What is the GL Assessment 11+?
The GL Assessment 11+ is one of the two main testing formats used by grammar schools and selective independent schools across England to assess pupils for secondary school entry. Developed by Granada Learning (now GL Assessment), this standardised examination evaluates academic ability in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and maths. Unlike curriculum-based tests, the GL Assessment focuses on innate reasoning skills and problem-solving abilities, making it distinct from everyday classroom learning.
Schools choose the GL Assessment because it provides a reliable measure of a child's academic potential rather than simply testing what they have learnt in primary school. The format varies between schools, with some using all four papers whilst others select two or three subjects. Understanding which combination your target schools require is essential for focused preparation.
The examination serves as the gateway to academically selective education, where competition can be fierce. In popular grammar school areas, several hundred pupils may compete for just a handful of places, making thorough preparation vital for success.
Exam Format and Structure
Paper Breakdown
The GL Assessment 11+ comprises four distinct papers, though not all schools use every component:
- English: Comprehension passages with multiple-choice questions, testing reading accuracy, inference and language understanding. Typically 50-60 questions in 50 minutes.
- Maths: Mixed problem-solving questions covering arithmetic, geometry, data handling and logical reasoning. Usually 50 questions in 50 minutes.
- Verbal Reasoning: Word-based puzzles including synonyms, antonyms, codes, analogies and logic problems. Standard format is 80 questions in 50 minutes.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition, spatial awareness and visual logic questions using shapes and diagrams. Typically 80 questions in 50 minutes.
Each paper uses multiple-choice answers, allowing for computer-based standardised marking. Questions progress in difficulty, with easier items at the start to build confidence before more challenging problems appear.
Scoring and Standardisation
GL Assessment uses age-standardised scoring to ensure fairness across the year group. Raw marks are converted into standardised scores that account for a child's age in years and months at the time of testing. This means an August-born child competing against September-born pupils receives appropriate adjustment for their younger age.
Standardised scores typically range from 69 to 141, with 100 representing average performance. Most grammar schools set pass marks between 110 and 121, though this varies by school and year depending on cohort strength. Schools rarely publish exact grade boundaries in advance, as these fluctuate based on candidate performance each year.
Assessment Timeline
The 11+ examination season follows a consistent annual pattern, though exact dates vary by local authority and individual schools:
Registration Period: May to July of Year 5. Parents must register their child directly with schools or through the local authority consortium. Missing registration deadlines typically means forfeiting the opportunity to sit the exam that year.
Examination Dates: September to early October of Year 6. Most GL Assessment schools test in the first three weeks of autumn term, though some independent schools examine slightly later. Children usually sit the exam at their current primary school or a designated test centre.
Results Release: Mid-October to early November. Schools notify parents whether their child has qualified for a grammar school place. Some authorities operate a consortium system with unified results, whilst others release outcomes independently.
Appeals Window: November to December. Parents who believe there were mitigating circumstances affecting their child's performance may submit appeals, though success rates are low and usually require substantial evidence of exceptional circumstances.
Subject-by-Subject Breakdown
English
The English paper assesses reading comprehension through prose passages, poetry and factual texts. Questions test literal understanding, inference, vocabulary knowledge and authorial intent. Pupils encounter approximately 2-3 passages with 15-25 questions per text.
Key skills include identifying main ideas, understanding context clues, recognising literary techniques and making logical deductions from evidence. Unlike creative writing tasks, this paper focuses exclusively on reading accuracy and interpretation speed.
Mathematics
Maths questions cover the upper Key Stage 2 curriculum but often include problem-solving elements that extend beyond standard classroom teaching. Core areas include:
- Number operations and BIDMAS
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Algebra basics (simple equations and sequences)
- Geometry (angles, area, perimeter, volume)
- Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables)
- Time, money and measurement
Questions require multi-step thinking and application of concepts in unfamiliar contexts. Calculator use is never permitted.
Verbal Reasoning
This paper evaluates language logic through diverse question types:
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Word analogies and relationships
- Letter and number codes
- Jumbled sentences
- Word sequences and patterns
- Logic and deduction problems
Strong vocabulary foundations are essential, but success also requires pattern recognition and lateral thinking. Questions test how pupils manipulate language and concepts rather than simple recall.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Using shapes, patterns and diagrams, this paper assesses visual logic and spatial awareness. Common question types include:
- Pattern completion and continuation
- Shape analogies and relationships
- Matrix problems
- 3D rotation and reflection
- Hidden shapes and overlapping figures
- Logical sequences
This subject is particularly challenging for pupils who have never encountered these question styles, as primary schools rarely teach non-verbal reasoning explicitly.
Preparation Strategy
When to Begin
Most successful candidates begin structured preparation 12-18 months before the exam, typically during Year 4 spring term or summer holidays. Starting in Year 5 allows sufficient time to master unfamiliar question types whilst maintaining a balanced childhood without excessive pressure.
Early starters (Year 3 or before) risk burnout and may develop negative associations with learning. Late starters (summer of Year 5 onwards) often struggle to cover all necessary material and develop speed alongside accuracy.
Study Schedule Recommendations
A sustainable preparation programme balances regular practice with adequate rest:
- Year 4/Early Year 5: 3-4 hours weekly, focusing on building vocabulary, mental maths fluency and introducing reasoning concepts
- Mid Year 5: 4-5 hours weekly, incorporating timed practice and developing exam techniques
- Late Year 5/Summer: 5-6 hours weekly with regular mock examinations under test conditions
- Year 6 (pre-exam): 6-7 hours weekly, emphasising timed practice, weakness targeting and confidence building
Quality matters more than quantity. Focused 30-minute sessions with immediate feedback outperform lengthy, unfocused study periods.
