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 twelve 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.”

Alec Waters, Headteacher of Ribston Hall High School said:

“The appointment of FSCE marks an important step forward for grammar school admissions in Gloucestershire. Their strong alignment with the Key Stage 2 curriculum, combined with a clear commitment to fairness, accessibility and high‑quality assessment, gives us confidence that the test will identify genuine academic potential.

Moving the test to the summer term of Year 5 is also a positive change for children and families, reducing pressure at the start of Year 6 and avoiding the potential learning gap of the summer holiday. As part of the G7, we are committed to ensuring that selective education remains ambitious, rigorous and as fair as possible for all pupils.”

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).

If you have any questions about the new arrangements, please contact Mrs Denice Murphy (Admissions Manager for Ribston Hall High School) via email: admissions@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk