GL vs. CEM vs. ISEB: Understanding the 11+ Exam Boards
Not all 11+ exams follow the same structure. Learn the key differences between GL Assessment, CEM, and ISEB to tailor your child's preparation.
1. GL Assessment (Most Common)
GL Assessment is used by the majority of UK grammar schools (including Kent, Buckinghamshire, and CSSE consortiums). Questions are standardized and cover Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
2. CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring)
CEM exams focus heavily on vocabulary depth, non-verbal logic, and numerical speed under tight section time limits.
3. ISEB Common Pre-Test
Primarily used by top independent schools. The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, adaptive test that adjusts difficulty dynamically.
Exam Boards & Test Formats FAQs
Direct answers to essential parent questions about GL Assessment, CEM, CSSE, and optical answer sheet marking.
What is the difference between GL Assessment, CEM, and CSSE?
GL Assessment is the dominant UK provider (Kent, Bucks, Barnet, SW Herts), featuring distinct papers for Maths, English, VR, and NVR with standard multiple-choice optical answer sheets. CEM (used in parts of Birmingham and Medway) uses mixed-subject papers with strict internal timed sections. CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) creates its own written Maths and English papers with no VR/NVR.
Which exam board is the most common in the UK?
GL Assessment is by far the most widely used exam board across English grammar school consortia, including Buckinghamshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, South West Hertfordshire, and many London borough grammar schools.
Are 11+ questions multiple-choice or standard written answers?
The vast majority of grammar school exams (including all GL Assessment regions) use multiple-choice questions where answers are marked on a separate optical answer sheet. However, CSSE Essex, St Olave's Stage 2, and several independent schools use standard written response papers where working and full sentences are marked by hand.
Can my child sit exams for more than one grammar school or consortium?
Yes. As long as the exam dates do not clash and you are willing to travel, your child can sit exams for multiple consortia (for example, sitting the Kent Test, the Bexley Test, and the CSSE Essex test in the same month). You must register separately for each test.
Can children use rough working paper during the 11+ exam?
Yes. In GL Assessment and CSSE exams, children are allowed to write calculations and notes directly on the question booklet margins or on designated rough working sheets provided by the invigilators. Rough paper is shredded after the test and not marked.
Can children use a calculator in the 11+ maths exam?
No. Calculators are strictly prohibited in all UK 11+ grammar school entrance exams and independent school pre-tests. All arithmetic and calculations must be completed using mental maths or written working on rough paper.
How are multiple-choice answer sheets marked, and what happens if a child skips a question?
GL Assessment answer sheets are scanned by Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) machines. Pupils must draw a clear horizontal pencil line through the box corresponding to their chosen letter (A, B, C, D, or E). If a child skips a question but fills in the answer on the wrong row, every subsequent question will be offset and marked incorrect. Training children to check question numbers after every 5 questions is a vital exam discipline.
What is the ISEB Common Pre-Test and how does it differ from grammar 11+?
The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, computer-adaptive test used by independent senior schools (e.g. Eton, Harrow, Westminster) taken in Year 6 or Year 7. It adapts question difficulty dynamically based on whether the student answers correctly. Grammar school tests are paper-based and non-adaptive.