GL vs CEM vs CSSE: who writes the 11+?

GL Assessment writes the 11+ tests for most grammar schools in England, usually as multiple-choice papers answered on a separate answer sheet, with each area choosing which subjects are tested. CEM, now part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, used to write the 11+ for many areas but no longer sets the main test for most of them; CEM-style practice means mixed, separately timed sections with a strong focus on vocabulary.

For most areas, no. Warwickshire and the King Edward VI Foundation schools in Birmingham moved from CEM to GL Assessment for 2023 entry when the previous contract ended. Of the tests we have checked, only The Blue Coat School entrance test still names CEM as its provider. Always check your school's admissions page, because providers change.

CSSE is the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex, which writes its own 11+ for its grammar schools: an English paper with a continuous writing task and a Maths paper, 60 minutes each and worth half the marks each. Answers are written rather than multiple choice, and there is no verbal or non-verbal reasoning.

The CSSE test in Essex includes a continuous writing task in its English paper, and FSCE tests have sections on English, Maths and creative writing. Some other tests add a writing paper too, such as Colyton Grammar School's Quest test and Devonport High School for Boys' own writing paper, so check the test your child will sit.

FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise) is a not-for-profit company set up by Reading School that writes 11+ tests for grammar schools. Its tests cover English, Maths and creative writing with no non-verbal reasoning, and papers mix multiple-choice and written answers.

For children starting Year 7 in September 2028 (who sit the test in 2027), the official pages we checked show new providers for the The Latymer School entrance test (to Quest Assessments), the Slough Consortium 11+ test (to Quest Assessments), the Trafford grammar schools entrance test (to FSCE), the Gloucestershire grammar schools entrance test (to FSCE), the Dorset grammar schools entrance test (to Quest Assessments). Check each school's admissions page for the details.

GL Assessment writes both. Other tests whose papers GL Assessment provides include Medway Test, Redbridge 11 Plus, Kendrick School admission test, West Midlands Grammar Schools test.

Start with the school: its admissions page or admissions policy usually names the test and who provides it, and our test guides link to the official pages we checked. Providers can change from one entry year to the next, so check the page for the year your child will start Year 7.

Practise the way your child's test is answered. GL Assessment papers are usually multiple choice, the first stage of the Sutton SET is multiple choice, CSSE papers need written answers and FSCE papers mix the two, so match the format as the test gets closer.