TERMYSTED'S GRAMMARSCHOOL PREPARATION
Ermysted's Grammar School 11+ practice papers and preparation books
FSCE-aligned revision books for the Ermysted's Grammar School 11+ entrance exam. Targeted English and Maths practice for the new two-paper FSCE format replacing GL Assessment from September 2026.
NEW EXAM FORMAT FOR 2027 ENTRY
Ermysted's Grammar School is switching to the FSCE entrance test
Ermysted's Grammar School has adopted the FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise) entrance test for Year 7 admission, replacing the GL Assessment format used in previous years. This change takes effect from the September 2026 testing cycle, for entry in September 2027.
This is a significant change for families preparing for the Ermysted's 11+ exam. The GL Assessment format tested verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning alongside English and Maths. The new FSCE format removes reasoning as a standalone component entirely and focuses on how well children can apply their knowledge of the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
Parents who have older children who sat the previous GL Assessment exam, or who have been given preparation advice based on the old format, should be aware that the approach to preparation has changed. Materials focused on verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning techniques are no longer relevant to the Ermysted's entrance test.
EXAM FORMAT
Understanding the Ermysted's Grammar School FSCE 11+ exam
The new Ermysted's Grammar School 11+ consists of two papers, both sat on the same day:
-
Paper 1: English and Maths questions in a multiple-choice format. Answers are recorded on a separate answer sheet and marked electronically.
-
Paper 2: English and Maths questions requiring short written answers. Responses are written in constrained fields on the answer sheet.
There is no creative writing paper, reasoning paper, or additional subject content. The entire assessment focuses on English and Maths skills drawn from the Key Stage 2 curriculum up to the end of Year 5.
Both papers are age-standardised so that children born later in the academic year are not disadvantaged. The FSCE format does not test verbal reasoning or non-verbal reasoning. Preparation should focus on applied English and Maths rather than abstract reasoning techniques.
The entrance test for 2027 entry is expected to take place on Saturday 26 September 2026, with registration open until 31 August 2026.
As this is the first year Ermysted's Grammar School will use the FSCE format, parents should confirm all details directly with the school. The format described here is based on information available at the time of writing.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Which Gulliford Tutors books suit Ermysted's Grammar School preparation
The new Ermysted's Grammar School FSCE exam tests English and Maths in exactly the two formats that Gulliford Tutors books are written to develop: multiple-choice questions and short written answer responses. With no creative writing or reasoning paper, the Gulliford Tutors range covers the full scope of what is assessed in this exam.
FSCE Practice Papers
Full-length practice papers replicating the FSCE multiple-choice and short written answer formats. Particularly valuable for Ermysted's preparation as these are purpose-built for the FSCE style, unlike older GL Assessment materials which are no longer relevant.
Maths and Skills
Targeted maths practice covering number, problem-solving, method selection and accuracy under time pressure. Directly relevant to the maths content assessed in both papers of the new Ermysted's 11+ entrance exam.
Verbal Reasoning
Practice in vocabulary, comprehension and word-level reasoning. Although verbal reasoning is no longer tested as a standalone subject at Ermysted's, these skills directly support the English comprehension and vocabulary demands of both papers.
The FSCE Practice Papers, combined with the Maths and Verbal Reasoning titles, provide a complete preparation pathway for the new Ermysted's Grammar School 11+ exam. Every question style tested in this two-paper format is covered within the Gulliford Tutors range.
PREPARATION APPROACH
Structured preparation for the Ermysted's Grammar School 11+ entrance exam
Ermysted's Grammar School offers 128 Year 7 places each year. With the switch from GL Assessment to FSCE, the emphasis has shifted from abstract reasoning to applied curriculum knowledge. The FSCE format is designed to identify boys who have a strong command of the KS2 curriculum and can apply their knowledge thoughtfully under exam conditions.
Because this is the first year Ermysted's will use the FSCE format, there are no past papers specific to the school in this style. FSCE-format practice papers, such as those published by Gulliford Tutors, are the closest available preparation resource for familiarising your son with the question styles and answer sheet formats he will encounter.
A well-structured preparation plan for the Ermysted's Grammar School 11+ typically includes:
-
Consistent reading across fiction and non-fiction to build vocabulary, comprehension and the ability to interpret unfamiliar texts
-
Secure KS2 maths foundations, with particular attention to multi-step problems, fractions, decimals, percentages and mental arithmetic
-
Focused vocabulary work, including synonyms, antonyms and understanding word meanings in context
-
Regular practice with multiple-choice answer sheets and short written answer formats, so the mechanics of the exam feel familiar and manageable
-
Timed practice papers introduced in the later stages of preparation, once underlying English and Maths skills are established
Gulliford Tutors books are structured to support this kind of purposeful, progressive preparation. Each title focuses on a specific skill area and provides the repeated, focused practice needed to build genuine confidence in the English and Maths skills tested in the new Ermysted's Grammar School entrance exam.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Ermysted's Grammar School at a glance
Ermysted's Grammar School is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11 to 18, located in the North Yorkshire market town of Skipton. Founded around 1492, it is one of the oldest state schools in Britain and has a long tradition of academic rigour and achievement.
The school admits 128 boys into Year 7 each year through its entrance examination. Its catchment area covers Skipton and surrounding villages, including Beamsley, Bradley, Burnsall, Gargrave, Grassington and other communities served by local primary schools.
Ermysted's is located in the same town as Skipton Girls' High School, which also uses the FSCE entrance test. Families in the Skipton area preparing both sons and daughters for grammar school entry will find the same core English and Maths skills are relevant to both schools, and the same preparation approach applies.
For the 2027 entry cycle, the entrance test is expected to take place on Saturday 26 September 2026, with registration closing on 31 August 2026. Parents should confirm all dates directly with the school, particularly as this is the first year the FSCE format will be used.