The 11 Plus exam varies considerably across different regions in England. This variation is primarily due to the different 11 Plus exam boards that administer the test, each with its own specifications and focus areas. Understanding which exam boards operate in which regions and their unique features is crucial for parents and students preparing for this exam.
The CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) Board
One of the major historical 11 Plus exam providers was CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring), which withdrew from the paper-based 11 Plus market in 2023. Its tests were designed to reduce predictability and the impact of coaching by using varied question types and formats.
CEM tests assessed skills including verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and numerical reasoning. Verbal sections could cover comprehension, vocabulary, and language skills, while numerical reasoning assessed a range of maths skills. Non-verbal reasoning tested areas such as spatial awareness and pattern recognition.
CEM was previously used by a number of grammar schools and selective areas. However, schools that formerly used CEM moved to GL Assessment or introduced bespoke entrance tests after its withdrawal from the paper-based market. Parents should therefore check the current admissions information for their target school rather than relying on historical regional arrangements.
Although CEM-style materials can still be useful for developing reasoning, vocabulary, speed, and adaptability, they should now be treated as general 11 Plus practice rather than preparation for a current CEM paper.
The GL Assessment Board
Another major player in the 11 Plus landscape is the GL Assessment board. GL entrance exams are more traditional and have been around for a longer period. They cover four main areas: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Compared with the CEM exams used before CEM withdrew from the paper-based 11 Plus market in 2023, the GL exam format is generally more structured and predictable, with a clearer range of question types and skills tested.
Regions such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, and parts of Lancashire predominantly use the GL Assessment Board. Many schools in these areas appreciate the clarity and consistency that GL exams offer, making it easier to help your child prepare with more focused study materials and practice tests.
The GL board provides a range of official preparation materials, practice papers, and mock tests, allowing students to familiarise themselves with the real exam format well in advance.
The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE)
In Essex, the 11 Plus exam is governed by the CSSE exam board. The CSSE exam papers have a unique format, focusing heavily on English and mathematics.
The English paper includes comprehension, applied reasoning, and writing, while the mathematics paper covers the Key Stage 2 syllabus extensively, often including challenging problem-solving skills that require a deep understanding of concepts.
The CSSE exam is designed to align closely with the national curriculum, ensuring that students are tested on their school-taught knowledge and skills. This alignment helps reduce the need for external tutoring, as students can prepare effectively through their regular schoolwork.
The Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB)
For students aiming to enter independent schools and private schools, the ISEB Common Entrance exam is a significant pathway. While not strictly an 11 Plus exam, it serves a similar purpose for entry into private schools.
The ISEB exam covers a broader range of subjects for the 11 Plus, including English, mathematics, science, and humanities. The format is comprehensive, aiming to assess a student’s overall academic ability and readiness for the rigorous curriculum of independent schools.
The ISEB exam is widely used across various regions, particularly in areas with a high concentration of independent schools, such as Surrey, Sussex, and parts of London.
Regional Variations and Considerations
While GL Assessment is a major current 11 Plus provider, some schools and areas use bespoke examinations rather than a standard exam-board format. CEM, which withdrew from the paper-based 11 Plus market in 2023, was previously used by some schools and regions, but schools that formerly used CEM moved to GL Assessment or introduced bespoke entrance tests.
Testing arrangements can change between admissions years, so parents should check the current admissions information for each target school rather than relying on older regional descriptions or references to CEM and GL hybrid formats.
Parents and students should also be aware of the specific requirements and formats of the 11 Plus exams in their region. Detailed information can usually be found on the respective school or local education authority’s website.
Additionally, understanding the historical performance and feedback from previous years can provide valuable insights into the preparation strategies that work best for each exam board.
What Exam Boards Are Used For the 11+?
Each 11 Plus provider or admissions consortium can take a different approach, focusing on different skills and question types. This makes it important for parents and students to check the current requirements of their target schools rather than relying on general information about a region.
CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) was previously a major provider of paper-based 11 Plus tests. CEM withdrew from the paper-based 11 Plus market in 2023, and schools that formerly used its tests moved to GL Assessment or introduced bespoke entrance tests.
CEM exams historically aimed to reduce predictability and the advantages of intensive coaching by using varied question types. They assessed skills including verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and numerical reasoning. Verbal questions could cover comprehension, vocabulary, and language skills, while numerical reasoning covered mathematical concepts. Non-verbal reasoning assessed areas such as spatial awareness and pattern recognition.
GL Assessment is now a major provider of 11 Plus entrance tests. Compared with the former CEM format, GL tests are generally more structured and predictable, with a clearer range of question types and formats.
Depending on the test used by a school or consortium, GL assessments can cover English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Their more structured approach allows students to become familiar with relevant question types through targeted practice. However, the exact subjects, structure, and timing can vary, so students should prepare for the specific GL test used by their target school.
