A state grammar school in Plymouth for girls, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
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.
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.
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Which of these numbers is a common factor of 18 and 30?
Answer: C, 3
A common factor divides into both exactly: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 and 30 ÷ 3 = 10.
Which word completes the sentence with the correct spelling?
We have swimming every _____ after school.
Answer: D, Wednesday
Choose one word from each group. Which two words are closest in meaning?
( odd, castle, meadow ) ( saucer, bucket, peculiar )
Answer: A, odd and peculiar
Which figure comes next in the series?
Answer: E
The lshape turns 45° clockwise each step and the shading alternates; one dot is added each time.
Plymouth High 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.
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.
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.
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.
Start the free assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with Plymouth High School for Girls. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.