15/07/2026
Trafford Consortium Entrance Exam Changes - What This Means for Your Child
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are writing to reassure you following the recent announcement regarding changes to the Trafford Grammar School Consortium entrance exams. We understand that any change to the 11+ process can feel unsettling for families, particularly when children are already preparing, but please be assured that Newell Tuition has plans in place to support pupils confidently and carefully through each stage of the transition.
The changes apply to the Trafford Grammar School Consortium schools: Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale Grammar School, Stretford Grammar School and Urmston Grammar School. Loreto Grammar School and Saint Ambrose College are not part of this consortium and continue to run their own separate entrance tests.
For children sitting the exam in September 2026 for Year 7 entry in September 2027, there is no change. The exam will remain with GL Assessment and will continue to assess the familiar areas of verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematical reasoning.
For children sitting the exam in September 2027 for Year 7 entry in September 2028, the provider will change to Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE). The exam is expected to move towards a curriculum-based format, focusing on Key Stage 2 English and maths content up to the end of Year 5.
At this stage, there are no specific details about the individual papers, sections, question types or timings. The only confirmed information is that the exam will consist of English and maths. Although there are already rumours circulating, our current research shows that different boroughs and schools using FSCE have used different exam formats. Until the full details are released formally through the relevant admissions policy, no further specifics have been confirmed.
For children applying for Year 7 entry in September 2029 and beyond, the FSCE curriculum-based exam will remain in place, but the timing of the test will move earlier. Instead of being sat in September of Year 6, the test will take place in the latter part of the summer term of Year 5.
At Newell Tuition, we have already begun preparing for these changes. Our tuition, mock exams and holiday school programmes will be reviewed and adapted carefully so that pupils continue to receive relevant, effective and up-to-date preparation. We will ensure that our teaching reflects the correct exam format for each year group, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Newell Tuition is able to adapt across all areas of the business, including weekly tuition, mock exams, resources and holiday school provision, whatever the final confirmed format may be.
For current pupils preparing for the September 2026 exam, lessons and mock exams will continue to focus on the existing GL-style content. For pupils affected by the FSCE changes from 2027 onwards, we will be updating our materials, lesson planning, mock exam papers and holiday school content to reflect the move towards Key Stage 2 English and maths. This will include careful attention to subject knowledge, problem-solving, comprehension, vocabulary, accuracy, timing and exam technique.
We also want to reassure you that we have a dedicated team of teachers and 11+ experts who are constantly researching all possible changes to the subjects, content and format of the exam. As more details are released by the Trafford Consortium and the individual schools, we will continue to monitor developments closely and make any necessary adjustments to our teaching, assessments and guidance.
Our aim remains the same: to prepare children thoroughly, calmly and confidently, while giving parents and carers clear information at every stage. We know that families rely on accurate guidance, and we will continue to communicate with you as soon as confirmed information becomes available.
Finally, if your child is not already having tuition with us, we will be emailing parents and carers over the next week with September start dates and further information about available tuition options.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions in the meantime.
Kind regards,
Kieran Newell and Brendan Newell Directors of Newell Tuition
