GL vs CEM vs ISEB: What’s Different (and what to do)

Different test styles reward different preparation. That’s why some children feel “fine” on one paper and suddenly struggle on another.

If you know which style you’re facing, you can prep more efficiently. If you don’t, you can still make strong progress by training the fundamentals that show up everywhere.

Related guides: 11+ Prep · English & Verbal Reasoning · Maths (7–11) · All blog posts

The big idea: “hard” usually means “different emphasis”

It’s rarely that your child suddenly became worse at the subject.

More often, the paper is rewarding a different mix of:

• speed (pace and decision-making),
• language (vocabulary + inference), and
• pattern handling (recognising question types and applying methods quickly).

Same child, same ability — different emphasis. So the prep needs to match.

The simple differences

At a high level, most differences come down to what the paper rewards most:

• Speed: some papers push pace and quick decisions more heavily.
• Vocabulary: some lean harder into word knowledge and nuanced meanings.
• Reasoning patterns: some focus more on recognising question types and applying methods fast.

What this looks like in real life

• Speed-heavy papers: kids who “know it” still run out of time.
• Vocab-heavy papers: kids get stuck even when the maths/reasoning is fine.
• Pattern-heavy papers: kids say “I didn’t know what to do” even though the skills are within reach.

If you know your exam style

Once you know the emphasis, you can train smarter:

If it’s speed-heavy

• Use small timed sets (10–15 minutes) + immediate review.
• Train fast starts (10-second read, underline the job, go).
• Build accuracy-first speed (speed comes from fewer mistakes, not rushing).

Helpful next read: Timed Practice Without Stress and How to Stop Careless Mistakes.

If it’s vocab-heavy

• Do daily reading + vocabulary exposure (small reps beat cramming).
• Use a simple vocabulary habit: 1 new word + 2 sentences.
• Practise inference (“what does this suggest?”) not just definition recall.

Helpful next read: Vocabulary That Sticks and Funny Books for Reluctant Readers (because consistency matters more than “serious” books).

If it’s pattern-heavy (reasoning methods)

• Teach common question types explicitly, then drill recognition (“what type is this?”).
• Use worked examples and step prompts (“first… then…”).
• Build a “default method” for each type so kids don’t freeze.

If you’re unsure which exam you’re facing

Don’t freeze. Train the fundamentals that carry across all formats:

• Arithmetic fluency: quick, accurate calculations without burning time.
• Comprehension + inference: understanding what’s implied, not just what’s stated.
• Vocabulary: steady, daily exposure beats cramming.
• Timed practice (small doses): enough to build calm speed — not enough to create stress.

In other words: build a strong engine first. Then tune it once you know the track.

Try this next: a two-week baseline

This is a coach move: build clarity before you “go all in”.

Week 1: mixed skills baseline

• Do 4–5 short sessions (10–15 minutes).
• Mix maths, English, and reasoning.
• Track error types: knowledge gap vs misread vs careless vs time pressure.

Week 2: timed mini-sets + review

• 3–4 timed mini-sets (10 minutes) across the week.
• Immediately redo the same questions untimed (5–10 minutes).
• Write one line: “My biggest leak is ______.” (speed / vocab / method / misreading)

Once you have a baseline, you can stop guessing — and start training what actually moves the score.

Want a low-friction way to run the baseline (especially if you’re busy)? Use the free Classroom Trial for the daily 10-minute block, and treat the review as the “learning layer.”