For parents considering grammar schools in Berkshire, the journey can seem particularly confusing. Unlike neighbouring Buckinghamshire with its single consortium, the Berkshire 11+ is a more complex landscape of individual schools and consortiums, each with its own specific test.
However, there is a common thread: the majority of these tests are provided by GL Assessment. Understanding the format, style, and structure of the GL Assessment is therefore the single most important step you can take to prepare your child for success.
At elevenplus.com, our mission is to bring clarity to this process. This definitive guide will provide a deep dive into the GL Assessment format used by the Reading and Slough grammar schools, giving you the expert knowledge needed to create a focused and effective revision plan.
In this definitive guide, you will learn:
- Which key schools in Berkshire use the GL Assessment.
- A detailed breakdown of the subjects, timings, and question styles.
- The key differences between the Reading School test and the Slough Consortium test.
- A clear strategy to prepare your child for the specific demands of this exam style.
Which Berkshire Schools Use the GL Assessment?
While several schools have their own arrangements, the two main grammar school groups in Berkshire both use tests set by GL Assessment:
- Reading School (Boys): A standalone grammar school that sets its own test in partnership with GL Assessment.
- The Slough Consortium: A group of four grammar schools that share a single 11+ exam, also set by GL Assessment. The schools are:
- Herschel Grammar School (co-educational)
- Langley Grammar School (co-educational)
- St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School (co-educational)
- Upton Court Grammar School (co-educational)
Note: Kendrick School (Girls) also uses GL Assessment, but has a test format more similar to the Buckinghamshire test.
The GL Assessment Format: What to Expect
GL Assessment tests are known for their strong focus on core curriculum knowledge. They are considered rigorous and straightforward, with less ambiguity than other exam types.
Key Characteristics:
- Paper-Based: The exams are taken on paper, not on a computer.
- Multiple-Choice: Questions typically have four or five answer options.
- Separate Answer Sheets: Children are given a question booklet and a separate answer sheet where they must shade a lozenge for their chosen answer. This requires good concentration.
- Strong Timings: The tests are broken down into strictly timed sections, making time management a critical skill.
A Tale of Two Tests: Reading vs. Slough Consortium
While both use GL Assessment, there are crucial differences in the subjects tested.
Reading School 11+ Test
The test consists of three separate papers, with a strong emphasis on curriculum knowledge.
- English: This paper typically lasts 45-50 minutes and tests comprehension skills, grammar, spelling, and punctuation through multiple-choice questions.
- Maths: This paper also lasts 45-50 minutes and focuses on the Key Stage 2 curriculum, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving.
- Creative Writing: This paper is not always included every year and is typically only used as a tie-breaker in borderline cases. It is not usually marked as part of the main score.
Key takeaway: The Reading School test is focused purely on English and Maths skills, with no reasoning papers.
The Slough Consortium 11+ Test
The test consists of two papers, each lasting approximately 50 minutes, taken on the same day.
- Paper 1 (Verbal Skills): This paper combines two sections:
- English Comprehension: Based on a passage of text.
- Verbal Reasoning: Logic puzzles based on words and language.
- Paper 2 (Non-Verbal & Mathematical Skills): This paper combines three sections:
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Identifying patterns in abstract shapes.
- Spatial Reasoning: Manipulating 2D and 3D shapes.
- Maths: Questions covering the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
Key takeaway: The Slough Consortium test covers a broader range of subjects, including all forms of reasoning, making it a wider test of a child’s abilities.
[Image: A sample question from our practice papers showing a typical GL-style Maths problem, relevant for both tests.]
Core Skills for GL Assessment Success
Regardless of the specific test, a child’s success with GL Assessment papers relies on a few key areas:
- Strong Vocabulary: This is vital for both the English Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning sections. It allows a child to understand the nuances of a text and the relationships between words.
- Solid Maths Foundations: GL Maths questions are based firmly on the school curriculum. Fluency in arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and percentages is non-negotiable.
- Methodical Approach: For all reasoning sections, the key is to work methodically. Rushing leads to mistakes. Children should be taught to identify the pattern or rule before attempting to find the answer. This tests logic, a key skill in STEM subjects.
- Time Management: With strictly timed sections, children must learn not to get bogged down. The strategy is to answer the questions they can do quickly first, then return to the harder ones if time allows.
How to Structure Your Preparation
A focused approach is essential.
- Identify Your Target: First, decide which test your child is preparing for – Reading School or the Slough Consortium. This will dictate which subjects you need to focus on.
- Diagnose and Build: Use an 11+ diagnostic test specifically aligned to the correct exam format. This will highlight your child’s strengths and weaknesses and allow you to build their core skills in a targeted way.
- Practice with the Right Materials: It is crucial to use practice papers that mirror the specific format of the test your child will be taking. For Reading, this means separate English and Maths papers. For Slough, this means combined papers.
- Master the Answer Sheet: The separate answer sheet can be tricky. Many marks are lost by children accidentally marking the wrong line. Practising with a separate answer sheet is a vital part of refining exam technique.
A Quick Note on GL vs. CEM
Parents who have been researching for a while may have come across another exam provider called CEM. Until recently, CEM was a popular choice for many grammar schools. However, in late 2022, CEM stopped providing paper-based 11+ exams. GL Assessment is now the primary provider for almost all grammar schools in Berkshire and across the UK. You can therefore be confident that preparing for the GL format is the correct approach.
By understanding the specific demands of the GL Assessment format and tailoring your preparation accordingly, you can give your child the best possible chance of success.
Ready to start your focused preparation?
➡️ Explore our range of GL Assessment Practice Papers, with specific packs designed for both the Reading School and Slough Consortium exam formats.
