GL vs CEM: What’s the Difference in the 11+?

If you’ve started researching the 11+, you’ll have seen two names: GL Assessment and CEM. For years, which one your region used shaped how you prepared. Here’s what they mean and where things stand now.

What is GL Assessment?

GL Assessment is the most widely used 11+ provider in England. Its papers are typically multiple choice and draw from published question types across Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths and English. Because the format is well documented, GL-style practice is straightforward to target.

What was CEM?

CEM (the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, based at Durham University) ran 11+ tests designed to be harder to “tutor-proof”, often blending subjects within a single paper and leaning heavily on vocabulary and comprehension. In recent years CEM has largely withdrawn from the 11+ market, and many areas that once used CEM have moved to GL Assessment.

How do I know which one my child will sit?

Always check with your specific schools or the local council — the provider is decided regionally, not nationally. Our region-by-region guides tell you which board each area uses and what to expect.

Does it change how you prepare?

Less than parents fear. Whatever the board, the underlying skills are the same: strong vocabulary, quick and accurate maths, and confident verbal and non-verbal reasoning under time pressure. Build those broadly and your child is ready for either style. A good rule: prepare the child, not just the test.

See how your child is doing with our free 11+ practice test.