Manchester Grammar Schools

Manchester Grammar Schools

MANCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOLS

Manchester is where we started.

We have extensive experience in placing our students into the top grammar schools all across Manchester; particularly the Trafford Grammar Schools. The following information gives detail about the different schools, and relevant links for admissions information.

Broadly, the schools rely on GL assessment (or GL assessment style) tests.

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys was founded in 1912. There is a strong focus on diversity, equality and inclusion, and student leadership. Students have a track record of success in sports, the arts, engineering, science and debating. In 2013, physicist Brian Cox opened a new physics centre. There is a vibrant house system and over 100 clubs and societies on offer.

  • Town: Altrincham

  • Local council: Trafford Council

  • Gender: Boys

  • Number of pupils: 1,300+

  • GCSE results (2024): 84.8% A*/A/9/8/7

  • A level results (2024): 81.5% A*–B

  • National rank: 24

  • 11+ exam: Trafford 11 plus

How to apply to Altrincham Grammar School for Boys

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (AGGS) is a girls' grammar school founded in 1902. It prides itself on outstanding exam results and students' sports and cultural successes.

Pastoral care is integral to education at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls. The school has a strong national reputation as one of the first National Teaching Schools. The Times named it 'State Secondary School of the Year in the Northwest for Academic Excellence 2025'.

  • Town: Altrincham

  • Local council: Trafford Council

  • Gender: Girls

  • Number of pupils: 1,350+

  • GCSE results (2024): 89% A*/A/9/8/7

  • A level results (2024): 90.4% A*–B

  • National rank: 8

  • 11+ exam: Trafford 11 plus

How to apply to Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Loreto Grammar School

Loreto Grammar School is an academically selective Catholic school for girls. It prides itself on its values of justice, sincerity, truth, freedom, joy, excellence, and internationality. It's part of a worldwide network of over 120 Loreto schools and has strong links with schools in India, Australia, Germany and Spain.

Loreto Grammar School is rooted in tradition but maintains a forward-thinking vision. Both Ofsted and the Diocese of Shrewsbury judge the school 'outstanding' in all categories. Both A levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are available in the sixth form.

  • Town: Altrincham

  • Local council: Trafford Council

  • Gender: Girls

  • Number of pupils: 1,000+

  • GCSE results (2024): 87.4% A*/A/9/8/7

  • A level results (2024): 76.5% A*–B

  • National rank: 23

  • 11 plus exam: English, maths and verbal reasoning

How to apply to Loreto Grammar School

Sale Grammar School

Sale Grammar School is a mixed grammar school founded in 1991. Ofsted rate the school 'outstanding' and praise students' academic achievement and behaviour. The school has a strong reputation for pastoral care, with students describing the school as a big family.

Students have a diverse extracurricular programme. Many students enter school and national competitions and have reached national sports finals. Sale Grammar School was recently invited to share its excellent approach to wellbeing at a national conference.

  • Town: Sale

  • Local council: Trafford Council

  • Gender: Mixed

  • Number of pupils: 1,300+

  • GCSE results (2024): 79.5% A*/A/9/8/7

  • A level results (2024): 73% A*–B

  • National rank: 47

  • 11+ exam: Trafford 11 plus

How to apply to Sale Grammar School

St. Ambrose College

Saint Ambrose College is a Catholic boys’ grammar school in Altrincham. It was founded in 1946 and has specialist status in maths and computing.

Sport excels at Saint Ambrose College. The main team sports are rugby, cricket and athletics, but there are a variety of other sports clubs and activities on offer. Boys have access to state-of-the-art sports facilities, including a new sports hall, a full 4G pitch and a swimming pool.

  • Town: Altrincham

  • Local council: Trafford Council

  • Gender: Boys

  • Number of pupils: 1,000+

  • GCSE results (2024): 72% A*/A/9/8/7

  • A level results (2024): 68.1% A*–B

  • National rank: 83

  • 11+ exam: GL Assessment verbal reasoning and school's own English and maths papers\

How to apply to St. Ambrose College

Stretford Grammar School

Stretford Grammar School is a co-educational grammar school located in Stretford, Greater Manchester. It offers a balanced academic and extracurricular experience, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.​

  • Town: Stretford​

  • Local council: Trafford Council​

  • Gender: Mixed

  • Number of pupils: Approximately 900​

  • GCSE results (2023): 99% of students achieved grades 9-4, with 95% attaining grades 9-5, and 68% securing grades 9-7

  • A-level results (2023): 68% of students achieved grades A*-B ​

  • National rank: 76 (GCSE)​

  • 11+ exam: GL Assessment in verbal reasoning, mathematics, and non-verbal reasoning ​

How to apply to Stretford Grammar School

Urmston Grammar School

Urmston Grammar School is a co-educational grammar school situated in Urmston, Greater Manchester. Established in 1929, it has a strong academic record and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities.​

  • Town: Urmston​

  • Local council: Trafford Council​

  • Gender: Co-educational​

  • Number of pupils: Approximately 909

  • GCSE results (2023): 99% of students achieved grades 9-4, with 95% attaining grades 9-5, and 68% securing grades 9-7

  • A-level results (2023): 68% of students achieved grades A*-B ​

  • National rank: 76 (GCSE)​

  • 11+ exam: GL Assessment in verbal reasoning, mathematics, and non-verbal reasoning

How to apply to Urmston Grammar School