CEM 11+ Exam Practice

CEM-style 11+ papers mix subjects within a timed section and lean hard on comprehension and vocabulary in context, with numerical reasoning and some non-verbal reasoning. Question types are less predictable than GL, so broad fluency matters more than pattern-drilling.

Is CEM still used?

Rarely, for grammar schools. CEM (now part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment) has largely stopped setting paper 11+ tests. Birmingham and Warwickshire moved to GL Assessment, Gloucestershire and Trafford are moving to FSCE for 2028 entry, and Dorset and Plymouth are moving to Quest. Always check your target school's provider for the year your child sits.

How CEM differs from GL

• Sections contain a mix of subjects with their own sub-timings
• Heavy use of cloze passages, sentence completion and shuffled sentences
• Vocabulary tested in context rather than as isolated synonyms
• Numerical reasoning framed as worded problems

OjasaLearn's CEM preparation

Timed multi-section CEM-format mocks, comprehension and vocabulary built through spaced repetition, and worded numerical practice. Also see GL practice and the preparation guide.

Explore OjasaLearn

• 11+ exam preparation
• 11+ mock tests online
• 11+ Maths practice
• 11+ English practice
• Verbal Reasoning practice
• Non-Verbal Reasoning practice
• GL Assessment practice
• CEM exam practice
• Olympiad-style practice
• School & entrance exam preparation

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