Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Competition
Selective
Prism’s suggested target
78% 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
Work out the subtraction:
2 − 58
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 138
How to work it out
Take 58 from one of the wholes: 1 − 58 = 38.
That leaves 1 wholes and 38: 138.
Why the other options are wrong
A (258): This adds the fraction on instead of taking it away.
B (510): This adds the whole number to the bottom; the bottom number names the size of the parts and does not change.
D (158): This takes 1 whole away but keeps 58. What is left of that whole is 38.
E (-38): This takes the top number from the whole number, mixing wholes and parts.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “legible” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, clear enough to read
How to work it out
“Legible” (adjective) means clear enough to read.
For example: Please make your handwriting legible.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Find the next pair of letters in the series.
JH KK LN MQ ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, NT
How to work it out
Follow each letter on its own.
The first letters move forward 1 each time; the second letters move forward 3.
So the next pair is NT.
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 gains two dots, and then turns 90° clockwise.
What entrance test does Denmark Road High School use?
Denmark Road High 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 Denmark Road High School?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 78% consistently in practice for a 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 Denmark Road High 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 Denmark Road High 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.