It’s therefore important that children learn how to manage their time correctly as it’s not possible to return to sections once completed.
The CEM 11 Plus consists of these six 11 plus papers: Comprehension; Literacy; Verbal Reasoning; Numeracy; Numerical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
What is the CEM pre-test? Find out more about how the CEM Select exam’s use as a school entry test at the official Cambridge Assessment CEM site.
Search the ISC independent schools  list to find more info on your specific school’s entry requirements.
Increasingly popular with local authorities, Durham’s CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) entrance tests are much newer and more difficult to prepare for. According to its website “CEM aims to reduce any disadvantage created between children who are tutored for tests and those who are not.” It continues: “Our assessments are designed to enable all children to demonstrate their academic potential without the need for excessive preparation.” Nevertheless, the CEM entrance tests cover the same subject areas (Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning) as the GL Assessment tests and the standardized pass-mark is the same (121). The key difference is that in the CEM exams Verbal Reasoning and English are grouped together. CEM exams are also divided into separately timed sections. Hence, it’s important that children learn how to manage their time correctly as it’s not possible to return to sections once completed.
What is included in the CEM Select exam? The CEM Select is an online test created by theCentre of Evaluation and Monitoring. It’ s used for school entry assessments into both grammar and private schools at:
11+ (Year 7 entry), 12+ (Year 8 entry) and 13+ (Year 9 entry). The CEM Select:
Covers three key main subject areas: Verbal Ability, Non-Verbal Ability and Numerical Ability. Splits up into five or six short modules Takes around 1 hour to complete in total: 3-4 CEM Verbal Ability modules; 1-2 CEM n umerical reasoning modules; and a non-verbal reasoning CEM module.
What is in each CEM test module? The key Verbal Ability modules are Comprehension andMissing Words. Other possible CEM verbal reasoning modules: CEM Shuffled Sentences, CEM Anagrams, CEM Multiple Meanings, CEM Selected Letters, CEM Letter Connections and CEM Related Words. CEM’s main n numerical reasoning module is called General Maths. Other important CEM numerical reasoning called Arithmetic and Data ProblemsThe key non-verbal reasoning CEM modules are called Pictures and Matrices. The CEM Select Matrices questions are in a different style to GL’s traditional non-verbal reasoning question style.
How do 11+ exams differ? A: Since each 11+ provider sets several regional 11 Plus exams. so parents must check individual grammar school websites so that you can confirm whether your child is to sit the CEM 11 Plus, the GL 11 Plus, or some combination of both 11 Plus test formats.
The most common 11 plus exam formats are GL, CEM, CSSE, SET, ISEB and Private School written format . All these different types of 11+ school entrance exams can be very confusing at first glance.
Which types of school use the online CEM Select? Grammar schools, independent schools and other schools using customised 11 plus versions of CEM online tests, or online 11+ tests very similar to the CEM Select 11+.
Check individual school websites to check if your child will take either of the CEM school entry exams. The offline CEM. Or the online CEM SELECT. Or the more recent ISEB pre-tests item bank.
1) Independent school use of the 11+ CEM Select A growing number of independent schools use the online CEM Select as part of their 11+ (and 13+) admissions process.
13+ which is Year 9 entry.
12+ which is Year 8 entry
11+ which is Year 7 entry. This is Cambridge Assessment’s 11+ assessment of maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
2) Grammar school use of the CEM 11 plus exam The initial intent was for this to be a replacement grammar school 11 plus entry assessment. However it’s popularity has meant that an increasing number of private schools, from around the U.K., have also adopted the CEM Select 11 plus.
Which skills does the 11+ assess? Most 11 plus exam formats include assessments of 11 plus Maths skills and 11+ English skills or 11 plus Verbal Reasoning skills. Other types of 11 plus test paper include 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning skills.
So for each grammar school you are applying for, in order to pass that specific 11+ exam format it is vital to:
Understand this specific 11+ Exam Format : Start by thoroughly understanding the format of the 11+ CEM exam. Familiarize yourself with the different sections, such as Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English. Knowing what to expect will help you tailor your teaching accordingly.Assessment and Mock 11+ Tests : Administer practice tests and mock exams regularly to assess your students’ progress. This will help identify their strengths and weaknesses and allow you to focus on areas that need improvement.11+ Vocabulary Building : For the Verbal Reasoning section, focus on building students’ vocabulary and teaching them strategies for tackling word-based questions. Encourage reading widely to enhance their language skills.
What is the 11+ CEM Select exam? The CEM Select test is:
Adopted by certain grammar schools in the UK as part of their Year 7 (age 11) admissions process. Differs considerably from the paper and pencil CEM 11+ which many grammar schools also use. Contains unusual question formats that cannot be found elsewhere. For example, it’s General Maths modular 11+ format.
Developing your 11+ Problem-Solving Skills In the 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning, concentrate on developing problem-solving and pattern recognition skills. Provide plenty of visual puzzles and exercises to improve their spatial awareness. 11 plus Mathematics Mastery : Strengthen their mathematical skills by covering the key topics likely to appear on the exam. Ensure students are confident in topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data handling.11+ English Skills : Enhance their English skills by emphasizing grammar, punctuation, and comprehension. Encourage students to practice essay writing and creative writing to improve their writing skills.Stay Updated : Keep yourself updated with any changes to the 11+ CEM exam format or syllabus. This ensures that your teaching remains relevant.
Key 11+ CEM facts to help your child pass their 11+  5-6 short 11 plus modules.  Three or four of the modules will cover 11+ Verbal Ability is assessed by 3-4 modules in the CEM Select assessment battery of tests. Numerical reasoning skills are assessed by 3-4 CEM Select modules. An 11+ CEM Select assessment takes approx. 60 mins . 11+ Non-Verbal Ability  is assessed by a single non-verbal reasoning module in the CEM Select assessment battery of tests.CEM Select’s Verbal Reasoning modules are the CEM Select’s 11+ Comprehension and CEM Select Missing Words.  Other possible 11+ CEM Select verbal reasoning modules are known by CEM Select as: Shuffled Sentences, Anagrams, Multiple Meanings, Selected Letters, Letter Connections and Related.The 11+ CEM has Numerical Reasoning modules with either 1 or 2 numerical reasoning modules. CEM Select 11+ Non-Verbal Ability section has one module called Pictures. Prior to 2021’s 11+ exam, this has focused exclusively on Matrices questions in the CEM style.The CEM Select exam is extremely time pressured. For example, the Pictures section could have 25 questions to answer in 7 minutes. This is just 16.8 seconds per question!In summary, successful 11+ CEM preparation is a gradual process. Patience, dedication, and a supportive learning environment are key to helping your students excel in the exam.