N-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-Q

QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS OF

REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY

                  Investment Company Act file number 811-06243 

Franklin Strategic Series

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA  94403-1906

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Craig S. Tyle, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA  94403-1906

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  650 312-2000

Date of fiscal year end:   4/30 

Date of reporting period:  7/31/12 

Item 1. Schedule of Investments.

aNon-income producing.
bA portion or all of the security is on loan at July 31, 2012.
c See Note 6 regarding holdings of 5% voting securities.
dSecurity was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be sold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers
or in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933. This security has been deemed liquid under guidelines approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees. At July
31, 2012, the value of this security was $205,824, representing 0.04% of net assets.
eSee Note 5 regarding restricted securities.
fDefaulted security or security for which income has been deemed uncollectible.
9The Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio is managed by the Fund's investment manager.
hThe rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield at period end.

ABBREVIATIONS

Currency

CAD - Canadian Dollar
Selected Portfolio

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

Quarterly Statement ofInvestments

I See Notes to Statements ofInvestments.

Quarterly Statement ofInvestments

I See Notes to Statements ofInvestments.

Quarterly Statement ofInvestments

I See Notes to Statements ofInvestments.

Quarterly Statement ofInvestments

I See Notes to Statements ofInvestments.

aNon-income producing.
bSee Note 5 regarding restricted securities.
C Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be sold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers
or in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities have been deemed liquid under guidelines approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees. At
July 31, 2012, the aggregate value of these securities was $14,150,270, representing 1.34% of net assets.
dA portion or all of the security is on loan at July 31, 2012.
'The Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio is managed by the Fund's investment manager.
fThe rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield at period end.

ABBREVIATIONS
Selected Portfolio

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

Quarterly Statement ofInvestments

I See Notes to Statements ofInvestments.

Quarterly Statement ofInvestments

I See Notes to Statements ofInvestments.

Quarterly Statement ofInvestments

I See Notes to Statements ofInvestments.

Franklin Strategic Series

Notes to Statements of Investments (unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION

Franklin Strategic Series (Trust) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (1940 Act) as an open-end investment company, consisting of eight funds (Funds).

2. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT VALUATION

The Funds' investments in financial instruments are carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Under procedures approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees (the Board), the Fund's administrator, investment manager and other affiliates have formed the Valuation and Liquidity Oversight Committee (VLOC). The VLOC provides administration and oversight of the Funds' valuation policies and procedures, which are approved annually by the Board. Among other things, these procedures allow the Funds to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instnunent dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.

Equity securities listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively. Foreign equity securities are valued as of the close of trading on the foreign stock exchange on which the security is primarily traded, or the NYSE, whichever is earlier. The value is then converted into its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the close of the NYSE on the day that the value of the security is determined. Over-the-counter (OTC) securities are valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Securities that trade in multiple markets or on multiple exchanges are valued according to the broadest and most representative market. Certain equity securities are valued based upon fundamental characteristics or relationships to similar securities. Investments in open-end mutual funds and non-registered money market funds are valued at the closing net asset value.

Debt securities generally trade in the OTC market rather than on a securities exchange. The Funds' pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity exists, the pricing services may utilize a market -based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity may not exist or is limited, the pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, credit spreads, estimated default rates, anticipated market interest rate volatility, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal repayments, underlying collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair value. Securities denominated in a foreign currency are converted into their U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the close of the NYSE on the date that the values of the foreign debt securities are determined.

Certain derivative financial instnunents (derivatives) trade in the OTC market. The Funds' pricing services use various techniques including industry standard option pricing models and proprietary discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of those instnunents. The Funds' net benefit or obligation under the derivative contract, as measured by the fair market value of the contract, is included in net assets.

The Funds have procedures to determine the fair value of financial instnunents for which market prices are not reliable or readily available. Under these procedures, the VLOC convenes on a regular basis to review such financial instnunents and considers a number of factors, including significant unobservable valuation inputs, when arriving at fair value. The VLOC primarily employs a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, and other relevant information for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment.

An income-based valuation approach may also be used in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed. The VLOC employs various methods for calibrating these valuation approaches including a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, transactional back-testing or disposition analysis, and reviews of any related market activity.

Trading in securities on foreign securities stock exchanges and OTC markets may be completed before the daily close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally, events occur between the time at which trading in a foreign security is completed and the close of the NYSE that might call into question the reliability of the value of a portfolio security held by the fund. As a result, differences may arise between the value of the Funds' portfolio securities as determined at the foreign market close and the latest indications of value at the close of the NYSE. In order to minimize the potential for these differences, the VLOC monitors price movements following the close of trading in foreign stock markets through a series of country specific market proxies (such as baskets of American Depositary Receipts, futures contracts and exchange traded funds). These price movements are measured against established trigger thresholds for each specific market proxy to assist in determining if an event has occurred that may call into question the reliability of the values of the foreign securities held by the Funds. If such an event occurs, the securities may be valued using fair value procedures, which may include the use of independent pricing servIces.

3. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Franklin Strategic Income Fund invested in derivatives in order to manage risk or gain exposure to various other investments or markets. Derivatives are financial contracts based on an underlying or notional amount, require no initial investment or an initial net investment that is smaller than would normally be required to have a similar response to changes in market factors, and require or permit net settlement. Derivatives contain various risks including the potential inability of the counterparty to fulfill their obligations under the terms of the contract, the potential for an illiquid secondary market, and/or the potential for market movements.

