Confident preparation. Exceptional foundations. Every child is supported to succeed.
At Forest Park Preparatory School, we have a strong track record of preparing children for the Trafford Grammar School 11+ examination. As the examination changes, our commitment remains the same: to equip every child with the knowledge, skills and confidence to achieve their full potential.
The Trafford Grammar School Consortium has appointed Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) to replace GL Assessment. We have adapted our approach to reflect the new assessment, combining strong curriculum teaching with carefully planned preparation, extensive learning resources and our brand new bespoke reasoning curriculum, delivered across every year group.
With additional morning classes, optional holiday sessions and a strong emphasis on personal development, our approach goes beyond preparing children for a test. We develop knowledgeable, independent and resilient learners who are ready to embrace their next challenge.
How we prepare children for the new 11+
1. Strong foundations in English and mathematics
The new FSCE assessment draws on the Key Stage 2 English and mathematics curriculum up to the end of Year 5. Our teaching develops secure subject knowledge, accuracy and the ability to apply learning to increasingly challenging questions.
● English: Reading comprehension, inference, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
● Mathematics: Number fluency, arithmetic, fractions, measurement, geometry, data
handling and problem-solving.
● Application: Opportunities to use knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, think carefully about
questions and explain reasoning.
We build these skills progressively, ensuring children develop genuine understanding rather than relying on memorised methods alone.
2. Our bespoke reasoning curriculum – from the earliest years
One of the features that makes Forest Park different is our self-created reasoning curriculum, delivered across all year groups. Reasoning is fundamental to academic success. Children need to recognise patterns, make connections, interpret information, think logically and solve problems they may never have encountered before. Our curriculum develops these abilities progressively, helping pupils to:
● Think critically and approach unfamiliar questions logically.
● Identify patterns, relationships and important information.
● Apply their knowledge in new and unexpected situations.
● Develop resilience, independence and confidence when faced with challenges.
By embedding reasoning throughout the school, we develop these skills over time rather than introducing them only when the 11+ approaches.
3. An extensive bank of learning and assessment resources
Our teachers have access to a comprehensive bank of resources designed to support curriculum coverage, reinforce learning and develop examination techniques. These resources allow us to revisit important concepts, identify gaps in understanding, consolidate learning and give children opportunities to practise different question styles and approaches.
Assessment and feedback guide our next steps, helping teachers recognise where a child needs further support and where they are ready for greater challenge. This ensures that preparation is purposeful, structured and responsive to individual needs.
4. Going the extra mile: daily morning and holiday classes
At Forest Park, we understand that successful preparation requires consistency, practice and the right support at the right time. Alongside our normal curriculum, we offer additional opportunities for Year 5 pupils to consolidate their learning and strengthen their examination skills. Daily 11+ classes from 8.00am: Our dedicated early-morning 11+ classes run every school day, giving
Year 5 pupils additional time to revisit key concepts, practise examination-style questions, refine techniques and address areas for further development.
Additional half-term holiday classes: We also offer scheduled 11+ preparation classes during half- term holidays, which Year 5 pupils can choose to attend. These sessions provide further opportunities to reinforce learning, revisit challenging topics and build confidence ahead of the assessment. Together, these additional sessions complement our carefully planned curriculum and provide valuable opportunities for pupils to practise, improve and develop their readiness for the examination.
5. Developing examination confidence
Knowing the material is only part of effective examination preparation. Children also need to understand how to approach questions, manage their time and remain composed when faced with something unfamiliar. Through age-appropriate practice, pupils develop the skills to:
● Read instructions and questions carefully.
● Identify key information and select suitable strategies.
● Work accurately and efficiently under time constraints.
● Check answers and learn from mistakes.
● Approach assessments with growing confidence and independence.
As children progress through the school, preparation becomes increasingly focused, with opportunities for timed assessments and practice in a formal test environment when appropriate.
6. Developing confident, independent and responsible young people
We believe that preparing children for the next stage of education extends far beyond academic achievement. Confidence, resilience, independence and the ability to take responsibility are equally important in helping children thrive.
Through leadership opportunities and personal responsibilities within school, our pupils learn to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, support others and take pride in their contributions to the school community. These experiences encourage children to step forward, make decisions, overcome setbacks and approach new challenges with a positive attitude. They also help pupils develop the self-belief and independence needed to manage the demands of secondary school.
Our ambition is for every child to leave Forest Park not only academically prepared, but also confident in their abilities, proud of their achievements and ready to thrive.
7. A broad education that goes beyond the examination
At Forest Park, we recognise that children are individuals, with different strengths, interests and aspirations. Our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire them while developing a genuine love of learning. We combine high academic expectations with creativity, curiosity, discussion and independent thinking. Children are encouraged to understand ideas deeply, make connections across subjects and persevere when learning becomes challenging.
Our preparation supports children aiming for Trafford grammar schools while developing the academic foundations and personal qualities they will need for whichever secondary school is right for them.
