The grammar schools in Gloucestershire are delighted to be working with the Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) to provide the entrance test to be completed in July 2027 for entry in September 2028.

What will be in the test?

The test is designed to align closely with the work students experience in their primary schools. Maths and English form the main part of the assessment, so preparation can focus on developing the maths skills they are learning in school, along with reading a wide and exciting range of books across different genres.

The test has been developed alongside primary school experts, ensuring there are no surprises or the need for specialist preparation beyond the core curriculum.

As part of the assessment, there will also be an opportunity for young people to demonstrate their passion for learning through the lens of the foundation subjects studied at primary school. No specific prior knowledge is required, but the topics are designed to engage and interest those taking the test.

To support this, activities such as visiting museums, exploring new genres of books, and applying mathematical learning to everyday life can all be valuable ways to prepare.

All grammar schools in Gloucestershire will provide familiarisation materials on their websites from the end of September.

Changes to the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Admission Test

The seven Gloucestershire Grammar Schools (G7) have appointed Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) as their new admissions test provider for entry to Year 7 from 2028 onwards, following a comprehensive competitive tender process.

The procurement sought an organisation with proven technical expertise, robust security, strong capacity for large‑scale assessment, and a commitment to fair and accessible selective testing. FSCE was selected from a field of qualified national providers.

A New Chapter for Grammar School Admissions in Gloucestershire

Each year, around 3,000 children register to sit the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Admissions Test, with approximately 2,500 taking part. The G7 schools operate a shared testing process, enabling families to sit one test for entry to all seven schools.

As part of the new arrangements, the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools have also taken the decision to move the test date from September of Year 6 to the latter part of the summer term of Year 5. This will reduce pressure on pupils beginning Year 6, and provide families with earlier results. These arrangements will take effect from summer 2027 for first entry into Year 7 in September 2028.

Under the new arrangements, FSCE will design, develop, and deliver the test papers – including scoring, analysis, age‑standardisation, and secure reporting of results – and will provide specialist guidance and support to admissions teams across all seven schools.

Why FSCE?

FSCE, a not‑for‑profit subsidiary of Reading School, develops bespoke admissions assessments designed specifically for selective state grammar schools. Their tests are currently used by 12 grammar schools and consortia nationally, with more than 8,000 pupils sitting FSCE papers each year.

The G7’s decision reflects FSCE’s strong technical expertise in designing valid, curriculum‑aligned assessments; its commitment to fairness and accessibility through inclusive design and its shared focus on widening access for disadvantaged pupils.

A Focus on Fairness and Opportunity

A key objective of the G7 tender was to identify an assessment provider whose tests support fair access for all pupils, regardless of background. FSCE’s approach draws heavily on Key Stage 2 curriculum content, ensuring accessibility for children from a wide range of primary schools and reducing reliance on specialist 11+ tutoring. FSCE also provides adapted formats – including Braille, large print and modified papers – and expert support for schools making reasonable adjustments for candidates with additional needs.

Next Steps

Over the coming months, FSCE and G7 admissions teams will work closely together on:
• finalising test specifications
• agreeing timelines for any change to the test date
• preparing familiarisation materials for families
• ensuring a secure and smooth transition from the current provider.

Further details will be available on each school’s website at the start of the next academic year (September 2026).