Gloucestershire
11+ Entrance Exams
Your local directory for 7+ and 11+ exams - Tutors, Schools Courses, Mock Exams, Resources and tips
Gloucestershire Grammar School Entrance test - September 2028 Entry
The new format for the FSCE exam and key dates for 2028 entry have now been confirmed.
The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test for entry into Year 7 in September 2028 will take place on Saturday 3 July 2027.
If your child is currently in Year 5 and wishes to apply for a place at a Gloucestershire Grammar School, they must take this test.
Registration will open on Monday 8 February 2027 (12 noon) and close on Friday 19 March 2027 (12 noon).
Following the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools announcement earlier this year the test provider will be Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE).
The admissions test will consist of three FSCE papers:
Adventure Paper: English and Maths, with Multiple Choice Answer options;
Beacon Paper: English and Maths, where you respond with Short Written Answers;
Compass Paper: any of the following subjects you learn at school: Art & Design, Computing, Design & Technology, English, Geography, History, Languages, Maths, Music, Physical Education, Science, with Multiple Choice Answer options.
The Gloucestershire 11+ is currently going through a period of change and many families are understandably looking for clear, reliable guidance.
The final GL Assessment 11+ exam is due to take place in September 2026, after which a new 11+ test provider will take over. We have covered the upcoming changes in more detail in the blog linked below.
The aim behind the change is to make the Gloucestershire grammar school entrance test more accessible for children and to reduce the pressure for excessive tutoring. In practice however, many parents know that competition for grammar school places in Gloucestershire remains high, and there is still a great deal of discussion about what these changes will really mean for children preparing for the exam.
One of the main areas of debate is whether writing will form part of the new test. At the moment, our view is that this is unlikely, although it has not been confirmed either way.
For families whose children will sit the exam in 2027 and beyond, the most important thing is not to panic. The best approach is to continue building the core skills that matter in any 11+ preparation programme: strong maths, secure English, excellent reading comprehension, accurate spelling, and confident problem solving. These skills will support children whatever the final format announced is. Even if a writing element is introduced, there will still be plenty of time between September 2026 and July 2027 - the expected date of the new test - to prepare effectively.
For now, families should focus on steady, consistent preparation rather than worrying about rumours.
A calm, skills-based approach will put your child in the strongest possible position for the Gloucestershire 11+, whatever form the new exam eventually takes.
Gloucestershire Grammar School Entrance test - September 2028 Entry
Gloucestershire
11+ Exams
Your local directory for 11+ entrance exams - Tutors, Schools Courses, Mock Exams, Resources and tips
The Gloucestershire 11+ is currently going through a period of change and many families are understandably looking for clear, reliable guidance.The final GL Assessment 11+ exam is due to take place in September 2026, after which a new 11+ test provider will take over. We have covered the upcoming changes in more detail in the blog linked below.The aim behind the change is to make the Gloucestershire grammar school entrance test more accessible for children and to reduce the pressure for excessive tutoring. In practice however, many parents know that competition for grammar school places in Gloucestershire remains high, and there is still a great deal of discussion about what these changes will really mean for children preparing for the exam.One of the main areas of debate is whether writing will form part of the new test. At the moment, our view is that this is unlikely, although it has not been confirmed either way.For families whose children will sit the exam in 2027 and beyond, the most important thing is not to panic. The best approach is to continue building the core skills that matter in any 11+ preparation programme: strong maths, secure English, excellent reading comprehension, accurate spelling, and confident problem solving. These skills will support children whatever the final format announced is. Even if a writing element is introduced, there will still be plenty of time between September 2026 and July 2027 - the expected date of the new test - to prepare effectively. For now, families should focus on steady, consistent preparation rather than worrying about rumours.A calm, skills-based approach will put your child in the strongest possible position for the Gloucestershire 11+, whatever form the new exam eventually takes.
The new format for the FSCE exam and key dates for 2028 entry have now been confirmed.
The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test for entry into Year 7 in September 2028 will take place on Saturday 3 July 2027.
If your child is currently in Year 5 and wishes to apply for a place at a Gloucestershire Grammar School, they must take this test.
Registration will open on Monday 8 February 2027 (12 noon) and close on Friday 19 March 2027 (12 noon).
Following the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools announcement earlier this year the test provider will be Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE).The admissions test will consist of three FSCE papers:
Adventure Paper: English and Maths, with Multiple Choice Answer options;
Beacon Paper: English and Maths, where you respond with Short Written Answers;
Compass Paper: any of the following subjects you learn at school: Art & Design, Computing, Design & Technology, English, Geography, History, Languages, Maths, Music, Physical Education, Science, with Multiple Choice Answer options.
What to Focus on in November: A practical 5-minute guide for 11+ families
November is a pivotal month in the 7+ and 11+ entrance exam journey.
For some families, particularly those preparing for London 7+ and 11+ entrance exams, the exam season is already underway. For others, including families preparing for Gloucestershire and Manchester entrance exams and the FSCE, November provides a valuable opportunity to make real progress before December arrives.
Once again, there are two very different routes this month.
Whichever route your family is following, November is about routine, focused preparation and making every session count.
Keep up to date with Gloucestershire 11+ news
For trusted advice, updates, and expert support with 11+ tutoring in Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire 11+ preparation, and grammar school exam preparation join our Gloucester whatsapp group.
A UK private school has announced a major overhaul of its boarding options.
Cheltenham College will introduce five new day and boarding pathways from September 2027, aiming to offer greater choice and flexibility to families while retaining its "distinctive character."
