There are four main types of 11 Plus exam in the UK. GL Assessment produces paper-based tests in English, Maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, used by many grammar schools, including the Sutton consortium. CEM tests were historically used by Kent, Durham and Buckinghamshire grammars, but CEM has largely been replaced since 2022. ISEB Common Pre-Test is computer-based and adaptive, used by many independent schools at 11+/13+. School-set papers are bespoke exams written by individual independent schools.
The Main 11 Plus Test Types
Parents are often surprised to discover there is not a single 11 Plus exam. Actually, there are these main routes:
The most widely used is GL Assessment, which remains the dominant grammar-school format nationally.
Historically, many schools used CEM assessments. Those tests were known for speed, reasoning pressure and less predictable question pools. However, CEM’s commercial 11+ testing was discontinued from 2022, and most former CEM areas have now moved to GL-style or bespoke testing.
Regionally, Essex schools use CSSE, and areas such as Gloucestershire have moved to FSCE.
Independent schools often use the ISEB Common Pre-Test, which is computer-based and adaptive.
Alongside that, some independent schools use school-set papers, bespoke exams written specifically for their own admissions process.
Understanding which route your target schools use is one of the most important starting points in preparation.
The 11 Plus Exam Types Compared
| Test | Format | Content | Used by |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Paper-based MCQ | English + Maths + VR + NVR | Sutton consortium, many grammars |
| CEM (historic) | Paper-based | Reasoning-heavy | Largely discontinued since 2022 |
| ISEB Common Pre-Test | Computer-based, adaptive | English + Maths + VR + NVR | Westminster, St Paul’s, Highgate, KCS Wimbledon, others |
| School-set papers | Paper-based | English + Maths (sometimes reasoning) | SPGS, NLCS, Westminster (after ISEB), St Paul’s (after ISEB) |
| CSSE | Paper-based | English, Maths, Creative Writing | Most grammar schools in Essex |
| FSCE | Paper-based | English, Maths, Creative Thinking, Creative, Writing | Certain schools in Essex and Reading, Gloucestershire grammars from 2027 |
This is the broad national picture, although schools occasionally change providers, so parents should always verify the current admissions cycle.
Lionheart Education matches tutors to the exact test route used by the child’s target school, which avoids preparation drifting towards the wrong exam format.
Families looking at 11 Plus tuition often find this is the first major clarification point.
GL Assessment 11 Plus Explained
GL is the best-known modern grammar-school format. It is paper-based and usually multiple choice, although schools may vary in how the specific sections are delivered.
The core areas are English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
GL question styles are well established, and there is a multitude of practice questions available, so targeted practice can be highly effective. GL preparation tends to suit strictly structured preparation programmes.
The Sutton consortium is a clear example, including Wilson’s, Sutton Grammar, Nonsuch High School for Girls, Wallington County Grammar School and Wallington High School for Girls.
Many grammar schools nationally use similar GL-style formats.
The Good Schools Guide frequently highlights the importance of understanding the specific exam format your child will be tackling.
CEM 11 Plus: Historic Context
CEM 11 Plus was once highly influential; it was historically used by Kent, Durham and Buckinghamshire grammar schools, with tests designed to reward broader reasoning ability, a range of vocabulary, and speed under pressure. However, CEM’s commercial 11+ testing was discontinued in 2022.
Most former CEM regions have since moved to GL Assessment, local consortium papers or bespoke school arrangements.
The Kent Test, for example, now sits within that changed national landscape.
Parents still hear “CEM” mentioned because many older guides and forum discussions refer to it, but it should be treated primarily as historic context unless a school specifically states otherwise.
ISEB Common Pre-Test Explained
The ISEB Common Pre-Test is very different. It is computer-based and adaptive, meaning question difficulty changes depending on how well the child is performing.
The four assessed domains are the same as GL: English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The test typically runs for around two hours and fifteen minutes overall.
For many independent schools, the Pre-Test acts as an early academic filter before later papers, interviews and school-set assessments.
Schools using ISEB routes include Westminster School, Highgate, King’s College School Wimbledon, Dulwich College and many leading independents nationally.
As the test is adaptive, traditional past-paper preparation is less useful than building a broad range of foundation and more complex techniques and understanding.