The Franklin Strategic Income Fund entered into OTC forward exchange contracts primarily to manage and/or gain exposure to certain foreign currencies. A forward exchange contract is an agreement between the fund and a counterparty to buy or sell a foreign currency for a specific exchange rate on a future date. Pursuant to the terms of the forward exchange contracts, cash or securities may be required to be deposited as collateral. Umestricted cash may be invested according to the fund's investment objectives.

The Franklin Strategic Income Fund entered into OTC credit default swap contracts primarily to manage exposure to credit risk. A credit default swap is an agreement between the fund and a counterparty whereby the buyer of the contract receives credit protection and the seller of the contract guarantees the credit worthiness of a referenced debt obligation. The underlying referenced debt obligation may be a single issuer of corporate or sovereign debt, a credit index, or a tranche of a credit index. In the event of a default of the underlying referenced debt obligation, the buyer is entitled to receive the notional amount of the credit default swap contract from the seller in exchange for the referenced debt obligation, a net settlement amount equal to the notional amount of the credit default swap less the recovery value of the referenced debt obligation, or other agreed upon amount. Over the term of the contract, the buyer pays the seller a periodic stream of payments, provided that no event of default has occurred. Such periodic payments are accrued daily as an umealized appreciation or depreciation until the payments are made, at which time they are realized. Payments received or paid to initiate a credit default swap contract represent compensating factors between stated terms of the credit default swap agreement and prevailing market conditions (credit spreads and other relevant factors). These upfront payments are amortized over the term of the contract as a realized gain or loss. Pursuant to the terms of the credit default swap contract, cash or securities may be required to be deposited as collateral. Umestricted cash may be invested according to the fund's investment objectives.

4. INCOME TAXES

At July 31, 2012, the cost of investments and net umealized appreciation (depreciation) for income tax purposes were as follows:

5. RESTRICTED SECURITIES

At July 31, 2012, the following funds held investments in restricted securities, excluding certain securities exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 deemed to be liquid, as follows:

The 1940 Act defines "affiliated companies" to include investments in portfolio companies in which a fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities. Investments in "affiliated companies" for the funds for the three months ended July 31, 2012, were as shown below.

The Franklin Strategic Income Fund invests in certain securities through its investment in FT Subsidiary, a Delaware Corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the fund. The FT Subsidiary has the ability to invest in securities consistent with

the investment objective of the fund. At July 31,2012, all FT SulJsi(limy IIlVestnlents

the fund's Staltem.ent

8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Funds follow a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Funds' own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds' financial instruments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:

The inputs or methodology used for valuing financial instruments are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those financial instruments.

A reconciliation of assets in which Level 3 inputs are used in determining a fund's fair value is presented when there are significant Level 3 investments at the end of the period. The reconciliation of assets for the three months ended July 31, 2012, are as follows:

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the fund's investment in a biotechnology company are free cash flow and the cost of equity capital. A significant and reasonable increase (decrease) of free cash flow would result in a significant higher (lower) fair value measurement. A significant and reasonable increase (decrease) in the cost of equity capital would result in a significant lower (higher) fair value measurement. The differences in fair value measurements caused by significant and reasonable changes in any of these inputs is expected to materially impact the net assets of the fund.

9. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The amendments in the ASU enhance disclosures about offsetting of financial assets and liabilities to enable investors to understand the effect of these arrangements on a fund's financial position. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Funds believe the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on their financial statements.

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Funds have evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the Statements of Investments and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure.

For additional information on the Funds' significant accounting policies, please refer to the Funds' most recent semiannual or annual shareholder report.

Item 2. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  The Registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Registrant’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  The Registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Quarterly Schedule of Portfolio Holdings on Form N-Q, the Registrant had carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and the Registrant’s principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on such evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(b) Changes in Internal Controls.  There have been no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation in connection with the preparation of this Quarterly Schedule of Portfolio Holdings on Form N-Q.

Item 3. Exhibits.

(a) Certification pursuant to Section 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 of Laura F. Fergerson, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Gaston Gardey, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FRANKLIN STRATEGIC SERIES

By /s/LAURA F. FERGERSON

      Laura F. Fergerson

      Chief Executive Officer –

Finance and Administration

Date  September 27, 2012

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By /s/LAURA F. FERGERSON

      Laura F. Fergerson

      Chief Executive Officer –

Finance and Administration

Date  September 27, 2012

By /s/GASTON GARDEY

      Gaston Gardey

      Chief Financial Officer and

Chief Accounting Officer

Date  September 27, 2012

EX-99.CERT

Exhibit 3(a)

I, Laura F. Fergerson, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-Q of Franklin Strategic Series; 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the schedules of investments included in this report fairly present in all material respects the investments of the registrant as of the end of the fiscal quarter for which the report is filed;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report, based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

9/27/2012

S\LAURA F. FERGERSON

Laura F. Fergerson

Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration

Exhibit 3(a)

I, Gaston Gardey, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-Q of Franklin Strategic Series; 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the schedules of investments included in this report fairly present in all material respects the investments of the registrant as of the end of the fiscal quarter for which the report is filed;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report, based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

9/27/2012

S\GASTON GARDEY

Gaston Gardey

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer