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
What is 3.77 − 1.224?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 2.546
How to work it out
Line up the decimal points and fill the gap with a zero: 3.77 is 3.770.
Then 3.770 − 1.224 = 2.546.
Why the other options are wrong
A (2.536): This takes one hundredth too many: check the hundredths column.
B (4.994): This adds the numbers instead of subtracting.
D (2.646): This forgets an exchange in the tenths column.
E (3.648): This lines up the last digits instead of the decimal points.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which word completes the sentence with the correct spelling?
Her _____ of dinosaurs amazed the museum guide.
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, knowledge
How to work it out
Her knowledge of dinosaurs amazed the museum guide.
Know + ledge: you have a ledge of knowledge.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
If WOLF is written in code as ASPJ, what is the code for DESK?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, HIWO
How to work it out
Compare WOLF with its code: each letter moves 4 places forward in the alphabet.
Do the same to DESK: HIWO.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which of the shapes below could join this group?
The group
Show the worked answer
Answer: C
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 The Crossley Heath School use?
The Crossley Heath 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 Crossley Heath 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 Crossley Heath 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 Crossley Heath 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.