One of the most common — and most costly — mistakes in 11+ preparation is using resources designed for one exam format to prepare for another. GL Assessment and CEM are fundamentally different exams. This guide explains exactly how, and what it means for preparation.
The Short Version
CEM: Unpredictable format, subjects blended, faster pace required. Requires adaptability and speed over subject mastery alone.
Who Uses Each Format
GL Assessment areas include:
- Kent and Medway
- Buckinghamshire
- Lincolnshire
- Wiltshire
- Parts of the West Midlands (e.g. Wolverhampton)
- Many independent schools
CEM areas include:
- Birmingham
- Coventry
- Gloucestershire
- Shropshire
- Warwickshire
- Parts of Yorkshire
Some local authorities use their own bespoke tests or change formats periodically. Always confirm with the specific school which format they use — this information is typically on their admissions page or available by calling the school office.
GL Assessment — What to Expect
GL Assessment papers have a structured, predictable format. Children typically sit four separate papers:
- Mathematics
- English (comprehension, grammar, vocabulary)
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
Each paper has a set time limit, a set number of questions, and a consistent style from year to year. The question types within each paper are largely the same — which means that thorough practice with GL-format papers provides good preparation because the format is familiar.
GL Assessment Verbal Reasoning tests 21 distinct question types, including: finding words hidden in sentences, completing word equations, analogies, coding/decoding, and number sequences. These question types are consistent enough that children can learn to recognise and solve each type efficiently.
GL Assessment Non-Verbal Reasoning covers spatial patterns, series completion, 3D shapes, and reflection — again, in recognisable and consistent formats.
CEM — What to Expect
CEM papers are deliberately less predictable. The exam board does not publish specimen papers and actively discourages "teaching to the test." Key characteristics:
- Subjects are blended — a single paper might move between comprehension, verbal reasoning, and numerical reasoning without clear boundaries
- The pace is faster — CEM typically requires more questions per minute than GL
- Question types vary year to year — specific question formats seen in past papers may not appear in future papers
- Vocabulary is heavily tested — CEM places particular emphasis on a broad vocabulary, including less common words
Because CEM actively works to prevent preparation by rote, the most effective preparation focuses on building genuine underlying skills — reading widely, mental arithmetic fluency, and spatial reasoning — rather than memorising question types.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | GL Assessment | CEM |
|---|---|---|
| Format predictability | High | Low (deliberate) |
| Subject separation | Clear — 4 separate papers | Blended within papers |
| Specimen papers published | Yes | No |
| Time pressure | Moderate | High |
| Vocabulary emphasis | Moderate | Very high |
| Question type consistency | High year-on-year | Variable |
| Preparation approach | Format-specific practice | Underlying skill building |
How Preparation Should Differ
For GL Assessment
Because the format is consistent, GL preparation benefits significantly from format-specific practice:
- Learn and practise all 21 Verbal Reasoning question types until they're automatic
- Complete timed GL-format papers regularly — familiarity with the format reduces anxiety
- Track which specific question types cause the most errors and target those
- Focus on speed — the time limit is designed to create pressure, and children who've practised pacing have an advantage
For CEM
CEM preparation requires a different approach — one focused on building genuine underlying ability:
- Vocabulary: Read challenging books regularly. Learn new words in context, not from word lists. A child with a broad reading vocabulary has a structural advantage in CEM.
- Mental arithmetic: Practise quick mental calculation — times tables to automaticity, rapid addition/subtraction, percentage and fraction estimation
- Adaptability: Practise switching between subject areas quickly, as CEM papers blend subjects without warning
- Speed: CEM is faster-paced than GL. Timed practice is essential, but practise a wide variety of question styles rather than the same formats repeatedly
Can You Prepare for Both?
If your child is applying to schools that use both formats, preparation should cover the fundamentals of both — thorough Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning practice, with the CEM-specific additions (vocabulary, speed, adaptability).
GL-format practice is not wasted for CEM candidates — the underlying skills transfer. The key is not to rely solely on memorising GL question types and expecting that to be sufficient for CEM.
How ExamVerge Supports Both Formats
ExamVerge includes papers aligned to GL Assessment, CEM, and general 11+ preparation. You can filter papers by exam board on the papers page, and the predicted grade engine shows estimated performance relative to the school thresholds relevant to your exam type.
Start for free — create an account, select your exam format, and begin with a diagnostic paper to see exactly where your child stands. No credit card required.