Many local authorities (e.g. Trafford, Wirral, Warwickshire, Lancashire, Calderdale, Bournemouth & Poole, Gloucestershire) use GL papers in some mix of maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ | English | 49 | 50 minutes |
| 11+ | Maths | 50 | 50 minutes |
| 11+ | Verbal Reasoning | 80 | 50 minutes |
| 11+ | Non-verbal Reasoning | 40 | 40 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
The GL Assessment 11+ (four subjects) covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
What is 10% of 317,000?
Answer: B, 31,700
10% of 317,000 is 31,700.
Which word is spelt incorrectly?
Answer: B, untill
Which word is closest in meaning to “help”?
Answer: E, assist
“assist” has a similar meaning to “help”.
Which figure is the odd one out?
Answer: E
The GL tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
The main test usually takes place in September. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the GL format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
Start the free assessment