FSCE & 11+ specialists · based in Altrincham
Specialist, reassuring preparation for the new Trafford Consortium 11+ FSCE exam — with a dedicated, custom-built programme.
Secure your child's tuition place for the new FSCE exam.
About us
Novel Tuition is a specialist tuition service dedicated to the 11+ and the new Trafford Consortium FSCE exam. Based in Altrincham, we prepare children for the Trafford grammar schools with calm, expert support — building genuine understanding and confidence rather than relying on cramming.
Our tuition is led by a tutor with over ten years' experience. We teach in person from a dedicated office in Altrincham, with weekly sessions — either one-to-one, or in small groups of up to six children.
At the heart of what we do is a dedicated, custom-built programme designed specifically around the FSCE — so every child prepares for the exam they'll actually sit, not a generic 11+.
A calm place to learn
One-to-one or small groups of up to six, in a friendly, focused space — with materials built around the FSCE.
Purpose-made FSCE materials
English, Maths & Creative Writing
A calm, focused study spaceThe exam, explained
The Trafford Consortium grammar schools are moving to a new entrance exam — the FSCE. It's a big change, and it can feel confusing. Here's everything you need to know, in plain English.
The FSCE stands for Future Stories Community Enterprise. It's the entrance exam the Trafford Consortium of grammar schools is adopting. It tests English, Maths and Creative Writing, and rewards children for applying what they've learned in the KS2 curriculum rather than memorising facts or drilling reasoning puzzles.
Yes. The FSCE isn't untested. It began at Reading School and has run since 2022, and it's now used by 12 grammar schools and consortia across England, with over 8,000 pupils sitting its papers every year. Trafford is joining a well-established, growing exam.
For the September 2027 exam, five Trafford Consortium schools use the FSCE: Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale Grammar School, Stretford Grammar School and Urmston Grammar School.
The FSCE is curriculum-based. It drops the verbal and non-verbal reasoning of the old GL exam and instead tests English, Maths and Creative Writing. Children answer using multiple-choice shade-the-oval answer sheets and one-letter or one-digit boxes, and all instructions are given by pre-recorded audio. The schools have said the change is partly intended to reduce reliance on intensive cramming — which is exactly the calm, understanding-first approach we take.
As far as we can currently tell, the FSCE will be made up of three papers:
The final details are still being confirmed by the schools, and we will update our programme as more is announced.
Children sitting in September 2026 (for 2027 entry) take the current GL Assessment exam, exactly as before.
The September 2027 test (for 2028 entry) is the first FSCE exam for the Trafford grammar schools.
From here the test moves earlier, to the end of the summer term. The exact month of the 2028 test hasn't been announced yet, but it's most likely to be July — with future tests expected to follow a similar timing each year.
Staying ahead of the changes: the FSCE is brand new, so details are still emerging. We keep a close eye on every official update and refine our programme and materials the moment anything changes — so your child is always prepared for the very latest version of the exam.
Our approach
Because the FSCE is new and different, generic 11+ tutoring isn't enough. Every child follows a dedicated programme designed around the real exam.
A bespoke programme whose content is written to cover the areas outlined by FSCE — English, Maths and Creative Writing — in the exact formats children face, including shade-the-oval answer sheets.
Calm, encouraging sessions that build genuine understanding and exam confidence — the approach the new exam is designed to reward.
Practice worksheets and papers created in-house to mirror the FSCE style. Our materials are produced to cover Years 3 to 5, building your child’s skills steadily in the run-up to the exam. As part of the course, full practice papers are provided and worked through together, so your child gets comfortable sitting complete papers under timed conditions.
Choose one-to-one for fully personalised support, or a small group of no more than six — small groups run for Years 4 and 5. Six is deliberately kept small — few enough that every child still receives close, individual attention and has their questions answered. All taught in person from a dedicated office in Altrincham, with weekly sessions.
Over a decade of tuition experience, with deep familiarity with the Trafford Consortium and what each grammar school is looking for.
If your child finds a particular topic or area difficult, we can go back over it and work through it again — as many times as needed — until they feel confident with it.
Extra preparation
As an additional option, we offer mock exams designed to mirror the FSCE as closely as possible — replicating the format, timing and feel of the real exam as far as the published details allow, and refined as more is confirmed. Sitting a realistic practice paper builds confidence and removes surprises, so your child walks into the exam already knowing what to expect.
Dates and booking details will be released in due course.
Why Novel Tuition
Every child is prepared with patient one-to-one attention, or in small groups — understanding first, confidence built, and no last-minute cramming. It's an approach shaped by years of helping local children into the Trafford grammar schools.
We do one thing: prepare Trafford children for the 11+ and FSCE. Years of dedicated 11+ specialism go into every session.
The 11+ can feel daunting for children and parents alike. We keep it calm, positive and age-appropriate — building confidence that lasts beyond the exam.
While others are catching up on the new FSCE, we've already built a dedicated programme for it — so your child is prepared for the exam they'll actually sit.
Where we work
Based in Altrincham, we support families across Trafford and Greater Manchester:
Who we prepare for
We prepare children for the FSCE exam for all five consortium schools:
What parents say
Real words from families we’ve helped prepare for the 11+.
It’s not easy to find a tutor that covers all areas — punctual, knowledgeable and always there to answer questions! Thanks to Ali, my son was able to pass his 11+.
My daughter had tried tuition previously but found it difficult and repetitive. I finally managed to find a tutor that was able to teach my daughter in an engaging way which kept her interested. I cannot recommend this tutor highly enough.
Ali taught my son from Years 3 to 5. He was always considerate, helpful and his methods of teaching were second to none. Best of all, he helped my son get into Altrincham Grammar. Don’t go anywhere else for your tuition!
Been tutored with us? We’d love to hear how it went.
Get started
Tuition places for the 2027 FSCE cohort are limited. Send us a message and we'll be in touch.
For more information, or to book your child's place, contact us directly:
hello@noveltuition.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 7388 543215
Location: 29 The Downs, Altrincham WA14 2QD
We aim to reply to every enquiry within one working day. Whether you're ready to book or just want to understand the new FSCE exam, we're happy to help — with no pressure.
29 The Downs, Altrincham WA14 2QD