GL Assessment 11+ Guide for Parents
GL Assessment 11+ preparation can vary depending on the school or local authority. Some GL Assessment 11+ routes, such as Buckinghamshire, require preparation across all four main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Other schools, such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, focus mainly on English and Maths.
This guide explains the two common GL preparation routes, what your child should practise, and how to use the Scholars Tutorial online platform and printed paper sets to prepare effectively.
What Is the GL Assessment 11+?
GL Assessment is one of the main 11+ exam providers used by grammar schools and selective schools. GL-style preparation commonly involves English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, although not every school uses all four areas in the same way.
For preparation purposes, children may need to build confidence in:
- English comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar, punctuation and spelling
- Maths arithmetic
- Maths problem solving
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Multiple-choice technique
- Accuracy under time pressure
The exact combination depends on the school. This is why parents should identify which GL pattern applies to their child before choosing a preparation plan.
The Two Common GL 11+ Preparation Patterns
GL-style exams are not always identical. For practical preparation, many parents can think of GL routes in two broad patterns.
Pattern 1: Four-Subject GL Preparation, such as Buckinghamshire
Some GL-style areas require preparation across all four major 11+ skill areas:
- English
- Maths
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
Buckinghamshire is an example of a GL Assessment 11+ area where pupils should prepare across all four main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Pattern 2: English and Maths GL Preparation, such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
Some GL-style school routes focus mainly on:
- English
- Maths
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet is an example of a school where parents commonly focus on GL English and GL Maths preparation. Pupils still need vocabulary, comprehension, accuracy and problem-solving skills, but separate VR and NVR preparation may not be central unless the child is also preparing for other schools.
Parents should avoid assuming that all GL tests are the same. The safest approach is to prepare according to the target school’s specific exam pattern.
Scholars Tutorial Online Categories
The Scholars Tutorial platform is organised into clear top-level categories, helping parents choose the right route for their child’s GL preparation.
11+ Mock Exams
This category is designed for mock-style and exam-pattern practice.
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE — Mixed sets for GL, CEM and ISEB-style preparation.
- 11+ SPAG — Spelling, punctuation, grammar and language accuracy practice.
- 11+ SET (Sutton) — Sutton-style selective eligibility test preparation.
11+ Core Subjects
This category supports the main academic and reasoning skills needed for GL-style preparation.
- 11+ English
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ VR
- 11+ NVR
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
11+ Foundation
This category helps pupils strengthen basics before moving into harder exam-style practice.
- 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Foundation VR
11+ Advanced
This category supports pupils preparing for competitive or super-selective style exams.
- Creative Writing
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
- 11+ Poems
- 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
Route 1: GL Preparation Covering All Four Subjects, such as Buckinghamshire
For GL areas that require broad preparation, pupils should practise all four main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. This route is useful for areas such as Buckinghamshire and other GL Assessment 11+ routes where pupils need strong verbal, mathematical and non-verbal skills.
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Online Route
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ VR
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ NVR
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
The 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets are useful for this route because they combine:
- English with Verbal Reasoning
- Maths with Non-Verbal Reasoning
This helps pupils practise mixed exam-style thinking and build confidence moving between different subject areas.
Printed Paper Sets for Four-Subject GL Preparation
Useful printed sets include:
- 11+ Mixed Practice Papers
- 11+ English Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems Practice Papers
- 11+ SPAG Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation Practice Papers where extra support is needed
- 11+ Advanced Practice Papers for higher-level challenge
Route 2: GL Preparation Focused on English and Maths, such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
Some GL-style school routes focus mainly on English and Maths. For this pattern, pupils should prioritise comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, arithmetic, problem solving and multiple-choice accuracy.
This route is useful for schools such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet and similar school-specific GL routes where English and Maths are the main assessed areas.
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Online Route
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced SPAG
For English and Maths GL routes, separate VR and NVR practice may be less important unless the child is also preparing for other schools. Parents should check the exact school requirements before adding or removing subjects.
Printed Paper Sets for English and Maths GL Preparation
Useful printed sets include:
- 11+ English Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems Practice Papers
- 11+ SPAG Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced English Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced SPAG Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB Practice Papers
English for GL Assessment 11+
English is important in both broad GL routes and English/Maths-only GL routes.
Your child should practise:
- Reading comprehension
- Inference
- Vocabulary
- Word meanings
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Spelling
- Sentence structure
- Careful reading of instructions
- Multiple-choice English questions
On the Scholars Tutorial platform, useful subjects include:
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Poems
Maths for GL Assessment 11+
Maths preparation should focus on accuracy, fluency and problem solving.
Your child should practise:
- Arithmetic
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Number patterns
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Data handling
- Algebra basics
- Word problems
- Multi-step reasoning
On the Scholars Tutorial platform, useful subjects include:
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths
Verbal Reasoning for GL Assessment 11+
Verbal Reasoning is important for broad GL routes and helps pupils work with words, meanings, codes and language logic.
Your child should practise:
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Word relationships
- Letter codes
- Word codes
- Hidden words
- Compound words
- Logical sequencing
- Vocabulary-based reasoning
On the Scholars Tutorial platform, useful subjects include:
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ VR
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation VR
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE
Non-Verbal Reasoning for GL Assessment 11+
Non-Verbal Reasoning is important for broad GL routes and tests visual logic, pattern recognition and spatial awareness.
