The short answer
Most grammar schools in England use GL Assessment. CEM no longer offers grammar school tests, so areas that used it have moved to other providers. FSCE is newer and growing, and Gloucestershire's seven grammar schools announced in April 2026 that they'll switch to it. Many independent schools write their own papers.
GL Assessment
GL is the largest 11+ provider. Areas can choose which subjects to include from maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, so a GL test in one county can look different from another. Kent's test, for example, is written by GL.
- Format: multiple choice, often with separate answer sheets
- Practice: GL publishes free familiarisation papers, and plenty of GL-style practice material exists
- Preparation tip: learn each question type's method, then build speed
What happened to CEM?
CEM tests were known for mixing subjects, testing vocabulary heavily and being harder to prepare for with past papers. CEM stopped providing paper-based grammar school tests, and areas that used it moved to GL or other providers. If you see "CEM-style" materials, the vocabulary and comprehension practice is still useful, but check your area's current provider before buying anything.
FSCE
FSCE is a not-for-profit assessment provider linked to Reading School. Its tests are designed to be harder to coach for: formats vary from year to year, papers mix multiple choice with written answers, creative writing is common and no past papers are released.
- Who uses it: Reading School and a growing group of grammar schools. Gloucestershire's seven grammar schools will use FSCE for September 2028 entry
- Timing: Gloucestershire's first FSCE test is planned for the summer term of Year 5 in 2027, earlier than the usual September of Year 6
- Preparation tip: focus on genuine skills (reading widely, maths reasoning, writing well) rather than drilling one paper style
GL vs CEM vs FSCE at a glance
| GL Assessment | CEM (legacy) | FSCE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status in 2026 | Most widely used | No longer offered for grammar school entry | Growing |
| Question style | Multiple choice by subject | Mixed subjects, vocabulary-heavy | Varies each year, multiple choice and written |
| Writing task | Rarely | Rarely | Often |
| Past papers | Free familiarisation papers | Not applicable now | None released |
How to check which test your child will sit
- 1Go to your target grammar school's admissions page and find its 11+ or "entrance test" section.
- 2If your area runs a shared test, check the local authority or consortium website too.
- 3Note the registration window (usually the summer term of Year 5) and the test date.
- 4Applying to several schools? List each school's provider. Preparation can cover more than one format.
Formats change. Always rely on the school's own website for the current year, not on forums or last year's information.
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