In this region, schools may use either of the exam boards below. For further details, please check the school information section.
English and Maths
VR and NVR
Non Verbal Reasoning: Solving problems using visual patterns and shapes.
Verbal Reasoning: Solving problems using words and written information.
Year 4 and 5
The FSCE 11+ is designed to assess how effectively children can apply their knowledge, think critically and respond to unfamiliar problems from the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum taught up to the end of Year 5. The assessment includes English and Mathematics, while some schools may also include creative writing or questions drawing on other areas of the Key Stage 2 curriculum. The exact content and format vary between schools, so families should always consult their chosen school’s familiarisation guide.
Together, the areas below assess how confidently children can use and apply learning from the primary curriculum up to the end of Year 5, while demonstrating the thinking and problem-solving skills needed for selective secondary education.
English
English skills are assessed through reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, spelling and punctuation, using knowledge developed across the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Children may be asked to interpret a text, explore relationships between words, recognise how language is structured or choose and produce accurate forms of written English. Questions may be presented in multiple-choice or short written-answer formats and can appear within other curriculum subjects.
Maths
Key areas are assessed including: number and calculation, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry and the interpretation of tables and graphs. Children may need to apply mental or written methods to familiar and unfamiliar problems, break multi-step tasks into manageable stages and use reasoning to reach accurate solutions without a calculator.
The GL Assessment 11+ is designed to assess a range of skills that are important for success at secondary school. The assessment may include English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Each section tests a different combination of knowledge, understanding, problem-solving ability and logical thinking.
Together, the subjects below provide a broader picture of a child’s academic ability, reasoning skills, problem-solving skills and readiness for selective secondary education.
English
Reading and language skills are assessed through comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Children may need to understand a passage, identify word meanings, complete sentences or select the correct grammatical form.
Maths
Key areas of the primary curriculum are covered, including number, arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry and data. Questions assess both mathematical knowledge and the ability to solve problems quickly and accurately.
Verbal Reasoning
Children are assessed on how well they understand and work with words and information. Questions may cover vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms, word relationships, sequences, codes and logical problems.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
This area focuses on shapes, patterns and visual information. Children may need to complete sequences, solve analogies, identify relationships or find missing shapes, testing their ability to recognise patterns and apply logical thinking.
Reading's two grammar schools sit two different pathways: Kendrick School uses GL Assessment (Verbal, Non-Verbal reasoning, English and Maths), while Reading School uses FSCE (English & Maths, plus a Creativity component and Sporting Aptitude Assessment). For the most up to date information, please contact your chosen school's admissions.
If you are still unsure which membership you need please Get in touch.