11 Plus Gl Style

11 Plus GL style papers are one particular format of 11 plus papers used by certain boroughs.

GL stands for Granada Learning, which, up until 2007, was NFER (National Foundation for Education Research), gets it’s questions from a large question bank containing a finite number of question types and covers all four of the individual disciplines: maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Most boroughs originally used GL test papers, but in recent years, many boroughs moved away from GL in favour of CEM. This is because the CEM papers were said to be ‘tutor-proof’.

What makes 11 Plus GL Style papers challenging?

The difficulty of the GL style 11 plus, is the fact that there are four separate papers. This means that your child will need to endure for a considerable amount of time (around four hours spread across two assessment days).

Most boroughs that use GL administer individual topics, although some boroughs (e.g. Kent) will use creative writing as a tie-breaker.

Most boroughs will test English, Maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning independently of each other but the GL exam in some boroughs may also combine English and verbal reasoning and another combines Maths and non-verbal reasoning. Standard Format, Multiple Choice, or a combination may be used depending on the school/region.

11 Plus GL Style

Which boroughs use GL?

  • Buckinghamshire (have reverted to GL but now test all 4 subjects)
  • CSSE (Essex) – Chelmsford County High School
  • Dorset
  • Cumbria
  • Kent
  • Lancashire
  • Lincolnshire
  • Medway
  • North London – Latymer School, Henrietta Barnet School
  • Yorkshire and Humber
  • Wiltshire.

GL Exam Structure:

Paper breakdown
MCQ-Section by section
Separate answer sheet One full answer sheet per exam paper- no individually timed sections

Full maths papers

-Mostly MCQ- some boroughs use a standard format

Topics include:

Knowledge of times tables

Applying the four basic operations (+ – x ÷)

Quick mental arithmetic

Graph reading

Understanding of shapes, space & measures

Full English Paper

-Always MCQ

Comprehension exercises

Spelling, where children are asked to spot mistakes

Use of capital letters and punctuation

Word choice and grammar

Full Verbal Reasoning Paper

-Mostly MCQ- some boroughs use a standard format

Process verbal information

Identifying patterns

Similarities and differences between words

Demonstrate an understanding of the rules and meaning of language

Applying logical thinking and problem-solving skills

Full Non-Verbal Reasoning Paper

-Always MCQ

Process graphic information and follow patterns and rules

Use of spatial awareness and reasoning

Apply mathematical skills – rotation, reflection and symmetry

Apply logical thinking and problem-solving skills

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