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
If 11 December is a Sunday, what day of the week is 8 February?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, Wednesday
How to work it out
Count the days: 20 more in December, 31 in January and 8 in February, so 59 days.
59 = 8 weeks and 3 days.
Whole weeks bring you back to Sunday; 3 more days gives Wednesday.
Why the other options are wrong
A (Tuesday): This counts one day too few. Count the days after the start date, up to and including the end date.
C (Friday): Check the number of days left in December again.
D (Thursday): This counts one day too many: the start day itself is not counted.
E (Monday): This treats December or January as having 30 days; both have 31.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which word best completes the sentence?
The bread was so stale that it was _____.
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, inedible
How to work it out
“inedible” is the word that fits: The bread was so stale that it was inedible.
Why the other options are wrong
B (indelible): “Indelible” means cannot be removed.
C (invisible): “Invisible” means cannot be seen.
D (inaudible): “Inaudible” means cannot be heard.
E (incredible): “Incredible” means unbelievable.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word is most opposite in meaning to “humble”?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, arrogant
How to work it out
“arrogant” is the opposite of “humble”.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which of the shapes below could join this group?
The group
Show the worked answer
Answer: E
How to work it out
Every shape in the group has the same number of dots as it has sides.
Shading and rotation change freely, so they are distractors.
What entrance test does Devonport High School for Boys use?
Devonport High School for Boys 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 Devonport High School for Boys?
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 Devonport High School for Boys?
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 Devonport High School for Boys?
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.