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Trafford (FSCE format): format, schools and practice papers
A plain summary of how the Trafford (FSCE format) works and how to prepare for it. Each detail says whether it is published by the organisers, reported by other sources, or not published at all. We last checked these details in November 2026.
What the test involves
Subjects: maths and English.
- Reported
- From September 2028 entry the consortium’s test covers Key Stage 2 English and maths up to the end of Year 5, provided by Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) and replacing the earlier reasoning test. It is sat in September 2027 (September of Year 6); from 2029 entry it is reported to move to the summer term of Year 5. Loreto Grammar School and St Ambrose College use a different test.
- Published
- FSCE’s candidate guide describes the paper types: Adventure (multiple choice, shade an oval in black pen), Beacon (short answers, one digit or one capital letter per box) and Compass (multiple choice). Wrong answers are not penalised.
- Reported
- For 2027 entry (the last of the earlier tests), registration ran from 23 April to 19 June 2026 and the test was on 14 September 2026. Dates for 2028 entry had not been published at the time of writing; expect registration in spring to early summer 2027 and the test in September 2027.
- Not published
- That Trafford uses these paper types; the number of questions (27, 24 and 30); about 45 minutes per paper; four options per question; and the English and maths mix in each paper. Trafford has not published these.
- Not published
- One source suggests some subjects beyond English and maths may appear; the consortium’s announcement names English and maths only.
The writing task
Trafford has not been reported to use FSCE’s creative-writing paper, so there is no writing task.
Schools that use this test
- Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham
- Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Altrincham
- Sale Grammar School, Sale
- Stretford Grammar School, Manchester
- Urmston Grammar Academy, Manchester
How to prepare
- Practise filling in a separate answer sheet, so marking the right box becomes automatic and no time is lost on test day.
- Practise writing answers in full, showing working in maths and using evidence from the text in English: marks are given for method and explanation, not just the final answer.
- Sit full mock tests under timed conditions only every week or two, and spend the time in between on the question types that cost marks.
Practice papers for the Trafford (FSCE format)
Every question is original, written to the same types and level as the published format. Each option has a free sample, so you can check it suits your child first.
Four full mock tests in the new FSCE format announced for 2028 entry: Adventure, Beacon and Compass papers in English and maths, with answer sheets, explanations and a parent guide.
Four more full mock tests in the same format as Set 1, with new questions throughout, answer sheets, answers and the parent guide.
A revision handbook for the Trafford (FSCE format): 53 lessons teaching the methods for maths and English, with worked examples, practice questions, must-know lists and a 12-week plan.
Everything for this test in one download: Set 1 and Set 2 (eight full mock tests) and the revision handbook. £39.97 if bought separately.
Questions parents ask
What does the Trafford (FSCE format) test?
It covers maths and English. From September 2028 entry the consortium’s test covers Key Stage 2 English and maths up to the end of Year 5, provided by Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) and replacing the earlier reasoning test. It is sat in September 2027 (September of Year 6); from 2029 entry it is reported to move to the summer term of Year 5. Loreto Grammar School and St Ambrose College use a different test.
Is there a writing task?
Trafford has not been reported to use FSCE’s creative-writing paper, so there is no writing task.
Are these the real Trafford (FSCE format) papers?
No. Real past papers are not usually published. Our papers are original and set out like the published format, so children know what to expect.
Where do I check dates and registration?
Always check with the Trafford Grammar School Consortium schools’ admissions pages. Dates and arrangements change from year to year.
Helpful guides
- 11+ test providers explained: GL, Quest, FSCE and more
- When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
- What is verbal reasoning in the 11+?
- How to use 11+ mock tests well
- A balanced Year 5 summer 11+ revision plan
No practice material can promise a pass or a place. Places depend on scores, the school's rules and often distance.