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
On a map, 1 cm stands for 4 km. Two villages are 7.5 cm apart on the map. How far apart are they in real life?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, 30 km
How to work it out
Each centimetre is 4 km, so 7.5 cm is 7.5 × 4 = 30 km.
Why the other options are wrong
A (28 km): The half centimetre has been left out.
B (1.88 km): This divides by the scale; it should multiply.
C (300 km): One zero too many.
D (11.5 km): This adds the numbers; each centimetre is worth the scale.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “ambitious” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, having a strong wish to succeed
How to work it out
“Ambitious” (adjective) means having a strong wish to succeed.
For example: The ambitious young baker dreamed of opening her own shop.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word is closest in meaning to “praise”?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, compliment
How to work it out
“compliment” has a similar meaning to “praise”.
“criticise” is the opposite, a common trap.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure comes next in the series?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A
How to work it out
The lshape turns 45° clockwise each step and the shading alternates; one dot is added each time.
What entrance test does Bishop Wordsworth’s School use?
Bishop Wordsworth’s School 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 Bishop Wordsworth’s School?
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 Bishop Wordsworth’s School?
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 Bishop Wordsworth’s School?
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.