GL Assessment 11+ Guide
How GL 11+ tests work, what they can assess, how scores are interpreted and how to prepare for English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
What is the GL Assessment 11+?
GL Assessment is a major provider of selective admissions testing. GL explains that local 11+ tests can cover one or more of English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
There is no single identical national GL paper. Local authorities and individual schools decide which subjects to use and the balance of question types, and may add their own questions.
The four main GL 11+ areas
Verbal reasoning
Develop vocabulary and reasoning with written information, including analogies, classifications, sequences, codes and verbal relationships.
Non-verbal reasoning
Develop systematic analysis of patterns, figures, matrices, sequences, position, shading and transformation.
English
English components can draw on comprehension and language knowledge. Reading fluency and vocabulary support accurate interpretation.
Mathematics
Maths is mainly curriculum-based. Secure arithmetic, number sense and multi-step problem solving before intensive timed practice.
GL 11+ format and familiarisation
GL advises families to check their local grammar school or admissions authority because local formats differ. GL currently provides around 10 hours of free familiarisation materials covering a range of question types.
| Subjects | One or more of English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. |
|---|---|
| Question mix | Determined locally; generic papers should not be assumed to reproduce the real examination exactly. |
| Familiarisation | Free GL materials demonstrate layouts and examples of question styles. |
| Practice papers | GL separately offers practice packs for verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and maths. |
| Timing | Exact timings and question numbers can differ from familiarisation and practice resources. |
Scores, standardisation and pass marks
Raw performance can be transformed into standardised scores for selective admissions. The relevant school or authority determines how scores are used.
Parents should distinguish academic qualification from allocation. Meeting a qualifying standard does not necessarily guarantee a place where a school is oversubscribed.
How to prepare for GL 11+
1. Verify the local test
Confirm the target school, subjects and current admissions arrangements first.
2. Use official familiarisation
Use GL materials to understand representative layouts, response styles and question types.
3. Diagnose weaknesses
Separate knowledge gaps, vocabulary gaps, misunderstood rules, careless errors and time pressure.
4. Teach before testing
Repair weak concepts before returning to mixed practice papers.
5. Add timing gradually
Introduce timed sets only after methods and accuracy are secure.
6. Rehearse realistically
Practise sustained concentration, answer recording, moving on and efficient checking.
School Entrance Tests resources
Grammar-school 11+ exam boards
11+ scores and pass marks
11+ exam dates
Use practice diagnostically
Review the pattern and cause of errors rather than simply increasing the number of papers completed.
GL 11+ FAQs
Is every GL 11+ test the same?
No. Subjects, timings and question balance vary locally.
Does GL provide free materials?
Yes. GL provides free familiarisation resources across multiple 11+ question areas.
Are familiarisation papers past live tests?
No. They demonstrate styles and layouts; the actual local test can differ.
When should timed practice begin?
After the underlying skills and question methods are understood.
Prepare for the GL test your target school actually uses
Confirm the current format, strengthen underlying skills and use familiarisation before intensive timed practice.
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