The Eleven Plus exam, or 11+ exam, is one of the most crucial assessments for children in the UK, determining eligibility for selective grammar schools. As parents navigate the preparation process, one of the key decisions to make is which exam board to focus on: CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) or GL (Granada Learning). While both boards are widely used, they each have unique features and test structures that can significantly impact how a child prepares. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your child’s academic success.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the CEM vs GL exam differences in detail, including their formats, advantages, challenges, and preparation strategies. Whether you’re just starting the preparation journey or are already deep into study mode, this blog will help you make an informed choice.
What is the Eleven Plus Exam?
Before we compare CEM and GL, let’s first understand what the Eleven Plus exam entails. Typically taken by children aged 10 or 11, the 11+ exam tests students’ academic ability and is used by grammar schools to decide admission based on performance. The exam generally consists of four key components:
Verbal Reasoning: Logical reasoning using language.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: Understanding and analyzing shapes and patterns.
Mathematics: Testing mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.
English: Comprehension, spelling, and grammar exercises.
There are two prominent exam boards used for the Eleven Plus: CEM and GL. Let’s dive into the key features of each.
What is CEM?
The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) exam is widely used across various regions in the UK, including Cambridge, Manchester, and Bristol. Known for its unpredictability and focus on reasoning, CEM assesses a child’s ability to think logically under pressure.
Key Features of CEM
Focus on Reasoning: CEM places a heavy emphasis on reasoning skills—especially Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning—along with Mathematics. The primary goal is to assess how well students can logically reason through various problems.
Unpredictable Question Types: One of the standout features of CEM is its unpredictable nature. The exam does not follow a fixed pattern of question types, making it harder to prepare for. The dynamic format requires students to be prepared for anything, which can make the test feel challenging and exciting.
Adaptive Testing: CEM exams are adaptive—the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the student’s previous answers. If a student answers a question correctly, the following questions become more difficult. If they answer incorrectly, the questions become easier, making the exam tailored to a student’s ability level.
Limited Official Practice Materials: Unlike other boards, CEM does not release official past papers, which makes it difficult to practice with real exam questions. Students often rely on mock exams and third-party resources to simulate the CEM experience.
Time Pressure: The CEM exam is known for being time-pressured, requiring students to complete each section within a limited timeframe. The pace can be intense, and students need to be adept at answering quickly and efficiently.
Advantages of CEM
Reasoning-Focused: If your child excels in logical thinking and problem-solving, CEM may be the best option.
Adaptive Nature: The personalized approach of CEM can provide a more accurate reflection of your child’s academic ability.
Dynamic Test Environment: Children who thrive in unpredictable situations may perform better on CEM exams.
Challenges of CEM
Unpredictable Questions: The lack of set question types can make preparation difficult, as students can’t predict exactly what will appear on the test.
Time Constraints: The intense time pressure can lead to stress, particularly for students who struggle with time-limited exams.
What is GL?
The Granada Learning (GL) exam is used in regions such as London, Kent, and Birmingham. Known for its structured approach, the GL exam allows for more targeted and predictable preparation, making it a popular choice for many students.
Key Features of GL
Structured Format: Unlike CEM, the GL exam follows a clear and predictable format. It typically includes questions in Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. This allows students to know exactly what to expect when they sit the exam.
Access to Past Papers: One of the major advantages of the GL exam is the availability of official past papers. This provides students with ample resources to practice and become familiar with the question types and exam format.
More Time Per Question: In comparison to CEM, the GL exam offers more time per question. This can be advantageous for students who need more time to think through their answers, particularly in areas like mathematics and reasoning.
Predictability: The fixed nature of the GL exam allows students to anticipate what’s coming. This can lead to more focused and effective revision strategies, as children are able to tailor their study plans to the specific exam format.
Emphasis on Skills: While reasoning is tested, GL focuses more on assessing academic skills—particularly in Mathematics and English. The exam measures how well students understand these subjects rather than just how well they can reason through problems.
