Gloucestershire Grammar Schools have changed the provider of the 11 Plus test. This will be effective from 2028 (current Y4 pupils). Full details of the exact arrangements will be available from September 2026. This is what we know so far:
The current test, under GL Assessment, includes the following:
· Verbal Reasoning
· Non-Verbal Reasoning
· Maths
· English
The FSCE test moves away from this model. It aims to assess how well children can think logically, interpret information and solve problems.
The exact format of the test has not yet been confirmed. What we do know from other areas that use FSCE tests, is that the focus will be on:
· Maths
· English
· Possible Creative Writing (TBC by the Grammar Schools in Sept 2026)
Currently the 11 Plus takes place in the September of Y6. With the new test, it will be sat at the end of Y5.
This will remove the stress of taking the test at the beginning of a school year, but it will also mean less preparation time as the children will not have the summer holidays for revision and consolidation.
Children will be required to have a very strong understanding of the Maths and English covered as part of the Y5 curriculum. They will need to apply their knowledge in order to solve mathematical problems, write creatively as well show their understanding of reading comprehension and spelling punctuation and grammar rules learnt at school.
The grammar schools have made this change to align the test with the Y5 curriculum and take out elements such as verbal and non-verbal reasoning which are not taught at school. The process is more balanced, but it is important to remember that it is still a highly selective process and your child will be competing for a space, and to be successful will need to be working at a strong level for their age..
From September 2026, we will be running small group sessions that will align with the new FSCE test.
The Y4 course will aim to consolidate the Y4 curriculum learning and ensure good understanding of the content, which will provide a basis for the next stage of learning in Y5.
The Y5 course will develop the children’s skills in Maths and English and teach them how to apply the skills to problem solving. The 11 Plus examination will remain highly competitive, and we will be preparing our children to be fully confident with their learning, in order to have the best possible chance with 11 Plus success.