GL Assessment vs CEM — what's the difference and which does Kent use

If you've started researching the 11 plus, you've almost certainly come across two names: GL Assessment and CEM. Understanding the difference matters — not because the subjects tested are dramatically different, but because the question styles, timing and preparation strategies vary enough that revising for the wrong one is a real risk.

Here's everything you need to know.

The two main 11 plus exam boards

The 11 plus is not a single national exam. It's set and administered locally, and different areas use different exam providers. The two dominant providers in England are:

GL Assessment (formerly Granada Learning) is the most widely used provider. Their exams cover Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, typically as separate timed papers. Questions are multiple choice and answered on a separate answer sheet.

CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, part of Durham University) is used in a smaller number of areas. CEM exams tend to blend subjects within a single paper — so a paper might mix verbal reasoning and English comprehension rather than keeping them separate. The question styles are considered less predictable and harder to directly prepare for.

The key differences

GL Assessment:

• Separate timed papers for each subject

• Standardised, predictable question formats

• Multiple choice, answered on a separate answer sheet

• Highly coachable with structured practice

• Used in the majority of grammar school areas in England

  
  

CEM:

• Subjects mixed within a single paper

• More varied, less predictable question styles

• Multiple choice, sometimes with written elements

• Deliberately harder to directly coach

• Used in fewer areas, including parts of the Midlands and North East

  
  

The most important practical difference is coachability. GL Assessment uses consistent, standardised question types — once a child learns the format for each question type, they can practise it systematically. CEM deliberately varies its formats to make direct coaching harder, which is why some schools and local authorities prefer it.

Which exam board does Kent use?

Kent uses GL Assessment.

The Kent Test — sat by Year 6 children in September — is set by GL Assessment and covers all four subjects: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Each section is timed separately.

This is good news for preparation. GL Assessment's consistent question formats mean that focused, structured practice directly improves performance. Children who practise GL Assessment-style questions regularly — particularly under timed conditions — are significantly better prepared than those who revise from general KS2 materials alone.

Which other areas use GL Assessment?

GL Assessment is used across the majority of grammar school areas in England, including:

• Kent

• Buckinghamshire

• Hertfordshire

• Birmingham and the West Midlands (some schools)

• Essex (some schools)

• Lincolnshire

• Wiltshire

If you're unsure which provider your target school uses, check the school's admissions page directly — it will specify the exam provider and format.

Which areas use CEM?

CEM is used in fewer areas, including:

• Parts of the West Midlands (Coventry, Warwickshire)

• Durham and parts of the North East

• Some grammar schools in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire

Again, always verify with the specific school — some areas have switched providers in recent years and information online can be out of date.

What this means for preparation

If your child is sitting the Kent Test or any other GL Assessment exam, the preparation strategy is clear:

Practise GL Assessment question types specifically. General KS2 revision is useful for building foundations, but it won't prepare your child for the specific formats used in the exam. Verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning in particular have question types that don't appear in the school curriculum at all — children need dedicated practice to become familiar with them.

Timed practice matters. GL Assessment papers are timed, and children who haven't practised working under time pressure consistently underperform relative to their ability. Build timed practice into your routine from Year 5 at the latest.

Cover all four subjects. Some families focus heavily on Maths and English because these feel familiar, and underinvest in Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. In the GL Assessment, all four subjects contribute to the final score — gaps in reasoning can significantly affect the outcome.

Start earlier than you think. The Kent Test takes place in September of Year 6, which means preparation needs to be well underway by the summer of Year 5. Families who start structured practice in Year 4 have a significant advantage — not because the content is harder, but because daily practice habits take time to build.

Tools built for GL Assessment preparation

Because GL Assessment uses consistent, standardised formats, it's possible to find practice materials that directly mirror what children will encounter on the day. Our online platform YoungLearners is built specifically around GL Assessment question styles, covering all four subjects with 20,000+ questions, timed mock exams and daily practice tools. There's a free plan available — no card needed.

For children in Kent, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and other GL Assessment areas, it's directly relevant preparation rather than generic practice.

Young Learning Tuition provides expert 11 plus tuition in Sevenoaks and the surrounding Kent area, specialising in GL Assessment preparation. Get in touch to discuss how we can support your child.