FSCE (Future Stories) – Two New Familiarisation Guides for the 2026 11+ Tests (Parents and Children)
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If your child is applying to Reading School, you might have seen the FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise) Familiarisation Guide for parents. It is the only official resource and provides a reliable overview of the format, tone and expectations of the entrance test for September 2027 entry (this may change). Although it is not a past paper, it reflects the structure and question types your child could encounter. A second guide is now available, written specifically for children.
Key Dates for Reading School 11+ Tests
Reading School tests take place on different dates, and the school publishes the latest information on its admissions pages, so check there before you plan anything. These dates may differ from the usual 11+ timetable, with some tests scheduled for July 2026.
The Four Papers (FSCE)
The Reading School 11+ entrance test consists of four separate papers:
• Adventure Paper – any KS2 subject, with multiple-choice answer options
• Beacon Paper – any KS2 subject, answered with short written responses
• Compass Paper – any KS2 subject, with multiple-choice answer options
• Discovery Paper – a creative task requiring an extended written response
Subjects may include English, maths, science, history, geography, computing, art and design, design and technology, music, PE and languages. The test is based on content taught up to the end of Year five.
How Each Reading School FSCE Paper Works (could change)
Adventure and Compass Papers Reading School 11+ Test
These use multiple choice. Refer to the diagrams in the familiarisation guide for how to answer and correct questions clearly. Once a section has finished, children cannot return to it.
Beacon Paper Reading School 11+ Test
These require short written answers. Refer to the diagrams in the familiarisation guide for how to answer and correct questions clearly. Once a section is over, it cannot be revisited.
Discovery Paper Reading School 11+ Test
This is a written creative task. Children plan in the booklet but write their full response on a separate answer sheet. Only what is written on the final sheet will be marked.
Key Notes for Parents Reading School 11+ FSCE
• Content is drawn from the national curriculum up to the end of Year five
• Questions focus on application, not recall
• The mix of subjects may vary each year
• There are no official past papers or paid resources
• Black ballpoint or biro only – no pencils or highlighters
• All answers are handwritten
• No lost marks for incorrect answers
• No digital watches or wrist-worn devices
• Children will hear recorded instructions for each section
Final Thought Reading School FSCE 11+ Test Paper
This Reading School 11+ test is designed to identify curiosity, reasoning and creativity rather than rote learning. The familiarisation guide won’t give your child the answers, but it will help them feel prepared and confident on the day. That’s its true value.
If your child is preparing for the creative response section, our Vocabulary Novels and matching creative writing books offer guided support chapter by chapter. Each one builds vocabulary, strengthens story structure and helps children confidently develop ideas. Original stories and workbooks explicitly written for the 11-Plus tests.