The five Trafford consortium grammar schools move to the FSCE test for entry in September 2028 (children now in Year 5), sat in September of Year 6: one full paper on English and maths, and a second on other subjects. From entry in 2029 the test moves to the summer term of Year 5. Children applying for September 2027 sat the earlier GL test. Trafford has not yet published the answer format, so Prism practises the English and maths paper as multiple choice. FSCE publishes no past papers and no paper lengths, so Prism practises the English and maths at the core of the test in papers of our own length. There is no non-verbal reasoning.
| Stage | Paper | How it is answered | Prism practice paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test day | English & maths | Multiple choice | 40 questions, 50 minutes |
Test setters rarely publish how many questions a paper has, so the question counts are the length of Prism’s practice papers; timings follow the setter’s published guidance where there is any. Arrangements change from year to year: always check them with the school or local authority.
The FSCE test (Trafford grammar schools) covers maths and English. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Calculate:
153 − 96 ÷ 8
Answer: C, 141
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Answer: A, "Where are you going?" asked Sam.
The FSCE Trafford tests maths and English.
The main test usually takes place in September of Year 6. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the FSCE Trafford format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Practise straight away at your child’s school year in maths and English, with verbal and non-verbal reasoning for the 11 Plus, and every answer explained. A free check, whenever you like, shows what to practise next and builds a weekly plan, for their year or for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
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