Advantages of GL
Predictable Structure: With a fixed exam format, GL exams allow for better preparation, using past papers and practice tests.
Less Time Pressure: With more time allocated to each question, the GL exam tends to be less stressful.
Comprehensive Resource Availability: The abundance of practice materials, including past papers, makes it easier for students to practice in a real exam context.
Challenges of GL
Less Focus on Reasoning: The GL exam is not as focused on logical reasoning as CEM, so children who excel in reasoning might find GL less challenging.
Fixed Format: While the structured approach is an advantage for many, the lack of adaptability in the exam may not work as well for students who perform better in dynamic testing environments.
Key Differences Between CEM and GL
Here’s a quick comparison to help you make an informed decision about which exam to choose:
Feature
CEM
GL
Focus
Reasoning (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
Academic knowledge (Maths, English)
Question Format
Unpredictable, dynamic
Structured, fixed format
Practice Materials
No official past papers
Access to past papers and practice tests
Time Pressure
More time-pressured
More time per question
Testing Method
Adaptive (difficulty changes with answers)
Static (set difficulty)
Which Exam is Right for Your Child?
Choosing between CEM and GL depends largely on your child’s strengths and how they approach learning and testing:
Choose CEM if:
Your child excels in reasoning and problem-solving.
They can handle unpredictable test environments and perform well under pressure.
Your child is adaptable and comfortable with mock exams and non-standard question types.
Choose GL if:
Your child benefits from a structured learning approach.
They are more comfortable with predictable tests and rely on past papers for practice.
Your child performs better when they are given more time to complete each question.
Study Tips for Preparing for CEM and GL
Here are a few essential study tips to help your child succeed in either exam:
Start Early: Begin preparation at least 6-12 months before the exam. This allows time to build a strong foundation in key areas.
Practice with Past Papers: For GL exams, use official past papers to familiarize your child with the question format. For CEM, use mock exams to simulate the unpredictable nature of the test.
Time Management: Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy. This is especially important for CEM, where time pressure is a significant factor.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify any weaknesses in mathematics, English, or reasoning, and dedicate extra time to these areas.
Stay Calm and Positive: Encourage your child to remain calm during the exam. Positive reinforcement and stress management techniques can help them perform at their best.
Conclusion: CEM vs GL for Eleven PlusBoth CEM and GL offer unique approaches to testing. CEM is ideal for students who excel in reasoning and can adapt to dynamic environments, while GL is better suited for those who prefer a structured approach and have access to practice materials. Ultimately, the choice between CEM and GL depends on your child’s strengths and preferences.By understanding the differences between these two exam boards and preparing strategically, your child can succeed in their 11+ journey and secure a place at their desired grammar school.
FAQs
What is harder: CEM or GL?
It depends on your child’s strengths. CEM can be harder for students who struggle with time pressure and unpredictability, while GL might be easier for students who prefer a more structured test with ample practice materials.
Can I prepare for CEM with past papers?
CEM does not release official past papers. However, students can practice using mock exams and third-party practice materials.
How much time should I spend preparing for the Eleven Plus?
We recommend starting preparation 6-12 months before the exam. The time required will vary depending on your child’s current ability and the areas that need improvement.
Secure Your Child’s Future Today
Contact UsReady to give your child the best chance of success? Take the first step towards excellence with Pass 11 Plus Grammar :
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
The Eleven Plus exam, or 11+ exam, is one of the most crucial assessments for children in the UK, determining eligibility for selective grammar schools. As parents navigate the preparation process, one of the key decisions to make is which exam board to focus on: CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) or GL (Granada Learning). While both boards are widely used, they each have unique features and test structures that can significantly impact how a child prepares. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your child’s academic success.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the CEM vs GL exam differences in detail, including their formats, advantages, challenges, and preparation strategies. Whether you’re just starting the preparation journey or are already deep into study mode, this blog will help you make an informed choice.