It can be confusing to take entrance tests for the very first time because of the various terminology. CEM, GL Assessments, as well as ISEB are the 3 exam providers that you will hear discussed the most.
These are the biggest 11 plus test boards and the most popular companies in England that offer competitive secondary school entrance exams. All admission exams are made to evaluate a student’s potential and academic standing to determine whether they will succeed at the institution.
However, there are significant variations in which institutions they are used in, the subjects covered and the difficulty level, and the structure and format of the exam. But here, we will be discussing the difference between GL and ISEB, so if you are curious, then keep on reading.
What exactly is the ISEB?
As part of the admissions process, your kid may take exams offered by the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) if they are looking for a spot at an independent senior school.
It is also worth noting that the ISEB develops a variety of exams, including the Common Entrance assessments at 11+ as well as 13+ that are utilized by numerous independent prep schools as well as senior high schools.
Are GL Assessment and ISEB the same thing?
The fundamental difference between GL and ISEB is that GL is used for grammar school admission exams, whilst ISEB is utilized for independent schools.
Even though the same subjects are evaluated in general, GL evaluates topics at the Year 5 and 6 levels, whereas ISEB only evaluates them at the Year 5 level.
Last but not least, the formats are different: ISEB is rather an adaptive online exam, whereas GL is a conventional paper-based exam.
Where are they used?
• Grammar School
State grammar school entrance exams are conducted using GL (Granada Learning) Assessments. The most popular grammar school entrance exam is the GL, and CEM was later added as a substitute to avoid “teaching to the test.”
GL Assessments are currently utilized by grammar schools in Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Dorset, Lincolnshire, South West Hertfordshire, and Warwickshire, as well as the London boroughs of Barnet, Bromley, Enfield, Kingston-upon-Thames, and Sutton.
• Independent School
Independent schools often referred to as private schools; employ the ISEB (Independent Schools Examinations Board) Standard Pre-Test for entrance exams. Over 70 independent schools in England presently use it for all or a portion of their 11 plus as well as 13 plus entry procedures.
A small complication comes from the fact that the ISEB also conducts the Common Entrance test, which is utilized by about 160 private schools for 13-plus entry as well as streaming purposes. A few independent schools also employ modified Common Entrance exams for 11+ entry.
The main difference between GL and ISEB
- The majority of independent as well as grammar schools utilize GL, but over 60 independent schools use ISEB.
- GL examinations are paper exams administered in a classroom context whereas the student takes the ISEB online exam at their current school or a potential senior school.
- English, math, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning are all assessed in the GL. In contrast, the ISEB exam covers verbal, nonverbal, and mathematical reasoning. Designed to meet the requirements of the independent sector.
- The GL exam may consist of two stages. Only the more elite grammar schools, as well as independent schools, employ Stage 2.
English and math multiple-choice questions with some verbal as well as non-verbal reasoning are included in stage 1 papers. Each for around 50 minutes.
Open-ended questions are included in Stage 2 exams. Writing, as well as comprehension questions in English, follow the format of an independent school exam. Math consists of both difficult word puzzles as well as arithmetic problems.
- The ISEB includes multiple-choice as well as adaptive online exams. You can study English, math, non-verbal reasoning, as well as verbal reasoning all at once or individually. A Standard Age Score is given to each pupil.
You can easily find the ISEB pretest practice tests to help your child develop their skills more and manage time as well. The time required for each exam would be:
- 25 minutes for English.
- 50 minutes for math.
- 36 minutes for verbal reasoning.
- 32 minutes for nonverbal thinking.
Is the ISEB the same as 11+?
Any exam used to select students for Year 7 based on their academic aptitude is known as an 11 Plus exam.
The ISEB Common Pre-Test is the only 11-plus exam used solely for admission to independent schools, while there are other versions as well.
The term “11 plus” is occasionally used in slang to describe solely entrance tests for grammar schools.
The pretest preparation for ISEB and GL
The ISEB pre-test doesn’t require any special preparation. However, being familiar with the various questions, having used the computerized interface before, and having some idea of what to anticipate can be quite helpful.
1. Make sure your kid is familiar with the GL/ISEB pre-test format
Before taking the actual exam, students in Year 6 should watch the ISEB familiarization exams to gain a sense of the format as well as the questioning style.
2. Respond to questions promptly
Practice GL assessment questions and finish online exams. This helps students develop important exam skills like working under pressure, thoroughly reading the questions, as well as time management. For instance, taking a 50-minute math exam.
3. Make learning enjoyable by utilizing helpful tools
Questions requiring both verbal and nonverbal reasoning are like riddles! To make the workouts more fun, use flashcards.
4. Use a steady, “little and constant” strategy
The purpose of the ISEB pre-test is to evaluate a child’s current academic performance and potential. Children require time to absorb and retain the substantial amount of content that is covered in questions during Key Stage 2.
Encourage your youngster to read for enjoyment, to create imaginative stories, and to engage in dinnertime discussions about English. Their ability to communicate verbally and in writing could significantly increase as a result.
Regular practice of fundamental math concepts, such as algebra, the 4 operations, decimals, fractions, as well as percentages, along with shape and space, can have a significant impact.
5. Assess progress
To track and monitor your child’s development, use free GL 11+ assessment practice sheets or other assessment materials. It’s crucial to avoid “over-testing,” but one exam every week can be quite beneficial in ensuring that your child is making the necessary development and in helping you to see any knowledge gaps.
Conclusion
To conclude, GL and ISEB even though they are quite different from each other, there is one thing common between the two, and that is it helps your children develop their skills and knowledge. Plus, it even helps your children get into high-standard schools and get the opportunity to study much-advanced.
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