GL vs CEM — What's the Difference?
The two main 11+ exam boards compared — so you know exactly what your child is preparing for.
Why Does the Exam Board Matter?
If your child were sitting a driving test, you would want to know whether it was a UK test or an American one. They both assess driving, but the format, rules, and what you need to practise are quite different. The same principle applies to GL and CEM.
Knowing your exam board means you can focus preparation on the right question types, the right timing, and the right format. Practising GL-style papers when your child is sitting CEM (or vice versa) wastes precious time and can create false confidence — or unnecessary anxiety.
GL Assessment
GL Assessment (formerly Granada Learning) is the more established and widely used 11+ exam board. It is used across Kent, parts of Essex, Devon, Wiltshire, and several other areas.
Key Features of GL
- ✓Separate papers for each subject (VR, NVR, Maths, English)
- ✓Multiple choice answer format (fill in a bubble on an answer sheet)
- ✓Standard question types that are well-documented and predictable
- ✓Strict timing — typically 45–50 minutes per paper
- ✓21 standard VR question types and around 10–12 NVR types
The predictability of GL is both a strength and a weakness. It means you can prepare systematically by working through each question type. But it also means the competition is well-prepared, so your child needs to be quick and accurate, not just familiar.
CEM (Durham University)
CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) was developed at Durham University and is used in Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Birmingham, and parts of the West Midlands and North West.
Key Features of CEM
- ✓Mixed-format papers — subjects are interleaved within sections
- ✓Combination of multiple choice and written answers
- ✓Unpredictable format — the style changes between test sittings
- ✓Broader vocabulary range — draws from beyond the KS2 curriculum
- ✓Two papers, typically 45 minutes each
CEM was deliberately designed to be harder to “teach to the test”. This does not mean preparation is pointless — far from it. It means the best preparation focuses on building genuine skills (wide reading, strong vocabulary, confident maths) rather than memorising question formats.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | GL Assessment | CEM |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Separate subject papers | Mixed / interleaved subjects |
| Answer style | Multiple choice (bubble sheet) | Mix of multiple choice and written |
| Predictability | High — known question types | Low — format changes yearly |
| Number of papers | Typically 4 (one per subject) | Typically 2 (mixed content) |
| Timing | 45–50 min per paper | 45 min per paper |
| Vocabulary | Within KS2 range | Extended — wider reading helps |
| Sample papers | Widely available (Bond, CGP) | Limited — CEM publishes few |
| Best prep approach | Question-type mastery + speed | Wide reading + flexible thinking |
How to Find Out Which Board Your Area Uses
The most reliable way is to check the admissions page of the grammar school(s) you are interested in. They will state which exam board they use, or provide a link to the test information.
You can also try these resources:
- ✓Your local authority website — usually has a “secondary admissions” section listing grammar schools and their test arrangements.
- ✓The school’s admissions policy — available on the school website. This is the most authoritative source.
- ✓Parent forums — sites like Eleven Plus Exams Forum and Mumsnet have active communities who share regional information.
If you are still unsure, ring the school directly. They are used to the question and will give you a clear answer.
How SATs Arcade Handles Both Boards
When you set up your child’s 11+ practice profile, you choose the exam board. This tailors the experience:
GL Mode
- • Multiple-choice format throughout
- • Standard GL question types (21 VR, 10+ NVR)
- • Separate subject practice sessions
- • Timed mock papers matching GL timing
- • Speed and accuracy tracking
CEM Mode
- • Mixed question formats
- • Extended vocabulary questions
- • Interleaved subject practice
- • Comprehension with unfamiliar texts
- • Flexible mock paper format
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out which exam board my area uses?+
Is one exam board harder than the other?+
Can my child sit both GL and CEM exams?+
Does SATs Arcade cover both GL and CEM formats?+
Are there other exam boards besides GL and CEM?+
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