11 Plus Entrance Exams

---

 At Trafford Tuition, we specialise in helping children develop outstanding Key Stage 2 English and Maths skills while preparing them for the Trafford Grammar Schools entrance assessment. Our approach is built around excellent teaching, carefully planned learning and regular feedback, ensuring children make meaningful academic progress that benefits them both in school and in the admissions process.

We work closely with parents throughout the journey, providing honest advice, clear communication and regular updates so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Our aim is not simply to prepare children for an assessment, but to develop knowledgeable, resilient and confident learners who are ready for the challenges ahead.

The Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium is made up of five grammar schools: Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Sale Grammar School, Stretford Grammar School and Urmston Grammar School.

From children entering Year 7 in September 2028 onwards (those starting Year 4 in September 2026), the Consortium will use the Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) entrance assessment.

Unlike the previous GL Assessment, the new FSCE assessment is based on the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum and focuses on English and Mathematics, placing greater emphasis on the knowledge and skills children develop throughout primary school. The assessment will continue to evolve over time, with the aim of reflecting the curriculum rather than encouraging preparation for a fixed style of test.

 Children currently in Year 4 (2026 to 2027) will continue to sit the Trafford entrance assessment at the beginning of Year 6, in September 2027. From September 2027, however, children applying for Year 7 entry in September 2028 and beyond will begin sitting the new FSCE assessment during Year 5. As the assessment is designed to evolve over time, developing secure foundations in Key Stage 2 English and Mathematics is more important than ever. At Trafford Tuition, our programmes are designed to build these core skills, helping children succeed both in school and in the Trafford Grammar Schools entrance assessment. 

Of course, there is plenty you can do at home to support your child's learning. Small, consistent habits often make the biggest difference. Here are a few simple ways to help:

• Read regularly with your child and encourage a genuine love of reading through a wide variety of books, magazines and articles. 
• Make learning enjoyable with word games, puzzles, maths challenges and everyday problem-solving activities. 
• Encourage little and often. Short, focused practice sessions several times a week are far more effective than occasional long study sessions. 
• Support your child's Key Stage 2 English and Maths learning by reinforcing what they are covering in school and celebrating effort and progress. 
• If you're looking for structured support at home, Vistar Learning provides live lessons, interactive learning missions, video teaching, thousands of practice questions, progress tracking and regular parent updates, making it easy to continue learning between Trafford Tuition sessions.

Gaining entry into one of the Trafford grammar schools is highly competitive. Many children who achieve the pass mark may not be successful in gaining a place. We can provide support and advice about the appeals process.