If you are preparing your child for entry to grammar school, you may have come across the term 11 Plus GL Assessment. Many parents hear it mentioned by schools or tutors but are unsure what it actually means.
This guide will walk you through what the GL Assessment 11 Plus is, how the test is structured, which subjects are included, and how you can help your child prepare in a calm and confident way.
GL Assessment is a test provider. GL stands for Granada Learning. It designs entrance exams used by many grammar schools across the UK. When people refer to the GL 11 Plus, they mean the 11 Plus exam papers created by GL.
In simple terms, it is the exam format and question style set by GL Assessment for selective schools.
Not all grammar schools use GL. Some use other providers, so it is important to check which exam board your chosen school follows.
The GL Assessment 11 Plus usually includes a mix of the following subjects:
Different regions may test different combinations. For example, some areas include creative writing, while others focus only on multiple choice papers.
The exam typically includes:
Understanding the structure early reduces confusion later.
Parents often ask what makes it different from other providers.
GL exams usually:
Because of this, children benefit from practising with papers that mirror the real format. Simply being strong in school Maths and English is not always enough.
This is where our structured 11 plus mocks can make a real difference. Our tutors use timed practice sessions to help students manage their time confidently and reduce exam anxiety.
The GL format is not just about knowledge. It tests thinking skills.
Preparation should be gradual and structured.
Here are practical steps parents can follow:
We prepare students thoroughly through our structured 11 plus paper based exams that reflect real test conditions and improve answer accuracy.
Our tutors also support students with our realistic 11 plus online mock exams to build timing skills and exam confidence in a digital format.
Common mistakes include:
In our intensive courses, we focus on strengthening weaker areas through targeted revision, timed practice and exam technique training. Our tutors work closely with students to refine problem-solving skills, improve accuracy, and build the confidence needed as the exam approaches.
Yes, it can feel challenging at first because it tests both what a child knows and how quickly they can think. But the format is fairly consistent, and once students become familiar with the question types, their confidence and performance usually improve with practice.
Children who understand the structure and timing usually feel far more relaxed on exam day.
The key is not just practising more, but practising correctly.
The 11 Plus GL Assessment can feel overwhelming at first, especially when there is so much information to take in. But once children understand the exam structure and practise regularly, it becomes far more manageable.
At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we prepare students step by step. Our tutors guide them through timed practice, realistic mock exams, detailed feedback, and focused skill-building sessions. We make sure students understand how to approach each question type, manage their time confidently, and stay calm under pressure.
Several UK Grammar schools use GL Assessment papers, including those in Birmingham, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire, Kent, and Buckinghamshire, although each area sets its own admissions process.
GL Assessment is designed for children aged 6 - 17+ years, depending on the specific test being taken.
A GL standard age score of 100 is average, while 110 and above is generally seen as good. For grammar school entry, scores around 120 or higher are usually strong, and 130+ is considered excellent. On practice papers, scoring around 80-85% can suggest a child is on track.
