The GL 11+ exam has been used for over 35 years to help students demonstrate their skill and academic fortitude to competitive independent and grammar schools.
Like all 11+ entrance exams, the GL transfer exam is taken in the Fall prior to year 7 with most exams written in September. However, in light of the interruption during the 2019-2021 academic year, many schools have decided to push the date back a few weeks. (Please be sure to check with your individual school for more details.)
Writing the CEM 11+ Exam? Click here to read about this board.
What is GL assessment testing?
GL Assessment testing is used by independent schools and grammar schools across the UK to assess a student’s academic skill and overall potential. GL assessments are typically used for the 11+ entrance exams. They are written in the Fall of the child’s Year 6 academic year in preparation for entrance in Year 7. These exams tend to use multiple choice questions across Math, English, Non Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning.
What does GL in GL assessment stand for?
GL stands for Grenada Learning. Grenada Learning bought out the previously used formative assessment provider, NFER in 2001. NFER, National Education Foundation for Education Research, still works in conjunction with GL as a research company.
How do I prepare for the GL 11+ Entrance exam?
One of the best ways to prepare for the 11+ entrance exam is to start with little and often exposure to the GL style of questions. Doing practice papers can help your child become familiar with the transfer test exam layout.
Bettering Youth is also a strong believer in preparing children mentally and emotionally for exams. In preparation for the GL 11+ entrance exam, your child should also develop resilience, understand how to deal with stress in a healthy manner, and manage time effectively. These are all key skills Bettering Youth tutors blend into our mindfulness tuition programs.
11+ Practice Papers using the GL assessment
Below are the practice papers and familiarization papers provided by GL assessment. They are free to print!
Verbal Reasoning:
11+ Verbal Reasoning Parent’s Guide
11+ Verbal Reasoning Booklet 1
11+ Verbal Reasoning Answer Sheet 1
11+ Verbal Reasoning Booklet 2
11+ Verbal Reasoning Answer Sheet 2
11+ Verbal Reasoning Booklet 3
Verbal Reasoning Answer Sheet 3
Non-Verbal Reasoning:
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Parent’s Guide
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Booklet 1
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Answer Sheet 1
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Booklet 2
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Answer Sheet 2
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Booklet 3
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Answer Sheet 3
11 Plus English:
11 Plus Maths:
What schools use GL assessment?
As a general rule, the following counties use GL assessments: Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Kent, Lancashire & Cumbria, Lincolnshire, Medway, Northern Ireland.
What format are GL assessment answers?
Answers for these 11+ exams can be standard, although they are more often multiple choice questions with answers being written in an answer booklet.
What subjects do the GL 11+ exams assess?
The GL entrance exams focus on four main areas: English, Maths, Non Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning.
English:
- Reading comprehension of fiction/non-fiction texts and poetry
- Short exercises in spelling, punctuation and grammar
Math:
- Number, measurement, geometry and statistics
Non Verbal and Spatial Reasoning:
NVR tests are meant to ascertain if a child can identify important information and manipulate information without forgetting detail. The questions will work with diagrams and pictures. These are important aspects to Math and Science.
Spatial tests involve the mental creation, retention and manipulation of visual images. They assess the efficiency of the thinking processes that use mental images of shapes and space. (gl assessment, 2020)
- Odd one out
- Rotations
- Code breaking
- Like shapes identification
- Missing sequences
- Missing squares
- Most Like
- Nets
- Spatial Recognition
Verbal Reasoning:
VR tests focus on the connection between words. They may involve the manipulation of letters and numbers to create codes and patterns.
There are 21 types of Verbal Reasoning questions used in GL assessments:
- Code breaking,
- Removing and inserting a letter to form a new word
- Related words
- Closest meaning
- Identifying hidden words
- missing words
- working with letter and numbers
- rearranging letter
- letter sequences
- connecting word
- number sequences
- forming a compound word
- Word making
- letter connections
- logical problem solving
- antonyms (Opposite words)
- Synonyms (Similar words)
- Completing the words
How long are the GL assessment papers?
Most GL exams are 45 minutes for 50 questions. Though this may vary.
Schools that use the GL 11+ entrance exams
Barton Court Grammar School, Kent Test
Borden Grammar School, Kent Test
Carre’s Grammar School, Sleaford
Chatham & Clarendon Grammar Kent Test
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School
Cranbrook School Kent Test
Dane Court Grammar School, Broadstairs Kent Test
Dartford Grammar School Kent Test
Dartford Grammar School for Girls Kent Test
Devonport High School for Boys
Devonport High School for Girls
Dover Grammar School for Boys Kent Test
Dover Grammar School for Girls Kent Test
Dr. Challoner’s Grammar School
Folkestone School for Girls, Kent Test
Gravesend Grammar School Kent Test
Highsted School Kent Test
Highworth Grammar School Kent Test
Invicta Grammar School Kent Test
Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School, Grantham
Kesteven and Sleaford High School, Sleaford
King Edward VI Grammar School, Louth
Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Maidstone Grammar School Kent Test
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Kent Test
Mayfield Grammar School Kent Test
Oakwood Park Grammar School Kent Test
Parkstone Grammar School, Poole
Plymouth High School for Girls
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Alford
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Faversham Kent Test
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School for Boys
Queen Elizabeth’s High School, Gainsborough
Royal Grammar School High Wycombe
Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School Kent Test
Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys Kent Test
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
Sir Roger Manwood’s School Kent Test
South Wilts Grammar School for Girls
St. Michael’s Catholic Grammar School
The Folkestone School for Girls Kent Test
The Harvey Grammar School Kent Test
The Judd School Kent Test
The Norton Knatchbull School Kent Test
The Skinners’ School Kent Test
Tonbridge Grammar School Kent Test
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School Kent Test
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Kent Test
Watford Grammar School for Boys
Watford Grammar School for Girls
Weald of Kent Grammar School Kent Test
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys Kent Test
Wilmington Grammar School for Girls Kent Test
Wirral Grammar School for Girls
What is the Kent Test?
The Kent Test is an entrance exam created by the county of Kent. Schools that use the Kent exam will require students to sit a non verbal, verbal reasoning and Maths paper that are produced by GL Assessments, while the English portion is an additional piece set by the school.
Is tuition necessary?
The 11+ entrance exams have become increasingly more challenging. As such, preparing your child for the types of questions and exam layout can ensure a more confident approach to the exam. This is why Bettering Youth offers exam preparation for pre-year 4s, year 4s and year 5s. We believe learning should be personalised, fun, and also teach the child how to deal with stress and performance anxiety.
If you would like to discuss your child’s exam please get in touch, here.
Pin it!
About the Team
GL 11 + exam tutors at Bettering Youth offer academic and emotional wellbeing support to students. Our head office is located in Ascot but tutors offer 1-1 online and in person sessions across the county. Trusted by over 1.3 thousand families worldwide.
Other Resources to Guide you through the 11+ Journey
Learn the 4 ways to reduce anxiety around exam time
Pingback: What is the CEM 11+ entrance exam - Bettering Youth
Pingback: Best Ways to Boost Reading Comprehension - Making Connections - Bettering Youth
Pingback: Comprehension Technique: How to Make Predictions - Bettering Youth
Pingback: How to ease exam stress in 4 simple steps - Bettering Youth
Pingback: What is the 11+ Entrance Exam? The Eleven Plus Explained - Bettering Youth
Pingback: Studying 101: 3 Popular Time Wasters for Studying - Bettering Youth