11+ Exam Differences: GL, CEM, ISEB & School Tests
Compare the main 11+ exam providers, test formats and school-specific admissions routes before choosing practice materials.
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11+ Exam Differences: GL, CEM, ISEB & School Tests
Compare the main 11+ exam providers, test formats and school-specific admissions routes before choosing practice materials.
GL Assessment
GL 11+ tests can include one or more of English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Local authorities and schools determine the exact mix and format.
CEM / Cambridge Select Insight
The historic label 'CEM 11+' is still widely used, but current Cambridge selective-admissions assessment is centred on Cambridge Select Insight. Parents should use the current school specification rather than rely on old CEM assumptions.
ISEB 11+
ISEB materials are used within independent-school admissions, but schools decide which papers and additional interview or report evidence they use.
ISEB Common Pre-Tests
The Common Pre-Tests are four online, adaptive, multiple-choice tests covering English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
School-specific tests
Many independent schools create or commission their own assessments. These can include writing, interviews, bespoke reasoning tests and school-specific second stages.
Why exam differences matter
A child can prepare efficiently only when the target assessment is known. Practising the wrong question mix, timing or response format can waste substantial preparation time.
A better 11+ preparation strategy
Diagnose
Use a short representative task to identify strengths, weaknesses, omissions and time pressure.
Teach
Repair vocabulary, curriculum or reasoning gaps explicitly rather than relying on repeated exposure.
Practise
Use targeted questions first, then mixed practice so the child must identify the appropriate method independently.
Review
Return to previously weak content after a delay and track whether improvement persists.
11+ exam-board and provider guides
Why provider choice matters
GL, CEM/Cambridge, ISEB and school-specific assessments can differ in subjects, delivery, response format and how results are used. Always begin with the current school admissions policy.
11+ subject flagships
Build transferable skills
English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning form the core of many selective assessments, but their weighting and question styles vary.
School Entrance Tests resources
Use SET for detailed parent-facing practice
School Entrance Tests provides regional 11+ guidance, practice resources, exam-board information and score explanations that complement this RWA flagship.
11+ selective-school guides by region
Regional rules matter
Qualification standards, catchments, priority areas, score sharing and test arrangements vary widely across England. Always compare the relevant regional guide with the target school’s current policy.
Common mistakes
- Assuming there is one national 11+ test.
- Using practice that does not match the target assessment.
- Introducing speed before accuracy and method are secure.
- Recording scores without analysing why errors occurred.
- Using historical pass marks as guaranteed future thresholds.
- Ignoring interviews, writing or additional school-specific stages.
Age-related 11+ practice
Year 3: build foundations
Prioritise fluent reading, vocabulary, multiplication facts, number confidence and short reasoning puzzles. Avoid heavy timed-paper practice at this stage.
Year 4: introduce structure
Begin regular English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning practice. Teach question types carefully before introducing speed.
Year 5: main preparation year
Complete the likely syllabus, practise the relevant exam format, use error analysis and gradually introduce timed sections and realistic papers.
Year 6: final preparation
Consolidate methods, sharpen timing, rehearse the actual test process and reduce workload close to the examination so the child arrives rested and confident.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main purpose of this 11+ Exam Differences: GL, CEM, ISEB & School Tests guide?
Compare the main 11+ exam providers, test formats and school-specific admissions routes before choosing practice materials.
Is there one national 11+ format?
No. Test providers, subjects, timings and admissions rules vary by school, consortium and local authority.
Should parents use practice papers?
Yes, but only after identifying the actual assessment and using practice to diagnose and develop skills rather than simply accumulate paper volume.
Do practice scores predict admission?
Not directly. Practice scores depend on the material used, while real admissions outcomes also depend on standardisation, cohort performance and school rules.
Which 11+ provider should we prepare for?
Check the target school’s current admissions policy first. GL, CEM/Cambridge, ISEB and school-specific routes can differ substantially.
When should preparation become timed?
After the child understands the question types and can work accurately. Timing should be added progressively.
Build preparation around the actual selective assessment
Confirm the current test, strengthen the underlying skills, use practice diagnostically and add realistic timed rehearsal only when accuracy is stable.