GL Assessment is the most widely used 11+ exam provider in England. This guide covers everything parents need to know — format, subjects, scoring, registration, timelines and how to prepare your child for success.
At A Glance
GL Assessment (formerly known as Granada Learning) is one of the UK’s leading providers of educational assessments. They create 11+ entrance exams used by many grammar schools and local authorities across England. GL Assessment papers are used more widely than any other 11+ provider, covering regions from Kent and Buckinghamshire to Birmingham, Lincolnshire, Devon and beyond. The organisation is still very much active and continues to develop and update its assessments regularly.
GL Assessment is used by grammar schools across many parts of England
| Region | Details |
|---|---|
| Kent | All 32 grammar schools use GL Assessment via the Kent Test |
| Buckinghamshire | All 13 grammar schools use GL Assessment for the Secondary Transfer Test |
| Birmingham & West Midlands | Several grammar schools including some King Edward VI Foundation schools |
| Sutton (London) | Grammar schools use GL Assessment via the Selective Eligibility Test (SET) |
| Lincolnshire | Grammar schools across the county use GL Assessment papers |
| Devon & Dorset | Grammar schools in Torquay, Plymouth and surrounding areas |
| Wiltshire | Grammar schools including those in Salisbury |
| Other Areas | Various London boroughs, individual grammar schools and some independent schools |
GL Assessment 11+ exams follow a consistent format across regions, though the exact number of papers and subject combinations can vary depending on the local authority or school.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Answer Format | Multiple choice — answers marked on a separate answer sheet |
| Delivery | Paper-based (not online) |
| Adaptive? | No — fixed format, all children answer the same questions |
| Number of Papers | Typically 2–4 papers depending on the region |
| Duration | Each paper typically lasts 45–50 minutes |
| Subject Grouping | Some regions combine subjects into fewer papers; others test each subject separately |
GL Assessment can test up to four subjects — the exact combination depends on your region
Reading comprehension with fiction and non-fiction passages, spelling, punctuation, grammar and vocabulary questions. Tests understanding, inference and language skills.
Arithmetic, problem-solving, data handling, shape and space, measures and mental maths. Covers the full KS2 maths curriculum and sometimes slightly beyond.
Word patterns, codes, logic, analogies, hidden words, letter sequences and sentence completion. Tests the ability to think and reason using words and language.
Pattern recognition, spatial awareness, sequences, matrices, figure analysis and odd one out. Tests logical thinking using shapes and diagrams rather than words.
Some regions test all four subjects while others use only two or three. Check your local authority’s requirements.
All questions offer 4–5 answer options. Children select the correct answer and mark it on a separate answer sheet. No written or extended answers required.
Questions generally start easier and get progressively harder throughout each paper. Early questions should be answered quickly to save time for harder ones later.
GL papers have many questions to answer in limited time. Speed and accuracy are both important. Children must learn when to move on from a difficult question.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Score Type | Standardised Age Score (SAS) with an average of 100 and standard deviation of 15 |
| Age Adjustment | Raw scores are converted to standardised scores to account for age differences within the cohort |
| Competitive Score | A score of 121+ is generally considered competitive, though thresholds vary by school and area |
| Qualification | Some areas use a qualifying score (pass/fail) while others rank all candidates |
| Results Delivery | Results are typically shared with parents by the local authority, usually in mid-October |
For state grammar schools using GL Assessment, parents usually register directly with the school or local authority. Registration typically opens in the spring or early summer of Year 5. Some areas have automatic registration if you live in the catchment area, while others require a manual application. Out-of-area applicants usually follow the same process but should check specific deadlines. Always visit your local authority’s website for the most up-to-date registration details.
A typical timeline for the GL Assessment 11+ process
| When | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Year 4 | Start building strong core skills in English and Mathematics |
| Mid-Year 5 | Begin focused GL-specific preparation including verbal and non-verbal reasoning |
| Spring / Summer of Year 5 | Registration typically opens — check your local authority for exact dates |
| September of Year 6 | The GL Assessment 11+ exam is usually sat |
| Mid-October | Results are typically released to parents |
| 31 October | Common Application Form deadline for listing preferred schools |
| 1 March | National Offer Day — school places are allocated |
Start building strong English and Maths skills in Year 4. Wide reading, vocabulary building and arithmetic fluency are the bedrock of 11+ success. These cannot be crammed at the last minute.
From mid-Year 5, focus on GL-format practice papers. Work through verbal and non-verbal reasoning regularly. Use official GL Assessment familiarisation materials alongside targeted practice papers.
Practice multiple-choice technique including elimination strategy. Work on timed papers to build speed and accuracy. Common mistakes are spending too long on hard questions and poor time management.
Expert preparation to help your child succeed in the GL Assessment 11+
Personalised one-to-one tutoring tailored to your child’s specific needs, strengths and target areas. Maximum focus and fastest progress.
Small group classes with a maximum of 4 students. Collaborative learning with plenty of individual attention from the tutor.
Realistic timed mock tests under exam conditions with detailed feedback and performance reports. Build confidence and exam technique.
Available for Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 students. Identifies your child’s strengths and gaps so preparation can be targeted from day one.
ElevenAce offers expert 11+ preparation including 1:1 tuition, small group classes, live mock tests and free diagnostic assessments. Get in touch today to give your child the best possible start.
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3 hours of intensive, expert 11+ curriculum-based training. 15 students per cohort.
Year 3-5 students: Mock exams, live classes, assessments & question bank access.
