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
Which of these numbers has the smallest value?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, −7
How to work it out
On a number line, numbers get smaller to the left. -7 is furthest left, so it is the smallest.
With negative numbers, a bigger digit means a smaller number.
Why the other options are wrong
A (−2): −2 is negative, but −7 is further below zero.
B (−5): −5 is negative, but −7 is further below zero.
C (6): 6 is positive, so it is bigger than every negative number.
D (0): Zero is bigger than every negative number.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “vicious” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, cruel and violent
How to work it out
“Vicious” (adjective) means cruel and violent.
For example: A vicious wind tore at the tents.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Find the next pair of letters in the series.
DJ EL FN GP ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, HR
How to work it out
Follow each letter on its own.
The first letters move forward 1 each time; the second letters move forward 2.
So the next pair is HR.
Tip: write the alphabet with numbers above it.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure is the odd one out?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B
How to work it out
Four figures are the same shape turned to different angles.
The odd one out is a mirror image, which no rotation can produce.
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does Colyton Grammar School use?
Colyton Grammar 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 Colyton Grammar 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 Colyton Grammar 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 Colyton Grammar 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.