The UK 11+ Exam Boards Compared

History & Status

GL Assessment (formerly Granada Learning) has been the dominant English 11+ provider for decades. Following the retirement of CEM 11+ in 2022, GL absorbed most former CEM consortiums (Slough, Birmingham CET, Wirral) and now administers tests for approximately 70% of state grammar schools in England.

Test Format

Three subject-specific papers, each typically 45 minutes long: English, Mathematics, and either Verbal Reasoning + Non-Verbal Reasoning (sometimes combined into a single paper). Each paper has clear topic boundaries — making targeted preparation effective.

Subjects & Topics

• English: Comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, cloze passages)
• Mathematics: Number, fractions/decimals/percentages, geometry, measure, algebra, problem-solving, data handling
• Verbal Reasoning: Analogies, sequences, codes, letter relationships, word problems, logical deduction
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Shape sequences, rotations, reflections, similarity, odd-one-out, code-shape relationships

Scoring & Pass Mark

Raw scores are age-standardised (mean 100, SD 15) so younger pupils aren't penalised. Each paper produces a standardised score; the school typically combines them into a Total Standardised Score (TSS) used for ranking. Most state grammars set 121 TSS as the qualifying mark (top ~10%).

History & Status

The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) at Durham University developed its 11+ test specifically to be "less coachable" — using broader vocabulary, mixed-format papers and confidential content. Adopted by Birmingham, Slough, Wirral and other consortiums from 2013. Durham CEM retired the 11+ in 2022 citing operational changes; most former CEM regions transitioned to GL Assessment. CEM-style preparation remains useful as practice for any reasoning-heavy test.

Test Format

Two mixed-format papers, each 45-50 minutes. Each paper combined several subjects (e.g., English + Verbal Reasoning, or Maths + Non-Verbal Reasoning) — making it harder to predict exactly what would appear. Many questions had time-pressure design (short, fast-paced sections).

Subjects & Topics

• English: Cloze passages (fill-in-blank), vocabulary depth, comprehension
• Mathematics: Numerical reasoning under time pressure, mental arithmetic
• Verbal Reasoning: Word relationships, comprehension-linked reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Spatial reasoning, shape series, abstract patterns

Scoring & Pass Mark

CEM used age-standardised scoring similar to GL. The qualifying mark varied by consortium. Birmingham CET historically used a "raw score / age-standardisation" formula that gave more weight to older pupils than GL's pure standardisation.

History & Status

Northern Ireland abolished the unified 11+ test in 2008. From 2008-2024, NI grammars used two separate tests: AQE (Association for Quality Education) for controlled/non-Catholic grammars, and GL Assessment NI for Catholic-managed grammars. Pupils often sat both. SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group) launched in 2024 as a single shared test, dramatically simplifying the process. SEAG is run by a consortium of NI grammar schools collectively.

Test Format

Two papers, each 60 minutes, taken approximately one week apart in November of P7. Both papers cover English and Mathematics only (no separate Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning). Each paper has 3 sections: Practice Test (warm-up, unscored), English Main Test (28 questions), Mathematics Main Test (32 questions).

Subjects & Topics

• English: Punctuation, grammar, spelling, comprehension (multi-choice and short-answer)
• Mathematics: Arithmetic, number, geometry, measure, problem-solving (multi-choice + short-answer)

Scoring & Pass Mark

Each paper is standardised separately, then the average of the two standardised scores is used for school applications. Top scores typically reach 120+. There's a compensatory rule: if a pupil misses one paper through illness, their other paper's score is doubled so they aren't penalised.

History & Status

The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) runs its own 11+ test, independent of GL, CEM and any national board. Established in the 1970s, CSSE serves the 10 Essex grammar schools (Colchester Royal Grammar, KEGS Chelmsford, Westcliff High, etc.). Test materials are written by Essex teachers and are confidential.

Test Format

Two papers: English and Mathematics. No Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning. Each paper is 60 minutes. Held on a Saturday in September of Year 6.

Subjects & Topics

• English: Comprehension passage + writing task (creative writing or letter)
• Mathematics: Numerical reasoning, problem-solving, geometry, measure

Scoring & Pass Mark

CSSE publishes the qualifying score each year — typically around 303 standardised combined. CSSE allocation does NOT use age-standardised scoring in the same way as GL — pupils are ranked by raw + age-adjusted combined score.

History & Status

Independent schools have always set their own entrance assessments — there is no central board. Tests have evolved from common 11+ formats to bespoke pre-tests, ISEB Common Pre-Test (used by many top boarding schools), and individual school exams. Common entry points: 11+ (Year 7 entry), 13+ (Year 9 entry via Common Entrance), and increasingly 16+ sixth form entry.

Test Format

Varies enormously by school. Common components: English (comprehension + creative/discursive writing), Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, an interview, and a head teacher's reference. The ISEB Common Pre-Test (used by many boarding schools — Eton, Harrow, Winchester) is taken in Year 6 and covers English, Maths, VR, NVR online.

Subjects & Topics

• English: Reading comprehension + extended creative or discursive writing
• Mathematics: Numerical reasoning, problem-solving, harder than state grammars
• Verbal Reasoning: Often included, sometimes via ISEB Pre-Test
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Spatial reasoning and pattern questions
• Interview: 30-45 minute discussion assessing motivation, character, intellectual curiosity
• Reference: Confidential head teacher's reference from current primary school

Scoring & Pass Mark

Each school sets its own qualifying standard. Top-tier London independents (Westminster, St Paul's, City of London) effectively require top 5% performance on entrance assessment + a strong interview + glowing reference. Less competitive independents are more flexible.