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GL, CEM and CSSE exam boards explained

Not all 11 Plus exams are the same. The paper your child sits depends on the board or consortium your region uses. The main names you will see are GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE, alongside some bespoke regional and independent school tests.

GL Assessment

GL Assessment is now the most widely used 11 Plus provider in England. GL papers are multiple choice and draw from a bank of question types across English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Regions choose which subjects to include and how to weight them.

CEM

CEM, formerly run by Durham University, was once a common alternative designed to be harder to tutor for. It has since been phased out for 11 Plus admissions, and most former CEM regions have moved to GL style papers. If older guidance mentions CEM for your area, check the current position with the school.

CSSE and bespoke tests

CSSE runs the consortium test used by grammar schools in Essex, with its own English and Maths papers. Some London consortia and independent schools also set their own bespoke exams. Always confirm the format for your specific schools.

How to find your format

The format, subjects and timing are set locally. Use our grammar schools directory to see the test used in each region, then practise in that style.

See where your child stands

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