What Is the Format of the 11 Plus Exam (GL, CEM, ISEB)?

For many families preparing for grammar or independent school entry, the 11+ exam feels like a critical milestone—but understanding which format of the 11 Plus exam your child will sit is just as important as preparing for it. There’s no single version of the 11 Plus. Instead, schools across the UK use a mix of formats, each with different priorities, timing, and testing styles.

In this guide, we break down the three major exam formats—GL Assessment, CEM, and the ISEB Pre-Test—to help you know exactly what to expect.

GL Assessment: The Traditional Format

GL Assessment is the most widely used provider of 11+ exams in England, especially for grammar school entry. If you’ve heard of Kent Test or Buckinghamshire’s 11+, chances are they use the GL format.

Subjects Covered:

• English (comprehension, spelling, grammar)
• Mathematics (curriculum-based)
• Verbal Reasoning (logic, code-breaking, sequences)
• Non-Verbal Reasoning (pictorial pattern-solving, spatial logic)

 

Exam Structure:

• Each subject is tested in a separate paper
• Questions are typically multiple choice
• Pupils record answers on a separate answer sheet for optical marking
• Papers are strictly timed, usually around 45–50 minutes each

What Makes GL Unique:

GL papers tend to reflect what children learn at school. That means the maths and English sections are curriculum-aligned, and many question types become familiar with practice.

The reasoning sections—especially verbal and non-verbal—can be trained for systematically. Many prep books and tutoring programmes are built around GL formats.

Strengths:

• Predictable and transparent structure
• Accessible practice materials available
• Familiar to many tutors and schools

Challenges:

• Time pressure remains intense
• Children who aren’t quick readers may struggle with comprehension under a timer
• Success often correlates with structured preparation

CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring): The Speed-Focused Format

CEM exams were developed by the University of Durham (and later Cambridge) to reduce the impact of intensive tutoring and promote fairness. Ironically, they became just as prep-dependent over time. Though CEM has recently been phased out in some counties, some schools still use it, and others adopt a similar mixed-question format.

Subjects Covered:

• Verbal Reasoning (including grammar, comprehension, vocabulary)
• Numerical Reasoning (problem-solving maths)
• Non-Verbal Reasoning

Exam Structure:

• CEM papers are blended, meaning English and maths questions can appear within the same section
• There may be several short sections, each with different instructions
• Strict timing – some sections may last as little as 10 minutes
• All answers are multiple choice, recorded on separate sheets

What Makes CEM Different:

CEM focuses on mental agility rather than rote knowledge. Questions often require fast switching between subjects and high vocabulary awareness.

The verbal reasoning portion, in particular, goes beyond phonics or decoding—children need a strong grasp of synonyms, antonyms, cloze passages, and contextual inference.

Strengths:

• Tests lateral thinking and working under pressure
• Good for children who enjoy fast-paced tasks
• Some argue it rewards natural ability over coaching

Challenges:

• Unpredictable layout increases anxiety
• Vocabulary-heavy sections are difficult to “cram” for
• Time pressure is extreme—many children don’t finish

ISEB Pre-Test: The Digital Format for Independent Schools

The ISEB Pre-Test is widely used by top independent (private) schools as part of their 11+ admissions process. Unlike the GL or CEM exams, this is a fully online, adaptive test, meaning the difficulty adjusts in real-time based on how your child is performing.

It’s not a pass/fail test—it’s used as an early filtering tool in a longer admissions journey that may also include written exams, interviews, group assessments, and school reports.

Subjects Covered:

• English (comprehension, grammar)
• Mathematics (problem solving and core concepts)
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning

Exam Structure:

• Taken online, typically in Year 6 (age 10–11)
• Adaptive format—each child sees a different set of questions based on performance
• No two children will receive the same test experience
• No ability to skip or go back to questions
• Each section is roughly 25–30 minutes, completed in one sitting or split over days

What Makes ISEB Different:

The adaptive nature means early performance matters. If your child answers initial questions well, the test will quickly escalate in difficulty.

ISEB Pre-Tests are not about coaching to the test, but rather assessing potential and logical reasoning under digital conditions. That said, familiarity with computer-based formats helps—many children are less comfortable typing or navigating questions online, especially if they’ve mainly practiced on paper.

Strengths:

• Efficient digital delivery—many schools receive results instantly
• Reflects overall ability more than speed
• Less emphasis on memorisation

Challenges:

• Adaptive difficulty can rattle children used to linear progression
• Inflexible navigation (no going back)
• Requires strong reading comprehension and tech confidence

Comparing GL vs CEM vs ISEB: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	GL Assessment	CEM (Cambridge)	ISEB Pre-Test
Used by	Grammar Schools	Some Grammar Schools	Independent Schools
Format	Paper-based, Multiple Choice	Paper-based, Mixed Format	Online, Adaptive
Sections	Separate Papers	Blended or Mixed Sections	4 Timed Sections
Key Emphasis	Curriculum Knowledge	Speed, Vocabulary, Logic	Reasoning + Potential
Time Pressure	Moderate	High	Moderate to High
Best for	Structured Learners	Fast Thinkers	Digitally Confident Learners
Navigation	Free (can skip/backtrack)	Limited	Fixed (no backtracking)

How to Find Out Which Format Your Child Will Sit

Unfortunately, you can’t just assume based on location or school type. Many grammar schools that once used CEM are switching to GL. Some independent schools now create hybrid assessments with ISEB and their own in-house exams.

