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.

A spokesperson for Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) said:

“We are delighted to be working with the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools, who share our vision for fairer selective admissions. At the heart of our approach is a commitment to ensuring that assessments identify true potential, not just prior advantage.

“Through research and data-led test design, we aim to dissuade intensive test preparation and encourage natural curiosity and critical thinking. We focus on creating accessible and inclusive tests that maintain the highest standards of rigorous selective assessment and demystifying admissions processes through cohesive partnerships with schools, children and their families.

“Working in unison with all schools in the G7, we look forward to developing robust, fair and innovative assessments, to build on the success of the Shaping Futures outreach work and to continue widening participation so that every child has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their ability.”

Matthew Lynch, Headteacher of Sir Thomas Rich’s School said:

“We are thrilled to be entering a new partnership with Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE), further strengthening our commitment to an inclusive admissions process that champions social mobility – a defining purpose of Grammar Schools. This new partnership also highlights the strong collaboration within the G7, reflecting our shared ambition to ensure that our common admissions test is as accessible, fair and inspiring as possible for all bright, able and inquisitive young people.”

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).

Further Information

Press enquiries: read the full press release here

Parental enquiries: admissions@strs.org.uk

More about FSCE www.fsce.co.uk