GL vs CEM 11 Plus: What's the Difference, and Does It Still Matter?
By Simply Eleven Plus · Updated 25 October 2026 · 5 min read
If you've started looking at the 11 plus, you've probably seen practice books labelled “GL” or “CEM”. These are the two organisations that have written most grammar school entrance tests in England. Here is how they differ, what has changed recently, and what it means for your child.
The short answer
- GL Assessment writes the 11+ for most grammar school areas today. Each area chooses which subjects to test from English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- CEM stopped supplying paper 11+ tests to most grammar schools from around 2023, and many former CEM areas switched to GL Assessment.
- Some schools set their own tests. For example, Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet uses its own English and Maths papers.
- Always check your target school's or council's admissions page for who writes the test and which subjects it covers.
How the two styles differ
| GL Assessment style | CEM style | |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects | Separate papers in some mix of English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, chosen by the area | Mixed papers combining verbal, numerical and non-verbal reasoning |
| Question types | Well-known, consistent question types, especially in Verbal Reasoning | Varied question types, so there's less to learn by rote |
| Vocabulary | Important, mainly through Verbal Reasoning and English | Very important: synonyms, antonyms and cloze (fill-the-gap) passages |
| Timing | Timed papers | Short, tightly timed sections |
| Answer format | Usually multiple choice on an answer sheet | Multiple choice or write-in, depending on the paper |
What changed, and why it matters
For years, parents in CEM areas were told to prepare differently: more vocabulary, more mixed reasoning and more speed. Since CEM stopped supplying most grammar school tests, areas such as Birmingham's King Edward VI schools moved to GL Assessment, and others changed provider or wrote their own tests. Older advice and practice books may still describe the old arrangements, so check the date on anything you read.
How to prepare, whichever test it is
- Find out the format first. Which subjects, how many papers, how long, multiple choice or not.
- Build the skills every test rewards: wide reading and vocabulary, quick and accurate arithmetic, and careful reasoning.
- Then practise the specific format of your child's test, under timed conditions, in the months before the exam.
- Mixed, timed practice is never wasted. CEM-style mixed papers are still a good way to build speed and flexibility, even if the real test is GL.
How Simply Eleven Plus can help
Our practice covers all four subjects in both GL and CEM styles, with instant marking and explanations, and our free live mock exams give your child timed practice under real exam conditions. Start practising free.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 11+ GL or CEM?
- It depends on the area or school. Most grammar school areas now use GL Assessment, some schools write their own tests, and a few use other providers. Check your target school's or council's admissions page.
- Does CEM still set the 11+?
- CEM stopped supplying paper 11+ tests to most grammar schools from around 2023, and many former CEM areas moved to GL Assessment. Its digital test is still used by a small number of independent schools.
- Should my child practise both GL and CEM style questions?
- Practise the format of your target school's test most. The core skills overlap heavily, so wider practice in vocabulary, arithmetic and reasoning still helps whichever test your child sits.
Free 11+ live mock exams
Let your child sit a real-time, timed mock paper online, then go through the trickiest questions together. It’s free.