Top 5 Grammar Schools in Manchester

Choosing the right school is vital for parents, shaping their child’s future. In the UK, grammar schools stand out for their academic excellence. This blog explores the top 5 grammar schools in Manchester, known for their rigorous standards and esteemed reputation in education.

State-funded grammar schools admit students based on academic ability, typically assessing them through an entrance exam in Year 6. They provide a rigorous curriculum, resulting in excellent exam outcomes and many students progressing to leading universities. Nonetheless, they are controversial due to concerns about social mobility, as they may perpetuate elitism and hinder access for disadvantaged students.

The debate surrounding grammar schools

Grammar schools in the UK have sparked debate due to differing views on their merit. Advocates argue they provide rigorous academic standards and a specialised curriculum, fostering a competitive atmosphere to motivate students towards excellence.

Grammar school attendance provides the opportunity to learn and face challenges alongside peers of similar academic ability. Furthermore, this fosters a stimulating and supportive learning environment, encouraging students to push themselves academically and develop critical thinking skills.

Furthermore, grammar schools often have a proven track record of academic excellence, with many students achieving top grades in their GCSEs and A-levels. This can be particularly beneficial for those students who wish to go on to university or pursue a career in a competitive field, such as medicine or law.

Despite criticisms, demand for places at grammar schools remains high, as parents seek the best education for their child. Next, we’ll explore the top 5 grammar schools in Manchester, noting their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes each unique.

1. Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (AGGS) is a selective girls’ grammar school in Altrincham, Trafford. Established in 1902, AGGS is a member of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium and ranks among the UK’s top-performing state schools. Moreover, it boasts excellent exam results at GCSE and A-levels. Furthermore, it celebrates students’ achievements in sports and culture.

Pastoral care is central to the school’s ethos; consequently, it was appointed as one of the UK’s first National Teaching Schools. AGGS currently ranks 5th among UK state secondary schools. Moreover, in 2017-18, they named it Sunday Times Northwest State Secondary School of the Decade and State Secondary School of the Year. The school admits 204 girls annually, contingent on results from the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11 plus exam. The registration deadline for 2024 entry is 12th June 2023.

2. Altrincham Grammar School for Boys

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys is a highly-rated state secondary school located in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Established in 1912, the school is a member of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium and prides itself on offering an education “in the broadest sense”, encouraging high performance and aspirations within and beyond academia for its students.

With a track record of success in sports, arts, engineering, sciences, and debating, the school boasts impressive GCSE and A-level results. Additionally, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys offers 202 places in Year 7 and shares an entrance test with the four other schools in the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium. Moreover, the admissions process includes registering for the 11 plus exam, submitting an application form to the home local council by 31st October 2023, and then waiting for national school offer day on 1st March 2024.

3. Sale Grammar School

Sale Grammar School, as a mixed selective school and a member of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium, boasts strong pastoral care. Additionally, its specialist status in Visual Arts and Science with Maths has garnered it renown. Founded in 1991, the school is situated in the town of Sale, under the local council of Trafford. With 1,304 pupils, it was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in its most recent inspection.

Sale Grammar School is ranked 41st nationally for state secondary schools; moreover, in 2022, it achieved 80% A*/A/9/8/7 in GCSEs and 87% A*–B in A levels. Furthermore, the school offers 190 places for Year 7. In terms of admissions, registration for the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11 plus exam opens on April 21, 2023, and closes on June 12, 2023. Subsequently, the exam will be held on September 5, 2023. Finally, the application deadline for the common application form is on October 31, 2023.

4. Loreto Grammar School

Loreto Grammar School is a selective Catholic school for girls located in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Establishing itself in 1909, the school has gained renown for embodying core values such as justice, sincerity, truth, freedom, joy, excellence, and internationality. Its focus lies in nurturing young Catholic women who are attuned to humanity’s needs and dedicated to improving the world.

The school excels in academic performance both at GCSE and A level, along with success in the International Baccalaureate programme. The school conducts its own entrance exam, separate from nearby grammar schools. This includes an 11 plus assessment for Year 7 admissions, with 150 spots available. The exam tests skills in English, verbal reasoning, and maths.

The exam takes place on the morning of Friday 22nd September 2023, and the registration for the exam opens on 1st July 2023 and closes on 31st July 2023. The school also has an open day on 1st July 2023. The school’s term dates for 2023-2024 are from 5th September 2023 to 19th July 2024, with half-terms in October 2023, February 2024, and May/June 2024.

5. Stretford Grammar School

Stretford Grammar School is a mixed selective school established in 1928 and is part of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium. The school boasts of ambitious students who demonstrate high levels of care towards each other and the wider community. The school has had three consecutive Ofsted reports and has had outstanding academic results. The article provides information about the key dates, admissions process, and the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11 plus exam. The exam consists of two papers, each lasting about 60 minutes, and assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and math. Stretford Grammar School has a qualifying score of 334, and it’s likely to have more qualified candidates than available spots.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a parent in Manchester seeking a grammar school for your child, numerous excellent options exist. The five schools highlighted here rank among the finest in the region, each boasting distinct strengths and expertise areas.

Whether you’re interested in the academic rigor and breadth of subjects offered at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys or the emphasis on extracurricular activities at Urmston Grammar School, there is a grammar school in Manchester that will suit your child’s needs.

However, getting into these schools can be a challenge. That’s why it’s important to give your child the best possible chance of success by preparing them thoroughly for the 11+ exams.

Edumentors‘ tutors are highly experienced and highly qualified tutors who are dedicated to helping children succeed in the 11+ exams and gain admission to the best grammar schools in Manchester. So if you’re looking for extra support and guidance for your child, we are here to help. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our 11+ tutoring services.