11+ Provision

Our 11+ Provision: Success Through Foundational Excellence

As grammar school admissions evolve towards the FSCE 11+, the qualities being assessed are changing too.

At Cricklade Manor Prep, our curriculum is designed to develop confident, curious learners with strong academic foundations, critical thinking skills and the creativity to tackle new challenges.

Book a personal tour to see our specialist provision in action.

Navigating the New FSCE 11+ Standards

Top grammar schools are increasingly adopting the Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) assessment to find children who can truly apply their knowledge, rather than those who have merely been tutored to pass a pattern.

At Cricklade Manor Prep, our academic framework directly mirrors this evolution. The FSCE tests deep comprehension, multi-step mathematical problem-solving, as well as distinct creative writing, and we focus on genuine intellectual mastery rather than passive memory.

Small enough to know every child, big enough to achieve exceptional results

As an independent prep school without a senior department, we are uniquely placed to fully focus on helping families choose the right senior school for their child. At the same time, pupils still benefit from the sorts of facilities you might expect from an all-through school on our expansive 8-acre site. From our science labs, thriving art department and Lego robotics studio, to our sports fields, full-sized sports hall and Forest School. 

Outstanding Results: A Track Record of Success

Our approach is proven. We are incredibly proud of our pupils’ achievements in gaining places at their chosen grammar and independent senior schools. Over a five-year average, our pupils maintain an outstanding 81% pass rate at the 11+. Furthermore, our long-term academic roadmap delivers clear results, highlighted by cohorts achieving up to a 100% pass rate at the 11+ among students who have been with us since Reception.

We are proud of the strong academic outcomes our pupils achieve, but we are even more proud of the well-rounded, confident young people they become in the process.

How We Build 11+ Success

Preparation for the 11+ is woven into our daily teaching, ensuring it feels like a natural extension of regular school life rather than an added stressor. We do not drill for tests. Instead, our robust prep school curriculum, delivered by subject specialist teachers from an early age, is engineered to cultivate the precise critical thinking and problem-solving skills that underpin success in modern assessments.

1. Foundational Excellence

• Core Literacy & Numeracy: From Reception onwards, we focus on helping every pupil achieve steady progress in their reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, and core mathematical fluency.

• Small Class Sizes: Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures individual attention, allowing staff to swiftly identify and address gaps while continuously stretching the most able students.

2. Targeted Skill Enhancement

• Cricklade Pupil Development (CPD): Our comprehensive CPD framework is specifically aimed at enhancing students’ higher-level thinking and confidence. This ensures they approach exam challenges with the resilience necessary for success in selective grammar school environments. This individual approach was recognised in our recent ISI inspection as a ‘Significant Strength’ – a distinction only a handful of schools nationwide receive.

• Looking Ahead to the FSCE 11+: As grammar school admissions continue to evolve, we remain committed to delivering a broad and ambitious curriculum, designed to equip pupils with the skills expected of modern assessment. By fostering deep understanding in English and Mathematics, alongside creativity, critical thinking and effective communication, we ensure children are well prepared for whatever lies ahead.

3. Bespoke Guidance and Support

• Assessment and Tracking: We continuously assess pupil progress to ensure their preparation is targeted, efficient, and appropriate for their individual academic profile.

• Next Steps Counselling: From Year 3 and 4, we work closely with families to discuss senior school destinations. Our experienced team provides clear guidance on the new exam formats and application processes, ensuring a smooth transition.

While we await final confirmation on the exact parameters of the FSCE format, we know our academic framework is already actively aligned. We will be releasing a comprehensive FSCE Parent Information Pack as soon as official details are fully confirmed.

The Cricklade Manor Prep Difference

Choosing Cricklade Manor Prep means choosing a school that prioritises deep, confident learning over superficial memorisation, giving your child the best possible foundation for wherever they choose to go. 

Small enough to know every child, but big enough to achieve exceptional results, our individual attention leads to outstanding outcomes. 

Ensure your child is prepared for the next generation of grammar school entry. Click the button below to register your interest. Our friendly admissions team will then be in touch to arrange a visit at a time that suits you. During your visit, you’ll receive a personal tour of our fantastic facilities, see learning in action, and meet with our Head, Guy Barrett. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, and you’ll get a feel for life and learning at Cricklade Manor Prep. We can’t wait to welcome you.