Understanding the New Reading School 11+ (2026 entry) – What Parents Need to Know
If you’re a parent preparing for the Reading School 11+ exam this year, you may have already heard that it looks very different for students aiming for entry in 2026. The exam is now run by FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise), and the format is broader, more skills-based, and — for many parents — more confusing.
At The Education Hotel, we’re here to break it down in a way that makes sense, and most importantly, reassure you: you can support your child through this, even if it’s different from what you expected.
So, what’s changed?
The new FSCE 11+ assessment isn’t just about English and maths. It now includes:
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English
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Maths
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Science
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Humanities
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Languages
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Creative Thinking
Instead of one or two tests, there are now four distinct papers, designed to measure a broader set of skills:
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Adventure Paper – Multiple-choice, testing general curriculum knowledge
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Beacon Paper – Short written responses to open-ended questions
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Compass Paper – More multiple-choice, with a different subject focus
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Discovery Paper – Creative tasks testing lateral thinking and originality
Why the change?
The school wants to identify a wide range of abilities — not just academic recall. This new format helps to level the playing field, allowing children from all backgrounds to demonstrate potential in different ways.
As a parent, this might feel overwhelming. But the good news is, much of this is aligned with what your child is already doing at school.
How can I support my child at home?
Start with curiosity, not pressure. This new format rewards creativity and independent thinking. Read widely, watch documentaries together, ask big “what if?” questions at dinner.
Incorporate a variety of subjects. Science experiments, geography games, and word puzzles are all useful prep. You don’t need to “teach” – just encourage exploration.
Build confidence in writing. The short answer paper requires your child to think clearly and express ideas succinctly. Practice with fun prompts – “Describe a world with no gravity” or “Invent a new festival.”
Don’t skip creativity. The Discovery Paper rewards imagination. Drawing, building, storytelling – it’s all part of the learning process now.
Take a look at the familiarisation guides, plus more information here
Should I consider tuition?
Many parents are reaching out to us at The Education Hotel because the new format feels unfamiliar. Our team of 11+ tutors can provide:
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Tailored support based on FSCE’s new structure
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Gentle feedback to build confidence in areas like creative writing and science
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Mock assessments to help students feel prepared — not panicked
Final Words: You’ve Got This
The new Reading School exam may feel like uncharted territory, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right mix of encouragement, curiosity and support — whether from home or a tutor — your child can thrive.
And if you ever want to chat through your options, The Education Hotel is just a call or message away.
