Entrance to Newstead assesses Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, there are no core English or Maths papers (although aspects of both may appear in the Reasoning papers).

The papers are provided by the GL (Granada Learning) exam board.

The GL Framework

GL (Granada Learning, previously NFER) is one of the two leading 11+ exam bodies in the UK, alongside CEM.

GL papers are built from a question bank of c15,000 entrance questions and follow a pattern of repeating question styles. For these reasons it is generally agreed that GL entrance exams are easier to revise for than their less predictable CEM cousins.

Each subject is usually covered in a dedicated paper lasting between 45 and 50 minutes, questions are majority multiple choice but there are usually at least some open answer questions and it is important to prepare for both. Multiple choice answers are recorded on a separate, computer-marked answer sheet, answers recorded on the paper itself are not valid.

Let’s look at what we know

• The entrance tests focus exclusively on Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Papers are built on the GL framework, which is largely multiple choice

• Answers for multiple choice questions must be marked on the answer sheet provided

Choosing the right practice papers

Children should practise timed, time-weighted multiple-choice papers across both Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

• Verbal Reasoning

• Non-Verbal Reasoning