Your child should practise:
- Shape patterns
- Sequences
- Matrices
- Odd-one-out questions
- Rotation
- Reflection
- Symmetry
- Spatial reasoning
- Visual problem solving
On the Scholars Tutorial platform, useful subjects include:
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ NVR
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE
Multiple Choice Format
Many GL-style tests use multiple-choice questions. Pupils need to understand the topic and also learn how to select the correct answer accurately.
Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets support Multiple Choice Format practice.
This helps pupils learn how to:
- Read questions carefully
- Identify key information
- Eliminate incorrect answers
- Avoid rushing
- Check calculations and reasoning
- Transfer or select answers accurately
- Manage time across a full paper
Approximate Timing and Exam Structure
GL timings and structures can vary depending on the school or exam area.
Some GL routes may include English, Maths, VR and NVR. Others may focus mainly on English and Maths. Some may divide skills into separate papers, while others may combine skills in broader sections.
Parents should treat timing information as approximate unless it comes directly from the target school, local authority or consortium.
For preparation, children should practise:
- Short timed sections
- Longer full paper practice
- Multiple-choice answer selection
- English and Maths accuracy
- VR and NVR where required
- Reviewing mistakes after every test
Suggested Weekly GL Preparation Plans
For Four-Subject GL Routes
A balanced weekly plan could include:
- 2 days per week: English, comprehension, vocabulary or SPAG
- 2 days per week: Maths and word problems
- 1 day per week: Verbal Reasoning
- 1 day per week: Non-Verbal Reasoning
- 1 day per week: Mixed mock-style practice and mistake review
For English and Maths GL Routes
A focused weekly plan could include:
- 3 days per week: English, comprehension, vocabulary, SPAG or reading practice
- 3 days per week: Maths, word problems, arithmetic and reasoning
- 1 day per week: Printed paper practice and mistake review
For pupils closer to the exam, parents can gradually increase timed practice and printed paper work.
Common GL Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Assuming every GL exam uses exactly the same subjects
- Practising VR and NVR when the target school only tests English and Maths
- Ignoring VR and NVR when the target area requires broader GL preparation
- Doing full tests without reviewing mistakes
- Focusing only on speed instead of accuracy
- Leaving vocabulary development too late
- Using only printed papers without online topic practice
- Using only online practice without full paper discipline
- Not practising multiple-choice technique
The best preparation plan depends on the exact GL pattern used by the target school.
How Parents Can Support at Home
Parents can make GL preparation more effective by keeping it consistent and focused.
Helpful habits include:
- Check the target school’s exam pattern early
- Encourage daily reading
- Build vocabulary gradually
- Practise mental arithmetic regularly
- Review mistakes after each test
- Keep a notebook of weak topics
- Use online practice to target gaps
- Use printed papers for exam discipline
- Build confidence gradually
- Avoid last-minute cramming
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GL Assessment always test all four subjects?
Not always. GL-style preparation commonly includes English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, but individual schools and areas may use different combinations.
Some routes require preparation across all four areas, while others focus mainly on English and Maths.
What is the difference between Buckinghamshire GL preparation and Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet GL preparation?
Some GL Assessment 11+ routes, such as Buckinghamshire, require preparation across all four main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Other schools, such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, focus mainly on English and Maths. Parents should always check the target school’s latest exam pattern before deciding which subjects to prioritise.
Which Scholars Tutorial subject is best for broad GL preparation?
A useful mixed mock subject is 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE.
It combines English with Verbal Reasoning and Maths with Non-Verbal Reasoning, making it useful for broad GL-style practice.
Which Scholars Tutorial subjects are best for English and Maths GL routes?
Useful subjects include 11+ English, 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, 11+ SPAG, 11+ Advanced English and 11+ Advanced Maths.
Are printed paper sets useful for GL preparation?
Yes. Printed paper sets help pupils build full-paper concentration, multiple-choice technique, time management and confidence.
They work best when combined with online topic practice.
Should my child practise VR and NVR for GL?
Yes, if the target GL route includes VR and NVR or broader verbal and non-verbal skills. If the target school only focuses on English and Maths, VR and NVR may be lower priority unless your child is also preparing for other schools.
Are GL exam timings always the same?
No. Timings and structures can vary by school or exam area. Parents should always check the latest information from the target school or local authority.
Is GL the same as CEM or ISEB?
No. GL, CEM and ISEB are different exam providers or exam styles, but they assess many similar 11+ skills. A strong preparation plan should match the target exam pattern.
Final Advice
GL Assessment 11+ preparation should always match the target school’s exam pattern.
Some pupils need broad preparation across English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Others need a more focused English and Maths route.
The Scholars Tutorial online platform helps pupils strengthen these skills through organised subject categories, while printed paper sets help children practise in a realistic exam-style format.
For broad GL-style preparation, the 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets under 11+ Mock Exams are especially useful because they combine English with Verbal Reasoning and Maths with Non-Verbal Reasoning.
For English and Maths GL routes, pupils should focus strongly on 11+ English, 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, SPAG, and higher-level English and Maths practice where appropriate.
By combining online practice, printed paper sets, timed work and careful mistake review, pupils can build the accuracy and confidence needed for GL-style 11+ success.