78% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the FSCE test (Lancashire, Calderdale, Kirklees and Skipton)
Clitheroe Royal, Lancaster Girls’, Ermysted’s and Skipton Girls’ (one consortium), the two Calderdale grammar schools and Heckmondwike Grammar School use the FSCE test in September of Year 6: one paper of English and maths multiple choice, and one of English and maths short written answers. The Calderdale schools and Heckmondwike add about 20 minutes of creative writing, marked for candidates who reach the eligible score. 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)
Multiple choice
40 questions, 45 minutes
Test day
English & maths (short answers)
Multiple choice and written answers
30 questions, 45 minutes
Test day
Creative writing (Calderdale and Kirklees)
Writing task
One task, 20 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.
How to prepare
The FSCE test (Lancashire, Calderdale, Kirklees and Skipton) 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.
This test includes a piece of writing, so practise planning and writing a short story or description in a set time.
Some answers are written, not chosen, so practise without options to fall back on: write the number or the words yourself, show the working where the paper asks for it, and check each answer against the question.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Find the missing number that makes both sides equal.
84 + 778 = ? + 766
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, 96
How to work it out
The left side is 84 + 778 = 862.
So ? + 766 = 862, and ? = 862 − 766 = 96.
A quicker way: 766 is 12 less than 778, so ? must be 12 more than 84.
Why the other options are wrong
A (72): The right side's number is 12 smaller, so the missing number must be 12 bigger, not smaller.
C (862): This is the total of the left side. The right side already has 766 in it, so the missing number is smaller.
D (12): This is only the difference between 778 and 766.
E (84): This assumes 778 and 766 are the same; they differ by 12.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which word completes the sentence with the correct spelling?
I could not _____ my eyes when the magician vanished.
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, believe
How to work it out
I could not believe my eyes when the magician vanished.
There is a lie in believe.
Why the other options are wrong
A (beleive): The i and e are the wrong way round: “believe” has “ie”, not “ei”.
B (belive): A vowel is missing: “believe” has an “e” after “li”.
D (beleave): This writes “leav” where “believe” has “liev”.
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does Heckmondwike Grammar School use?
Heckmondwike Grammar School uses the FSCE test (Lancashire, Calderdale, Kirklees and Skipton), which tests maths and English and includes a piece of writing. It is answered with multiple choice and written answers, plus a writing task. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Heckmondwike Grammar School?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 78% consistently in practice for a selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Heckmondwike Grammar School?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
Preparing for Heckmondwike Grammar School?
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.