GL vs CEM 11+ style: which should you prepare for?
Prepare for the test your school uses this year. Buckinghamshire now uses GL Assessment, and Bexley uses Quest.
What does CEM mean?
CEM is the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, now Cambridge Insight. An old CEM practice book does not mean your school still uses CEM.
Who uses what
| Provider | Example |
|---|---|
| GL | Buckinghamshire and Kent. |
| CEM | Buckinghamshire until 2018 entry. |
| Quest | Bexley from September 2026. |
Compare real tasks
- Write the school and entry year on your resource list.
- Use older books for a single skill, such as vocabulary in context.
- Never reuse one provider's score table for another test.
Skills transfer between tests
Worked example Vocabulary from context
Despite the noisy room, Ivo remained composed and explained the plan clearly. Which word is closest to 'composed'? A musical, B calm, C confused, D silent, E hurried.
- The contrast with 'noisy' and the clear explanation point to control.
- Choose the meaning that fits the whole sentence.
Answer: B, calm. Context decides the meaning.
The trap: A is linked to composing music, which does not fit here.