CEM and GL Assessment are the two primary examination boards for the 11+ exam, used for both state grammar schools and independent school pre-tests.
The CEM exam is often seen as more challenging because it was designed to be “tutor-proof.” The board doesn’t officially release or endorse any practice materials. However, a wide range of practice resources are available and widely used, proving that preparation is still a key factor for success.
CEM’s content is said to align more closely with the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum. The Verbal Reasoning section is a significant differentiator between the two boards. A strong vocabulary is particularly crucial for a child to do well on the CEM Verbal Reasoning paper.
The provided text doesn’t offer much detail on the GL Assessment board. However, it’s worth noting that its structure and question types, particularly in Verbal Reasoning, can differ from CEM. Generally, GL Assessment is perceived to be less focused on a “tutor-proof” design and often has more readily available practice materials.