Exam Boards

GL Assessments Explained

  • GL is short for Granada Learning.
  • The format of their tests is mainly multiple choice, although a small number of authorities/schools have adopted the standard format. The standard format requires answers to be written down.
  • Subjects covered are English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning (inc. Spatial Awareness). Schools can choose to incorporate some or all of these subjects in their exam.

CEM Assessments explained:

  • CEM is short for The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (at the University of Durham).
  • Format of the papers is standard, multiple choice or a combination of both.
  • Subjects stated as being covered are Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Spatial Awareness. In practice, (within this) areas of English and Mathematics are incorporated into their exams.

GL VS CEM

Although both exam boards broadly cover the same subjects, they do so with differing approaches. CEM aligns more closely with the national curriculum and has a deeper comprehension focus then GL. To gain a better understanding of the differences, it is a good idea to have a look at some practice papers.

Regions where the majority of 11+ Exams are administered by GL Assessment:

  • Berkshire
  • Bexley
  • Birmingham
  • Buckinghamshire
  • Devon
  • Gloucestershire
  • Shropshire
  • Walsall
  • Warwickshire
  • Wirral
  • Wolverhampton

Regions where 11+ Exams are administered by CEM:

  • Cumbria
  • Dorset
  • Kent
  • Lancashire
  • Lincolnshire
  • Medway
  • Northern Ireland
  • Wiltshire

Regions where the exams are administered by both GL Assessment and CEM (Check individual school to be informed of their examining board):

  • Devon
  • Essex (Excluding schools within the Essex Consortium)
  • Hertfordshire
  • Trafford
  • Yorkshire

Exams not administered by CEM or GL:

Most Independent schools and some Grammar schools choose to administer their own papers. Where the schools are part of a consortium such as CSSE, schools within the group administer the same exam. Therefore a child would be able to apply for multiple schools within the consortium (giving preference) and only take one exam.