Most 11+ tests look broadly alike. FSCE is the exception. Created by Future Stories Community Enterprise, a not-for-profit linked to Reading School, it deliberately drops the verbal and non-verbal reasoning papers that define GL and CEM, and adds a dedicated creative writing task instead. It was designed to be harder to drill for, and to test only what children have actually been taught by the end of Year 5. This guide explains what the FSCE 11+ tests, how its papers are structured, which schools use it, and how to prepare. FSCE is an independent provider, and Pip is not affiliated with it.
- FSCE is a newer, school-designed test from Future Stories Community Enterprise (linked to Reading School), not a CEM rebrand.
- It tests English, creative writing and maths, with no standalone verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
- Instructions are given by pre-recorded audio, and content only goes up to the end of Year 5.
- It was built to reward real understanding and resist drilling, so broad English and maths matter most.
What is FSCE?
FSCE stands for Future Stories Community Enterprise, a not-for-profit organisation set up by Reading School. Rather than buy a paper from GL or Cambridge, it designed its own 11+ assessment, now used by a small but growing group of grammar schools. It is not a rebrand of CEM or GL: it is a different test with a different philosophy. Schools that choose it say they want to reduce the advantage of heavy tutoring, test only material taught by the end of Year 5, and reward children who can apply what they know to unfamiliar problems.
What the FSCE 11+ tests
The clearest way to understand FSCE is by what it leaves out. There are no separate verbal or non-verbal reasoning papers. Instead it concentrates on three things:
- English covers reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary.
- Creative writing is a dedicated paper asking for an original, structured piece of writing.
- Maths tests numeracy and problem solving from the primary curriculum, up to the end of Year 5.
How the papers are structured
In its common format, FSCE uses three papers. Paper 1 mixes English and maths as multiple choice. Paper 2 covers English and maths with short written answers. Paper 3 is the creative task, needing a longer written response. Instructions are delivered by pre-recorded audio, so every child hears exactly the same guidance and timing. The precise structure can vary by school and year, so check the current arrangements with each school you apply to.
Which schools use FSCE
For 2025/26 entry, around eight grammar schools use FSCE: Reading School, Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Colyton Grammar School, Heckmondwike Grammar School, The North Halifax Grammar School, The Crossley Heath School, Skipton Girls' High School and Lancaster Girls' Grammar School. The seven Gloucestershire grammars are moving from GL to FSCE as well, first sitting the new test in 2027 for September 2028 entry. Because adoption is still changing, always confirm the current test on each school's admissions pages. For the wider landscape, see our guide to every 11+ exam type, the GL Assessment guide and the ISEB Common Pre-Test guide.
How to prepare for the FSCE 11+
With no reasoning papers, FSCE rewards strong, well-rounded English and maths rather than reasoning drills. Make wide reading and vocabulary a daily habit, since they feed both comprehension and writing. Practise clear, structured writing for the creative paper, focusing on ideas and organisation rather than tricks. And keep maths fluent right across the Year 5 curriculum, with an emphasis on applying skills to unfamiliar problems. Because the test is built to resist narrow drilling, steady understanding beats last-minute cramming.
Build the English and maths FSCE rewards
Pip generates unlimited English and maths questions, with vocabulary and comprehension at the core, so the skills behind FSCE's papers become second nature, the calm way.
Frequently asked questions
What is the FSCE 11+?+
FSCE stands for Future Stories Community Enterprise, a not-for-profit organisation linked to Reading School that designed its own 11+ entrance test. It tests English, creative writing and maths, deliberately leaves out verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and is built to be harder to tutor for and to cover only what children are taught up to the end of Year 5.
Does FSCE include verbal and non-verbal reasoning?+
No. Unlike GL and CEM, FSCE has no standalone verbal or non-verbal reasoning papers. It focuses on English, a dedicated creative writing task, and maths, with instructions delivered by pre-recorded audio.
Which schools use the FSCE 11+?+
For 2025/26 entry around eight grammar schools use FSCE, including Reading School, Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Colyton Grammar School, Heckmondwike Grammar School, The North Halifax Grammar School, The Crossley Heath School, Skipton Girls' High School and Lancaster Girls' Grammar School. The seven Gloucestershire grammars are moving to FSCE for September 2028 entry. Always confirm with each school.
How is FSCE different from GL and CEM?+
GL and CEM both test reasoning alongside English and maths. FSCE drops standalone reasoning entirely, adds a creative writing paper, gives instructions by audio, and limits content to the end of Year 5. It was designed to reward genuine understanding and reduce the advantage of intensive drilling.
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