Introduction
When parents begin preparing their child for the 11+ or selective school entrance exams, two terms appear again and again: GL style and CEM Select. Parents often use these terms interchangeably, but in reality, they represent two very different testing philosophies. Understanding this difference is essential, because preparation strategies that work well for one style may be ineffective—or even counterproductive—for the other.
Understanding GL Style Exams
GL style exams follow the approach developed by GL Assessment, one of the most widely used assessment providers in the UK. These exams have a structured and predictable format. Question patterns remain familiar, and the papers test skills clearly rather than disguising them within complex or unusual questions.
In a GL-style paper, schools assess children in clearly defined subjects such as Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English. The English component may include comprehension, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and creative writing. However, schools that adopt GL-style testing do not all follow the same format. Some schools test all of these subjects, while others assess only selected areas. For this reason, parents must check the exact test format used by their target school before starting preparation.
To support families at the early stages of preparation, we have created a detailed study guide for Year 3, Year 4, and Year 5. This guide provides an ideal starting point for a long and rigorous 11+ preparation journey.
Under GL-style testing, questions usually focus on one skill at a time. This structure allows students to apply specific techniques they have practised. Because the format is clear, parents and tutors can measure progress easily, and children build confidence steadily through regular practice. Many children—especially those who respond well to routine and structure—find GL-style exams fair and manageable.
Another key advantage of GL style exams is accessibility. A wide range of practice materials closely mirrors the exam format, which makes preparation more straightforward. With consistent practice, children quickly learn to recognise question types and apply the correct methods with increasing accuracy.
You can download the GL syllabus below:
VR, NVR, Maths and English Syllabus – Download
Understanding CEM Select Exams
The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) developed CEM Select exams with a different objective: to reduce predictability and limit the impact of intensive coaching. As a result, CEM Select papers often feel more demanding, even for academically strong students.
Unlike GL-style exams, CEM Select papers contain many short sections with strict time limits. Questions often combine multiple skills—such as language and mathematics—within a single task. Vocabulary levels tend to be higher, mental maths appears at speed, and the paper requires students to adapt quickly as formats change. Success therefore depends not only on knowledge but also on how quickly and flexibly a child can think under pressure.
Because CEM exams intentionally avoid predictability, very little official-style practice material exists. Earlier, CEM exams followed a paper-based format similar to GL exams. However, CEM has now moved completely online under the name CEM Select. As a result, many traditional preparation books—including older CGP CEM books—no longer reflect the current exam format accurately.
Since CEM Select is an online exam, children should practise using online test platforms. Pretest Plus CEM Select online papers currently offer the most realistic and reliable preparation material.
Preparation for CEM Select focuses on developing core skills such as advanced vocabulary, rapid numerical thinking, and sustained concentration, rather than mastering fixed techniques. Some children find this exam style stressful, particularly those who prefer clear routines and longer thinking time. For example, in the reasoning section, children may need to attempt 24 questions in just 8 minutes—a challenge even for many adults. However, the official CEM Select guidance clearly states that children are not expected to complete every question. Instead, the exam rewards accuracy, encouraging students to attempt the questions they understand best and answer them correctly.
You can download a typical CEM syllabus below.
Key Differences in Practice and Experience
The most important difference between GL style and CEM Select lies in predictability versus adaptability. GL style exams reward careful preparation, accuracy, and familiarity with question types. CEM Select exams reward speed, resilience, and the ability to cope with unfamiliar challenges. Although both formats involve time pressure, it plays a far greater role in CEM Select exams, where working too slowly can significantly affect performance.
Preparation approaches also differ. GL-style exams respond well to structured practice, topic-by-topic revision, and regular mock tests that closely resemble the real exam. CEM Select exams require a broader strategy, with strong emphasis on vocabulary development, mental maths drills, and timed mixed-skill practice.
Which One Is “Harder”?
Parents often ask whether CEM Select is harder than GL style. In reality, neither exam is objectively harder. Each style presents its own challenges. A child who thrives on structure may perform better in a GL-style exam, while a child who thinks quickly and enjoys challenge may cope well with CEM Select. Difficulty therefore depends largely on a child’s learning style and temperament.
A Common Source of Confusion
Many parents mistakenly prepare their child for the wrong exam style. Schools often describe their tests as “GL-style” even when GL Assessment does not directly set the paper. In most cases, this description simply means the exam follows a traditional, structured format rather than the fast-changing style associated with CEM Select. Over-preparing for CEM-style difficulty when the exam is actually GL-style can increase anxiety and unnecessarily reduce a child’s confidence.
Final Thoughts
In simple terms, GL style exams test knowledge and technique through a clear, structured approach, while CEM Select exams test speed, adaptability, and underlying aptitude.
