GL vs Quest Assessment: The New Exam Board Shaking Up the 11+
What the switch means for your child — and whether you need to change your prep strategy
PrepTicks Team
July 2026
If you're navigating the 11+ exam circuit, you're probably very familiar with GL Assessment. For years, they've been the default provider for grammar school entrance exams across the UK — including the Kent Test and the Medway Test.
But there's a new player on the field: Quest Assessments.
With major local authorities like Bexley Council transitioning from GL to Quest, parents are understandably asking: What does this mean? Do I need to throw out all our study materials?
Let's break down exactly how these two exam boards compare — and what it means for your prep.
At a Glance: GL vs Quest
| Feature | GL Assessment | Quest Assessments |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper-based, multiple-choice answer sheets | Primarily digital (some paper variants) |
| Adaptability | Linear — every child sees the same questions | Adaptive — difficulty adjusts to the child's answers |
| Question Style | Predictable, formulaic patterns | Dynamic, interactive, critical thinking focus |
| Subjects | English, Maths, VR, NVR | English, Maths, VR, NVR + Spatial Reasoning |
| Reasoning Approach | 21 specific VR question types to memorise | Logic puzzles + spatial tasks requiring flexibility |
3 Core Differences Parents Need to Know
1. Static Paper vs Adaptive Tech
This is the biggest structural shift in how children experience the exam.
GL relies on the traditional model: a question booklet and a separate multiple-choice answer sheet. Children must practise the mechanical skill of tracking line numbers and shading boxes correctly.
Questis designed for a digital environment. In its online format, it uses adaptive testing — if your child answers correctly, the next question gets harder, finding their exact ceiling of ability. For paper-based regional variations (like the updated Bexley format), Quest shifts the styling to focus on direct application rather than hidden “tricks.”
2. Reasoning: Formulaic vs Flexible
GL Verbal Reasoningis famous for its 21 specific question types — “Move a Letter,” “Word Connections,” “Hidden Words.” Because of this predictability, GL exams heavily reward repetitive practice of those exact formats.
Quest borrows elements from both GL and the older CEM framework. Their papers place a much heavier emphasis on logic puzzles, critical thinking, and spatial reasoning (nets, cubes, rotations). Instead of memorising a formulaic trick, a child sitting Quest needs strong spatial awareness and cognitive flexibility.
3. English & Maths Nuances
English: GL papers often provide dense text where students hunt for hidden SPaG errors across multiple categories. Quest SPaG is more focused and targeted — asking precisely where a question mark belongs in a specific line. It looks more accessible but demands absolute precision.
Maths: Quest tests a slightly wider array of curriculum topics earlier — including multi-step problem-solving and fraction operations. Children need to be strong mathematical all-rounders, not just fast calculators.
The Big Reassurance: Does Your Prep Need to Change?
If your local grammar schools are switching to Quest — do not panic. And do not throw away your GL resources.
At their core, both GL and Quest test the exact same foundations: strong vocabulary, solid mental maths, reading comprehension, and logical deduction.
If your child has a bulletproof grasp of Year 5 and Year 6 National Curriculum objectives, they're already 80% of the way there — regardless of which board sets the paper.
How to Tweak Your Strategy for Quest
Incorporate Spatial Reasoning
Ensure your child spends time practising 3D shapes, rotations, and folding nets. Quest frequently weights these heavily.
Focus on Fluid Problem-Solving
Move beyond memorising GL “codes.” Challenge your child with varied logic puzzles and multi-step word problems to build mental flexibility.
Keep Stamina High
Whether on screen or paper, Quest tests a broad range of skills under tight conditions. Mixed-subject practice is key.
The bottom line: strong foundations beat exam-board-specific tricks every time. Prepare the child, not the paper.
PrepTicks Covers Both GL & Quest
Our question bank is designed for both exam formats — with targeted practice for verbal reasoning, spatial awareness, and everything in between.