Read the article
Image: Cheltenham College (Google Maps)
Six children have had their offers to attend some of Essex's most prestigious grammar schools withdrawn after it was found parents had lied about their address. Investigations by Southend-on-Sea City Council's Counter Fraud and Investigation Team have resulted in six grammar school offers being withdrawn after applicants were found not to live in the city.
Read the article
Image: Westcliff High School for Boys (Google Maps)
The seven grammar schools in Gloucestershire have changed their entrance exam provider to Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE), meaning those in the county will take their 11+ at the end of year five rather than at the start of year six.
Thoughts from Pate's Head teacher, a leading Gloucestershire 11+ tutor and a Gloucestershire parent.
Read the article
Image: Pate's Grammar School
MSN reports on the new leadership of five Gloucestershire schools
Key Points
New Leadership & Rebranding: Five schools, including three primary, one junior, and Stroud's oldest secondary, are now under Lift Schools. All except Marling School will be rebranded.
School Details & Ratings: - Berkeley Primary: 232 pupils, rated good, becomes Lift Berkeley - Callowell Primary: 134 pupils, rated inadequate, becomes Lift Callowell - Cam Woodfield Junior: 192 pupils, rated good, becomes Lift Cam Woodfield Junior - Hillview Primary: 207 pupils, rated good, becomes Lift Hillview - Marling School: 1,082 pupils, rated good, retains its name
Benefits of Joining Lift: Access to a larger network for professional development, enhanced collaboration, and support while maintaining each school's unique identity and ethos.
Image: Lift Schools deputy director of primary Chris Taylor at Hillview School, with principal Helena Armstrong © Lift Schools
The Crypt School launches ambitious £6 million arts centre campaign
With significant early backing already secured - Exciting news for families particularly interested in Creative & Performing Arts.
Read the article
Image: An artist's impression of what The Crypt School's proposed Creative & Performing Arts Centre could look like. © Coombes Everitt
"Attend school every day. Enjoy your learning." One simple message one simple message for success in the new Admissions test.
Read the update
Tutor Top Tips from Gloucestershire Tutors
1) Read every day - Read a wide variety of books, stories and non-fiction. Don’t just read the words - think about what is happening, why characters behave as they do and what the author is trying to tell you.
2) Build your vocabulary - When you come across a word you don’t know, don’t just skip it. Work out what it might mean from the sentence, then check its meaning. Learn synonyms and practise using new words yourself.
3) Get curious and ask “why?” - Practise thinking beyond the obvious answer. Ask Why? How do I know? What clues tell me that? Could there be another explanation? This helps develop the critical-thinking skills that the FSCE is designed to assess.
1) Little and often is more effective than hours of intensive practice.
2) Draw up a timetable which includes activities other than 11 plus practice - don't leave things to chance but strike a balance.
3) Major focus should be on areas that are most challenging to make best progress with a regular light touch on confident areas to keep them fresh in the mind.
Compare Gloucestershire 11+ Schools and their Admissions Requirements
Filter by stage and choose whether you'd like to see fee paying or non fee paying schools.
Gloucestershire School Transport with Grammar School Transport
A grammar school place opens doors. Getting there shouldn’t be the obstacle.
Securing a place at one of Gloucestershire’s grammar schools is a fantastic achievement. But for many families, the next big question is: How will we get there every day?
That’s where Grammar School Transport comes in, they provide dedicated daily school coach services for families travelling to Gloucestershire’s grammar schools.
Grammar School Transport currently operate services from Swindon and are planning new routes from Bristol and South Gloucestershire for September 2027, connecting families with Pate’s Grammar School, The Crypt School, Ribston Hall High School, Sir Thomas Rich’s School and Denmark Road High School.
Help Shape the Routes for 2027
Families can register their interest or suggest a collection point to help plan routes around local demand.
Swindon – Existing services and registration
Bristol and South Gloucestershire – September 2027
Suggest a collection point or new route
How to Apply for Gloucestershire Grammar Schools
1. Register for the Gloucestershire 11+
The registration window has now closed for September 2027 entry.
Registration window: Monday 18th May 2026 - Friday 26th June 2026
2. Complete the CAF (Common Application Form)
Results Day: October 2026
Once you receive your results you will be told if your child has met qualifying standard and if they are positioned top 150 for the school. Some schools will give you a ranking position. If you child has scored highly enough you will be invited back for a tour and meeting - during this the school will revisit the application process - note that this meeting takes place very quickly. At this meeting you can ask questions and fully understand how secure your child is. Now you can complete the CAF!
3. Find out which school you have been allocated
National School Offers Day: Monday 1st March 2027
Visit Gloucestershire Country council site to find out everything you need to know about National Offers Day.
Key Dates for 2027 Entry
Monday 18th May 2026: Test registration opens
Friday 26th June 2026: Test registration closes
Monday 7th September 2026: Test centre details are sent to parents by this date
Saturday 12th September 2026: Test day
October 2026: Parents receive test results
Saturday 31st October 2026: Secondary school common application deadline
Monday 1st March 2027: National School Offers Day
Key Dates for 2028 Entry
Monday 8 February 2027: Test registration opens
Friday 19 March 2027: Test registration closes
Monday 28 June 2027: Test centre details are sent to parents by this date
Saturday 3rd July: Test day
October 2027: Parents receive test results
Sunday 31st October 2027: Secondary school common application deadline
Wednesday 1st March 2028: National School Offers Day
Gloucestershire Schools PAN (Pupils Admissions Number)
A school's Published Admission Number (PAN) in Gloucestershire is the exact maximum number of children that school must admit into a specific year group. This limit is set using physical classroom space, health and safety rules, and local pupil forecasts. You can view specific limits and arrangements through Gloucestershire County Council.
