GL vs CEM vs CSSE vs ISEB: Which 11 Plus Exam Does Your Child Need?

GL Assessment is used by the majority of grammar schools across England. It’s the format most parents encounter when preparing for the 11+.

The exam consists of four separate timed papers: English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All questions are multiple-choice, answered on a separate answer sheet.

GL is considered the most ‘preparable’ format because past papers and practice materials are widely available. The question types are well-documented and consistent year to year.

Key strengths of the GL format include its predictable structure, widely available practice resources, and clear subject boundaries that allow focused preparation in each area.

CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring) exams are set by Durham University. They’re known for being unpredictable — the format, question types and subject mix can change from year to year.

Unlike GL, CEM papers mix subjects together. A single paper might contain English comprehension, verbal reasoning and maths questions in any order. This makes time management a critical skill.

CEM does not publish past papers, making it harder to prepare with traditional methods. The best preparation focuses on building strong underlying skills rather than drilling specific question types.

Note: Some regions are reviewing or changing their 11+ provider. Always check your local grammar school’s website for the most current exam format.

CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) is used exclusively for entry to grammar schools in Essex — including schools in Chelmsford, Southend and Colchester.

Unlike GL and CEM, CSSE uses written answers rather than multiple-choice. The English paper includes comprehension questions requiring full written responses, plus an extended creative writing task worth significant marks.

The Maths paper tests problem-solving with written working required. There is no Verbal or Non-Verbal Reasoning section — the exam focuses purely on English and Maths.

The creative writing component makes CSSE unique among 11+ formats. Strong writers can gain a real advantage, but it also means the exam cannot be fully prepared for through multiple-choice practice alone.

The ISEB Common Pre-Test is used by many leading independent and private schools across the UK as part of their admissions process. It’s typically taken in Year 6 or Year 7.

Unlike other 11+ formats, the ISEB test is adaptive — meaning questions get harder or easier based on how your child answers. This means every child’s test is slightly different.

The test is taken online, on a computer, and covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. There are no past papers because the adaptive format generates unique tests.

Schools use the results alongside interviews, school reports and their own entrance exams. The ISEB Pre-Test is rarely the only assessment — it’s one part of a broader admissions process.