Essential Skills Development
Beyond subject knowledge, successful candidates cultivate specific skills:
- Time management: Practising under strict time constraints to develop pacing instincts
- Question analysis: Learning to identify question types quickly and apply appropriate strategies
- Accuracy under pressure: Maintaining concentration and precision when working at speed
- Strategic guessing: Making educated choices when uncertain rather than leaving blanks
- Mental arithmetic: Calculating efficiently without written working
- Vocabulary breadth: Building word knowledge through reading and explicit learning
Practise Requirements
Regular exposure to authentic question formats is non-negotiable. Pupils should complete:
- Hundreds of practice questions across all subjects
- At least 8-10 full mock examinations under timed conditions
- Weekly timed mini-tests to build stamina and speed
- Regular review of mistakes to address knowledge gaps
Mock exams should replicate actual test conditions precisely, including timing, environment and question formats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting Preparation Too Late
Parents who begin intensive preparation just months before the exam often find their child overwhelmed by unfamiliar question types. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning require sustained practice to develop pattern recognition skills that cannot be crammed. Starting early allows gradual, stress-free mastery.
Focusing Only on English and Maths
Many families underestimate the reasoning papers, assuming strong English and maths automatically translate to reasoning success. However, verbal and non-verbal reasoning test distinct cognitive skills that require explicit practice. Pupils unfamiliar with these formats often struggle despite excellent classroom performance.
Neglecting Exam Technique
Knowing content is insufficient without time management skills. Pupils who dwell too long on difficult questions or fail to pace themselves often leave substantial portions incomplete. Regular timed practice builds instinctive pacing and teaches when to move forward rather than persevere unproductively.
Over-Pressuring Children
Excessive pressure creates anxiety that undermines performance. Children who associate preparation with stress or parental disappointment often underperform on exam day. Maintaining perspective, celebrating effort over results, and ensuring adequate downtime preserves confidence and motivation.
Using Inappropriate Practise Materials
Generic 11+ resources often fail to match GL Assessment's specific question styles and difficulty levels. Using CEM-format materials or outdated resources wastes valuable preparation time. Families should invest in GL-specific practice books and past papers that accurately reflect current exam formats.
Resources and Practise Materials
Official GL Assessment Materials
GL Assessment publishes official practice papers available through educational suppliers. Whilst limited in quantity, these provide the most authentic preparation experience and should form the core of any practice programme.
Recommended Publishers
Several publishers produce high-quality GL-specific materials:
- Bond 11+: Comprehensive range covering all subjects with progressive difficulty levels
- CGP Books: Clear explanations and varied practice questions across multiple difficulty levels
- Letts 11+: Subject-specific workbooks with focused skill development
- Learning Together: Targeted practice for specific question types and techniques
Online Resources
Digital platforms offer adaptive practice and instant feedback:
- 11+ specific online question banks with thousands of practice items
- Timed test simulations replicating exam conditions
- Video tutorials explaining complex question types
- Progress tracking to identify strengths and weaknesses
Online resources work best as supplements to physical practice papers rather than replacements, as exam day requires paper-based working.
Past Papers
Authentic past papers provide invaluable preparation but are scarce, as GL Assessment does not publicly release actual exam papers. Some schools sell previous years' papers through their administration offices. These should be reserved for full mock examinations closer to test dates rather than everyday practice.
Vocabulary Building
Strong vocabulary underpins both English and verbal reasoning success. Effective resources include:
- 11+ specific vocabulary lists and flashcard sets
- Word-a-day apps and programmes
- Age-appropriate literature exposing children to sophisticated language
- Etymology and word-root study to deduce unfamiliar terms
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
Our GL Assessment preparation programmes are designed to maximise your child's potential whilst maintaining a balanced, pressure-free approach. We understand that every pupil has unique strengths and development areas, so our expert tutors create personalised learning plans that target specific needs.
Structured Preparation Programmes
Our comprehensive courses guide pupils through every aspect of the GL Assessment, from initial concept introduction to advanced exam techniques. We provide:
- Systematic coverage of all four subjects with progressive difficulty
- Regular diagnostic assessments to track progress and adjust teaching focus
- Authentic practice materials matching current GL formats precisely
- Full-length mock examinations with detailed performance analysis
- Targeted intervention for areas requiring additional support
Expert Tutors
Our tutors combine deep subject expertise with extensive 11+ experience, having successfully prepared hundreds of pupils for grammar school entry. They understand the nuances of GL Assessment marking, common pitfalls, and effective strategies that generic classroom teaching often misses.
Beyond content knowledge, our tutors develop the exam confidence and resilience that separate successful candidates from those who struggle under pressure. We teach time management, strategic question selection, and stress-management techniques alongside academic content.
Our Teaching Approach
We believe effective 11+ preparation balances rigorous academic challenge with maintaining children's love of learning. Our approach includes:
- Small group or one-to-one tuition tailored to individual learning styles
- Regular homework with constructive feedback highlighting both strengths and development areas
- Parent communication keeping families informed of progress and next steps
- Flexible scheduling accommodating family commitments and school requirements
- Encouraging, supportive environment building confidence alongside competence
We teach pupils not just what to learn but how to learn efficiently, developing study skills that serve them throughout their academic careers.
If you're considering the GL Assessment 11+ for your child and want expert guidance through the preparation process, we're here to help. Contact us today to discuss how our tailored programmes can support your child's grammar school ambitions.