school places must be submitted by 31st October, regardless of whether you have received 11+ results.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions parents ask about the GL Assessment 11+ exam.
GL Assessment is one of the leading providers of 11+ entrance exams for grammar schools in England. GL (which stands for Granada Learning, its original name) provides standardised tests used by the majority of grammar schools. GL exams test four subjects — English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning — in separate multiple-choice papers. The format is consistent and predictable, making it relatively straightforward to prepare for compared to other exam providers.
A full GL Assessment 11+ exam typically contains approximately 260 questions across all four papers. English and Maths each have around 50 questions with approximately 50 minutes allowed. Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning each have around 80 questions with approximately 60 minutes allowed. Exact numbers can vary slightly between different consortia and schools, so it is worth checking with your local area.
No. GL Assessment 11+ exams do not use negative marking. This means there is no penalty for wrong answers. Children should therefore attempt every question, even if they are unsure of the answer. If time is running short, it is better to make an educated guess than to leave a question blank.
GL Assessment converts raw scores (the number of correct answers) into age-standardised scores (SAS) with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. Age standardisation adjusts for the child's exact age at the time of the test, so a child born in August is not disadvantaged compared to one born in September. Each grammar school sets its own qualifying threshold — this varies significantly by region.
GL Assessment does not publish its own official past papers. However, several publishers produce practice papers written in the GL format, including CGP, Bond, and Letts. These are widely available in bookshops and online. Additionally, online platforms like Prep4All provide thousands of GL-style practice questions and full mock exams with instant marking and performance tracking.
Prepare for GL Assessment with Confidence
Prep4All offers thousands of GL Assessment-style practice questions, full-length mock exams, and interactive lessons across all four subjects. Track your child’s progress and identify areas for improvement.