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What is the difference between GL, ISEB, Cambridge Insight and other types of 11 Plus exams?

Here we explain the difference between the different 11+ exam types.

The world of entrance examinations can be confusing for both parents and children.

To make life a little easier, we have put together a list of the most common entrance exams.

GL

GL (Granada Learning) is an examination board responsible for writing and administering a high volume of 11+ entrance exams.

Schools using GL Assessment tests get to choose which components they want to cover. They can include all, or some of the following:

  • Maths
  • English
  • Verbal reasoning
  • Non-verbal reaoning

This can and does change from year to year, so it is important to check the latest information with the senior schools you are applying to.

The Maths and English components always stay rooted in the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum but cover topics across the entire syllabus. This means it’s helpful for children to practise all Year 6 topics, even those they haven’t covered at school yet.

The Learning Journeys and GL mock tests on Atom Home help your child learn and review at the right level for them. This ensures they cover all the content they need before the exam.

ISEB Common Pre-Tests

The ISEB (Independent Schools Examination Board) Common Pre-Tests are a set of online tests covering: 

  • Maths
  • English
  • Verbal reasoning
  • Non-verbal reaoning

The ISEB is one of the few entrance exams that adapts to your child's performance. This means the questions will become easier or harder based on how well they are doing. It only tests the Year 5 National Curriculum rather than the full KS2 National Curriculum.

To achieve the highest score possible, accuracy is extremely important, particularly at the start of each test. Your child needs to answer the lower-level questions correctly to be given a chance to answer questions at a higher level of difficulty, worth more marks. Students must ensure they take their time and double check each question before moving on. 

The ISEB pre-test happens from October to December in Year 6. Results are sent to all schools your child applied to that accept the ISEB.

Cambridge Select Insight (previously CEM Select)

The Cambridge Select Insight is used for some 11+ entrance exams. 

The Cambridge Select Insight is online and non-adaptive.

It follows the KS2 Curriculum but there is a greater emphasis on vocabulary, problem solving and speed. The CEM Select is advertised as a test of verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and maths but in practice also includes a reading comprehension section so it is important to practice all four subjects and not ignore English. 

Alongside the Learning Journeys, we recommend that your child uses a combination of Mock Tests and timed Custom Practices on worded questions to help prepare for a Cambridge Insight test.

SATs and CATs

SATs

SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) measure children’s educational achievement in Years 2 and 6.

They are used to check how well schools support pupils and the progress they make. Some secondary schools also use the results to assess the ability of pupils starting Year 7.

State primary schools are required to run SATs.

SATs include:

  • English Reading 
  • English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (Two papers)
  • Maths Arithmetic
  • Maths Reasoning (Two papers)
  • Science and writing is assessed by their teacher throughout the year

CATs

Independent schools that do not use SATs will likely use CATs (Cognitive Abilities Tests) instead. They may also do their own internal testing instead, all with the same aim of placing children into academic sets.

CATs usually include:

  • Verbal reasoning
  • Non-verbal reasoning
  • Quantitative reasoning
  • Spatial reasoning

They can be taken in any year, and are often used in Year 4 and 5 to assess which senior school or grammar school a child might want to apply for. 

These are also often taken just a few weeks into Year 7 to place new students in their academic sets. Gaining entry into a top set will give your child an advantage in any preparing for future exams like GCSE and A-Level.

Beyond your child's exams

To keep up the momentum and strong progress your child builds during the final stages of 11+ preparation, we recommend staying on Atom Home until the beginning of Year 7. This gives your child the chance to show their full academic potential by using Atom to prepare for end-of-Year 6 tests and the assessments they may face at the start of Key Stage 3.

 

Accurate at the time of publishing.