Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Competition
Highly selective
Prism’s suggested target
85% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the GL Assessment 11+ (four subjects)
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.
How to prepare
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.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Musa spends £2.43 and pays with a £5 note. What is the smallest number of coins Musa can get in change?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 4
How to work it out
The change is £5.00 − £2.43 = £2.57.
Use the biggest coin that fits each time: £2 + 50p + 5p + 2p.
That is 4 coins.
Why the other options are wrong
A (6): Use £2 and £1 coins before smaller ones.
B (2): Too few coins to make the change exactly.
C (5): This splits one coin into two smaller ones. Use the biggest coin that fits each time.
E (3): Check the change again: one of the amounts has been missed.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a punctuation mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, the museum’s guide
How to work it out
A sentence always starts with a capital letter.
Why the other options are wrong
B (described the history): This part is punctuated correctly.
C (of the castle): This part is punctuated correctly.
D (in great detail.): This part is punctuated correctly.
E (No mistake): There is a mistake: A sentence always starts with a capital letter.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Find the next pair of letters in the series.
GG IJ KM MP ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, OS
How to work it out
Follow each letter on its own.
The first letters move forward 2 each time; the second letters move forward 3.
So the next pair is OS.
Tip: write the alphabet with numbers above it.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
The first figure changes into the second. Which option changes the third figure in the same way?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B
How to work it out
The figure turns 90° clockwise, and then turns 180°.
What entrance test does Altrincham Grammar School for Girls use?
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls uses the GL Assessment 11+ (four subjects), which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 85% consistently in practice for a highly selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
Preparing for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls?
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.
Prism Learning is not affiliated with Altrincham Grammar School for Girls. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.