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
Zain spends £4.04 and pays with a £5 note. What is the smallest number of coins Zain can get in change?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, 5
How to work it out
The change is £5.00 − £4.04 = £0.96.
Use the biggest coin that fits each time: 50p + 20p + 20p + 5p + 1p.
That is 5 coins.
Why the other options are wrong
A (7): Use £2 and £1 coins before smaller ones.
C (3): Too few coins to make the change exactly.
D (4): Check the change again: one of the amounts has been missed.
E (6): This splits one coin into two smaller ones. Use the biggest coin that fits each time.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, My sister, who is twelve, loves chess.
How to work it out
The correct sentence is: My sister, who is twelve, loves chess.
Commas separate items in a list, or a fronted phrase from the rest of the sentence.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Find the next number in this series.
12, 39, 17, 34, 22, 29, ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 27
How to work it out
Two series take turns: 12, 17, 22 (add 5) and 39, 34, 29 (take away 5).
The next number continues the first: 27.
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: A
How to work it out
The figure becomes shaded solid, and then turns 180°.
What entrance test does West Kirby Grammar School use?
West Kirby 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 West Kirby Grammar 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 West Kirby 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 West Kirby 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.