CEM has decided to stop offering 11+ tests from September 2023
This means that all CEM schools will be required to change test provider from September 2023, with many schools switching to GL Assessment
Why are schools leaving CEM?
In short, they have no other choice. CEM, which is currently a major 11+ exam board in the UK, have made the decision to switch to online. This means that all papers tests from September 2023 will no longer go ahead. If you child is currently in year 5 and taking the 11+ tests in September 2023, they will no longer be doing a test in the CEM format.
What is CEM and how does it differ to GL Assessment?
We have a comprehensive blog on the subject here, but in short, the CEM exam has a greater focus on vocabulary and timing, with many sections being very tough to complete in the allocated time. English, Maths and Non-verbal are similar to GL Assessment for the most part, but the greatest difference is found in the “verbal” section where CEM place a larger emphasis on vocabulary and GL assessment focus more on puzzles and logical reasoning.
It’s worth noting that schools may choose to go with an alternative route: they may choose to write the test themselves. Currently, headteachers from 11+ consortia around the country are in discussion, weighing up the costs and benefits of moving to GL Assessment vs. another means of test provision. However, some consortia have already confirmed that they will be switching to GL Assessment, including Gloucestershire and Bexley.
Which schools are affected?
Nearly 50 schools are affected – that’s 1 in 3 grammar schools in the UK. Affected consortia include Slough consortium, Bexley consortium, Reading consortium, Redbridge Consortium, Medway Kent consortium, Gloucestershire consortium, Trafford Consortium, Wolverhampton, Shropshire & Walsall Consortium, and Devon consortium.
Here are the list of schools who will be moving away from CEM exam board from September 2023:
- Adams’ Grammar School
- Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
- Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
- Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School
- Beths Grammar School
- Bexley Grammar School
- Bishop Wordsworth’s School
- Chatham Grammar School for Girls
- Chelmsford County High School for Girls
- Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School
- Churston Ferrers Grammar School
- Colyton Grammar School
- The Crypt School, Gloucester
- Denmark Road High School
- Fort Pitt Grammar School
- Heckmondwike Grammar School
- Herschel Grammar School
- Holcombe Grammar School
- Ilford County High School
- Kendrick Girls’ Grammar School
- Langley Grammar School
- Marling School
- Newport Girls’ High School
- Pate’s Grammar School, Cheltenham
- Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
- Queen Mary’s Grammar School
- Queen Mary’s High School
- Rainham Mark Grammar School
- Ribston Hall High School
- Rochester Grammar School
- Sale Grammar School
- Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School
- Sir Thomas Rich’s School
- St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School
- Stretford Grammar School
- Stroud High School
- Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
- Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
- Townley Grammar School
- Upton Court Grammar School
- Urmston Grammar School
- Wolverhampton High School for Girls
- Woodford County High School
How should I change my 11+ preparation?
Here at Exam Happy, we are specialists in the GL Assessment tests. Our sample papers and full-length paid papers should give you a good idea of what will come up in the 11+ GL assessment exam if your child was meant to sit the CEM exam.
We also have a monthly subscription where we send full-length 11+ Maths & English papers in GL Assessment format directly to your email address. It’s the most cost-effective way of accessing 11+ GL Assessment papers – you can use this link to get 40% off your first month.
To access answers to our papers, just take a photo of your answer sheet with our 11+ app and the app will automatically mark it for you. Video solutions are also included with every question so your child can learn from their mistakes 😊
Here’s a 1-minute demonstration of how to upload your answer sheet with the app.
What evidence do we have?
- An email from CEM (names have been removed to be GDPR compliant)
- This letter from the Crypt School
- CEM has removed paper based products from their website
- Quick succession of Local Authorities and Grammar Schools announcing they are leaving CEM (e.g., Bexley, Gloucestershire, Trafford, Slough)
- Verbal feedback from admissions teams around the country