In Essex, the 11 Plus exam is administered by the CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex). Its examination has its own structure rather than following the standard GL format. Parents applying to CSSE schools should consult the consortium’s current guidance and familiarisation materials for the relevant admissions year.
For those aiming to enter independent schools, ISEB assessments provide another possible admissions pathway. Independent schools can have different admissions arrangements from grammar schools, so families should check which assessment, subjects, interviews, or other selection methods each school currently requires.
Some schools and selective areas also use bespoke entrance examinations. Older resources may refer to regional combinations of CEM and GL, but CEM is no longer a current paper-based 11 Plus provider. Because testing arrangements can change, parents should not assume that a particular county, consortium, or school currently uses a specific provider based on historical information.
Parents and students should therefore check the official admissions information published by their target schools, local authorities, or relevant consortia for the current entry year. Understanding the actual subjects, provider, format, and question styles used by each target school is crucial for choosing appropriate preparation materials.
Are There Different 11+ Exams?
Yes, there are different 11 Plus exams, and their format can vary depending on the school, region, and admissions arrangements. GL Assessment is a major current provider, while organisations and consortia such as CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) administer their own selective entrance tests. Independent schools may use ISEB assessments or their own admissions tests. CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) was previously another major 11 Plus provider but withdrew from the paper-based market in 2023.
These variations mean that students and parents need to check the current admissions information for their target schools and tailor preparation accordingly, whether applying to a grammar or independent school. Older references to CEM should not be taken as evidence that a school currently uses a CEM exam.
What is the Difference Between CEM and GL 11+?
The difference between CEM and GL 11 Plus is now primarily a historical comparison. CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) withdrew from the paper-based 11 Plus market in 2023, while GL Assessment remains a major provider. Schools that previously used CEM moved to GL Assessment or introduced bespoke entrance tests.
CEM tests were designed to reduce predictability and the advantages of intensive coaching by presenting varied question types. They assessed skills such as verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and numerical reasoning, often using less predictable combinations of questions and shorter timed sections. This meant students needed to demonstrate flexibility, speed, and strong underlying reasoning skills rather than relying solely on familiarity with repeated question patterns.
In contrast, GL Assessment tests are generally more structured and predictable. Depending on the test used, they can cover verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English, with clearly defined question types and formats. This structure allows for more targeted preparation, as students can become familiar with relevant question styles through practice materials.
Overall, CEM historically emphasised adaptability and reduced predictability, while GL Assessment follows a more structured approach. CEM-style materials can still be useful for general reasoning practice, but students preparing for an upcoming 11 Plus should check their target school’s current admissions information and use resources that match the test they will actually sit.
Is Kent Grammar School 11+ GL or CEM?
The Kent Test uses GL Assessment rather than CEM. CEM withdrew from the paper-based 11 Plus market in 2023 and is no longer a current alternative. The Kent Test includes reasoning and curriculum-based components, but parents should check the latest official admissions information for the relevant entry year to confirm the current subjects, structure, and format.
What Exam Boards Do Grammar Schools Use?
Grammar schools may use different 11 Plus test providers or admissions arrangements depending on their location. GL Assessment is a major current provider, while the CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) administers its own entrance test. Some schools and consortia also use bespoke examinations.
CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) was previously another widely used 11 Plus provider but withdrew from the paper-based market in 2023. Schools that formerly used CEM moved to GL Assessment or introduced bespoke tests.
Testing arrangements can change, so parents should check the official admissions information for their target school or relevant consortium for the current entry year.
What is the Selective Eligibility Test (SET)?
The Selective Eligibility Test (SET) is an entrance exam used by some selective schools, including Wallington High School for Girls, to assess candidates for admission. It typically includes tests on reasoning (verbal and non-verbal) and mathematics.
The SET is designed to evaluate a student’s academic potential and suitability for a selective education, and its format may vary slightly from one school to another.
Do All 11+ Exams Have a Verbal Reasoning Section?
No, not all 11 Plus exams have a Verbal Reasoning section. Many GL Assessment tests include Verbal Reasoning, depending on the school or consortium using them. CEM tests also historically assessed verbal reasoning skills before CEM withdrew from the paper-based 11 Plus market in 2023. Other entrance tests may assess these skills differently or focus more directly on English and Maths, so parents should check the current format used by their target school.
Summary
The 11 Plus exam landscape is diverse, with various boards catering to different regions and educational philosophies. Understanding the unique specifications of each board and preparing accordingly can significantly enhance a student’s chances of success, paving the way for a smooth transition to the independent or grammar school of choice.
Knowing the boards will also make it easier to determine the mock tests and practice tests your child must be answering in preparation for the 11 Plus. Additionally, it pays to know the format it will be in, whether multiple-choice, written, or a mix of both.
Do take a look if these boards or centres your child is in offer free papers. These free papers are often given to all major 11+ exam boards.