Your next steps:

• Visit the school’s admissions page
• Look for their stated exam provider and subject breakdown
• Contact admissions directly if unclear
• Ask whether additional interviews or written tasks follow the test

This will allow you to tailor your preparation strategy without wasting time on formats your child won’t encounter.

Final Tips for Parents: Preparing Smart, Not Hard

Whatever the format of the 11+ exam, success depends less on cramming and more on long-term skill development. That means:

• Reading widely: Fiction, nonfiction, newspapers—this improves comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning across all formats
• Practising under timed conditions: Simulate pressure, especially for GL and CEM
• Familiarising with digital tools: For ISEB, practice using tablets or computers in timed settings
• Staying flexible: Some children sit more than one format if applying to multiple schools—be ready to adjust

Most importantly, help your child build confidence, calmness, and curiosity—these qualities shine through in any format and are often what makes the real difference on the day.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Is the Format of the 11 Plus Exam

1. Which 11+ exam format is the hardest?

There’s no single “hardest” format—it depends on your child’s strengths. The CEM format is widely considered the most challenging in terms of timing and unpredictability, especially for children who struggle with fast-paced verbal reasoning or unfamiliar exam layouts. GL can be tough due to content volume, while ISEB tests mental agility and adaptability. A highly academic child might prefer GL; a logical, quick-thinking student may thrive under CEM or ISEB conditions.

2. How do I know which exam board my child’s school uses?

The quickest way is to check the admissions section of the school’s website or prospectus. Schools often state whether they use GL Assessment, CEM, ISEB Pre-Test, or their own internal paper. If it’s unclear, call or email the admissions office directly—they expect these questions and will provide precise information. Never guess based on county or assumptions, as exam providers can change from year to year.

3. Can one child prepare for both GL and CEM?

Yes—but it requires a balanced strategy. GL is more curriculum-based and predictable, while CEM is more skills-based and speed-focused. Preparing for both involves:

• Solid foundational maths and English (GL core)
• High-volume vocabulary exposure (CEM)
• Fast-paced practice under timed conditions (both)
• Mixed-format papers to simulate CEM-style transitions

Many top tutors design dual-prep systems for children sitting for schools that use different formats.

4. Do schools mix formats or use more than one test?

Some selective and independent schools do. For example:

• A grammar school might use a GL-style exam but include a written creative writing task.
• An independent school could require the ISEB Pre-Test as an initial filter, followed by interviews, written exams, or in-house assessments.

Always confirm whether the 11+ is a standalone test or part of a multi-stage admissions process.

5. Is one format easier to tutor or prepare for?

GL Assessment is the most “tutor-friendly.” There’s a large supply of official and unofficial practice materials, and the question styles don’t change dramatically year to year. CEM, by contrast, was designed to resist tutoring, with unpredictable paper layouts and a broad vocabulary range—but in reality, many tutors now offer mock CEM-style tests. ISEB’s adaptive format is less suited to brute-force tutoring and more focused on cognitive development and reading comprehension.

6. Are practice papers available for all formats?

• GL: Yes—official GL-style practice papers are widely available, including in bookstores and online.
• CEM: No official CEM papers are published, but many publishers create “CEM-style” papers that mimic the format.
• ISEB: Since the Pre-Test is online and adaptive, official past papers aren’t available. However, there are digital mock platforms that simulate ISEB-style adaptive questions.

Parents should look for exam board-specific resources, not just generic 11+ books.

7. What age should my child start preparing for the 11+?

Most children begin light preparation in Year 4, with more structured focus in Year 5. Cramming in Year 6 is rarely effective unless your child is already academically strong. Starting early allows time to:

• Build reading stamina and comprehension
• Develop reasoning skills gradually
• Avoid anxiety through regular, low-pressure practice

That said, quality of preparation is far more important than how early you begin.

8. How are 11+ exams marked?

• GL: Most papers are multiple choice and marked digitally. Scores are standardized to account for age and cohort difficulty.
• CEM: Also marked electronically, with raw scores converted to standardized age scores.
• ISEB: Adaptive tests are scored using a digital algorithm, and schools receive breakdowns per section. These are used in combination with reports, interviews, and other performance data.

Keep in mind: many schools don’t share raw results with parents, just whether a place has been offered.

9. Can my child re-sit the 11+ exam?

No—the 11+ is a one-time opportunity per admissions cycle. There are no re-sits or appeals based on test performance. Some schools offer late sittings under special circumstances (illness, relocation), but this must be arranged in advance and with formal documentation. If your child doesn’t receive a place, appeals may be possible, but not based solely on test scores.

10. What happens if my child performs better in interviews or written tasks than on the main test?

Many independent schools—and some grammar schools—look at more than just test scores. A strong interview, a thoughtful writing task, or a glowing school reference can influence the outcome. Especially in ISEB-based admissions, schools look at the whole child, not just a number.

Encourage your child to treat each stage of the process as a chance to shine—even if one part didn’t go perfectly.