Fair Banding Assessments

These assessments are used by schools who wish to group pupils by ability to ensure that their intake includes a proportionate spread of children of different abilities.

This is carried out by administering a non-verbal or verbal reasoning test. All tests contain our extensively trialled questions and vary in length from 30 minutes upwards.

• We are the largest provider of fair banding assessments in England and work with some of the most prominent Multi-Academy Trusts in England
• Our tests are constructed to ensure validity for the purpose required
• We provide free familiarisation materials so all candidates can become familiar with test appearance
• We provide you with individual account manager support so your testing period runs smoothly and a scoring service or our new custom-built Quartz software (which enables you to quickly and accurately mark at your own school)
• Working with the RNIB we have developed guidelines on the production and administration of fair banding tests for children with vision impairment*.

*The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) guidelines for developing and administering 11+ tests tailored for children with vision impairment have been updated as part of a collaborative process between the RNIB and GL Assessment, which commenced in June 2024.

Non-verbal Reasoning

• NVR questions measure reasoning processes that are important in a wide range of subjects including maths and the sciences
• NVR is helpful in assessing the ability of candidates with English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Verbal Reasoning

• VR tests involve reasoning with words and can identify pupils whose strengths lie in English, history, languages and the arts
• Include a variety of question types developed exclusively by GL Assessment