School-Set Papers
Some schools prefer to write their own papers. These can, of course, vary widely. They often place heavier emphasis on written English, mathematical reasoning and broader thinking skills so they can assess children more on performance and potential and less on absolute results. As such, creative writing is important, and interviews will also carry a significant weight.
St Paul’s Girls’ School is one example of a school with its own distinctive admissions route, while other independents combine ISEB shortlisting with bespoke later-stage papers.
These routes can be less predictable, but often reward genuinely strong thinkers rather than narrow exam technique.
CSSE Format
The CSSE format is used in Essex by most grammar schools. It covers English, Maths and Creative Writing and will often blend different disciplines within a single assessment, demanding strong reading skills, careful interpretation of questions and the ability to switch confidently between numerical and verbal tasks.
FSCE Format
The FSCE format is the newest format, used by some schools in Essex, Reading and coming in 2027 to Gloucestershire. Its stated aim is to be fair to all, and that tutoring is not required. It is the most fluid of the exam formats, with clear differences in their familiarisation papers in the different regions (one paper introduced “Critical Thinking”). However, the core 11 Plus foundations of numeracy and literacy are as vital for this format as any of the others.
How to Find Out Which Test Your Target School Uses
The simplest route is the school’s admissions page on their website. Every school will clearly state the 11 Plus test format they use, the registration and admissions process and any important dates you will need in your diary.
For grammar schools, the local council’s secondary admissions pages are also useful. If anything is unclear, email the admissions office directly; schools are used to answering these questions.
Parents researching Tiffin Boys’ School admissions, Kent grammar schools or selective independent schools in London or nationally should always confirm the arrangements for their targeted admissions year, because schools occasionally revise their process.
Preparation Implications
Naturally, the type of test your child is taking will shape the required preparation. GL routes are consistent, and familiarity with the different question types is important. Past papers and timed repetition are highly effective. CSSE also have a reliable structure and they sell their own past papers so you can analyse. FSCE’s familiarisation papers are available but give less away.
ISEB routes are adaptive. Familiarisation matters, but broad skill-building is more important than endless paper practice.
School-set routes require wider preparation. English writing, mathematical depth and interview readiness become much more significant.
Former CEM-style routes often now sit somewhere between structured GL preparation and bespoke reasoning models. The right strategy depends entirely on the test your child will be taking.
That is why Lionheart Education verifies each target school’s current provider every admissions cycle before building a preparation plan.
How Lionheart Education Helps Families Choose the Right Route
One of the biggest mistakes families make is preparing for the wrong type of exam.
Lionheart Education avoids that from the outset.
Our tutors are matched to your child’s target school’s exact format GL, CEM-legacy, ISEB or school-set and we verify the current provider each admissions cycle because schools do occasionally change route.
That means preparation is aligned from day one, focused on the right skills, and built around the tests that actually matter.
FAQs
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What are the main types of 11 Plus exam?
There are six: GL Assessment (paper-based, used by most grammars), CEM (largely discontinued since 2022, most former CEM areas now use GL), ISEB Common Pre-Test (computer-based, used by many independent 11+/13+ schools), CSSE, FSCE and school-set bespoke papers (written by individual independent schools).
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What is the difference between GL and CEM 11 Plus?
GL Assessment produces paper-based multiple-choice tests across English, Maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning with well-defined question types. CEM tests were historically reasoning-heavy with unpublished question pools. CEM discontinued its commercial 11+ tests from 2022; most former CEM areas have moved to GL or bespoke consortium tests.
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Which schools use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
The ISEB Common Pre-Test is used by many top UK independent schools at 11+ and 13+, including Westminster, St Paul’s, Highgate, King’s College School Wimbledon and Dulwich College. Sat once in the autumn of Year 6 (for 13+) or the spring of Year 6 (for 11+), with the result shared across all schools the pupil has registered for.
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How do I find out which 11 Plus test my target school uses?
Check the school’s admissions page the test provider is always specified. Local authority secondary-admissions pages also list the test for grammar schools in their area. If unsure, email the admissions office directly; they will confirm the current test provider and any changes for the upcoming cycle.
