What GL tests
GL Assessment writes the 11+ for many grammar schools in England, including those in Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Medway and the West Midlands Grammar Schools Partnership. Each area decides which subjects are tested, how they are grouped into papers and how long each paper lasts, so the format differs from area to area.
GL tests draw on four subjects: English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. In Buckinghamshire, for example, children sit two papers of about an hour each: one covers English and verbal reasoning, the other maths and non-verbal reasoning. Lincolnshire tests only verbal and non-verbal reasoning, a week apart, and Medway sets three papers in English, maths and reasoning.
Papers are split into short sections, each separately timed. Questions are multiple choice, and children mark their answers in pencil on a separate answer sheet that is marked by computer. Most areas hold the test in September of Year 6.
English and maths questions are based on the national curriculum up to the start of Year 6. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning use their own question types, such as codes, word relationships and shape patterns.
Providers change. Kent's test has been written by GL, but Kent County Council has appointed Quest Assessments for September 2028 entry. Your area's familiarisation booklet sets out the exact papers, timings and number of questions, so check it first.
How Keystral prepares your child
- Daily practice in all four subjects. Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, adapted to what your child has mastered.
- A full mock modelled on Buckinghamshire's test. Two timed papers: English, then verbal reasoning; and non-verbal reasoning in four short sections, then maths. The time for each paper is set at GL's pace, and there are single-subject papers for practice in between.
- Reasoning question types. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning types such as cloze, analogies, codes, matrices, folded shapes and reflections, with hints and explanations.
- Writing practice with AI feedback. GL areas do not mark writing (Kent sets a writing task, but it is not marked). Writing is still worth practising, and your child gets AI-generated feedback on each piece.
Other exam formats
If your child's target schools use a different provider, we also support FSCE, used by Reading School, Chelmsford CCHS and grammars in Yorkshire and Lancashire, and by the Gloucestershire and Trafford grammar schools from September 2028 entry.
Keystral is independent of GL Assessment. Our practice papers follow the published format but are written by us. Sources: GL Assessment: free familiarisation materials; GL Assessment: FAQs; Buckinghamshire Council: the Secondary Transfer Test; Lincolnshire grammar schools: 11+ key dates; Medway Council: the Medway Test; West Midlands Grammar Schools Partnership: the entrance test; Kent County Council: new provider appointed for the Kent Test.