Searching for grammar schools in Manchester can be confusing! There are multiple grammar schools in Manchester however only one is a fee paying independent school called Manchester Grammar School. In reality, there are state grammars in a neighbouring borough. This guide will show you which ones are in which area, how you can get your child into them and what to consider when choosing.
Quick Answer: There are no state grammar schools in Manchester. The closest are in Trafford, with 7 selective schools. 5 of which take the same GL Assessment exam. Manchester Grammar Schools takes a separate exam and is a fee paying school.
Key Points
- State grammar schools for families in Manchester are located in Trafford.
- 5 schools take the same exam however Loreto Grammar, St Ambrose College and Manchester Grammar all have their own.
- Register and Apply.
- There is no one ‘best’ school. Consider how far away the school is, if it’s a girls school, if it’s faith based and the type of exam.
- Check the admissions criteria for each school. These change every year!
Grammar Schools near Manchester
There are very few selective state schools in Greater Manchester. The majority are located in Trafford. Trafford is just south west of the city center and includes Altrincham, Sale, Stretford and Urmston. Many families from Manchester live in the north or east of the city. This means that the distance would be an important factor.
There is also one very popular independent school in the city, called Manchester Grammar School. This often causes confusion between the state grammars.
Grammar Schools in Manchester
| School Name | Type | Pupils | Exam |
| Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | State Grammar | Boys | Trafford Consortium |
| Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | State Grammar | Girls | Trafford Consortium |
| Sale Grammar School | State Grammar | Mixed | Trafford Consortium |
| Stretford Grammar School | State Grammar | Mixed | Trafford Consortium |
| Urmston Grammar School | State Grammar | Mixed | Trafford Consortium |
| Loreto Grammar School | State Grammar (Catholic) | Girls | Separate Exam |
| St Ambrose College | State Grammar (Catholic) | Boys | Separate Exam |
| Manchester Grammar School | Independent & Fee Payer | Boys | Separate Exam |
Trafford Grammar Schools (State)
Trafford Consortium Exam
There are 5 schools within Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium. They all take the same exam set by GL Assessment. Your child will take the exam once and will be able to apply to any school within the consortium. You will need to register online. You will have plenty of time to register as it will open long before the exam. Make sure to check the schools websites early in Year 5 to find out when the registration date is.
Loreto Grammar & St Ambrose College
These are both State Catholic schools. However, they do not take the same exam as they are not within the consortium. They will have their own entrance exam. As they are faith based you will need to register separately.
Latest Dates
In the last cycle, the Trafford Consortium exam was on 14th September 2026. Loreto & St Ambrose were on 18th September 2026. As these dates change each year, make sure to check Trafford Council & the school. Our 11 plus exam dates by region guide will show you the whole calendar.
Once your child passes the exam you will need to apply to the school(s) on your councils Common Application Form. This is typically by 31st October. Each school has their own admissions criteria. This can include factors such as distance and faith.
Manchester Grammar School (Independent)
Manchester Grammar School (MGS) is an independent school for boys. It is a day school and is fee paying. There are bursaries however make sure to ask the school about financial help.
This school has its own admissions criteria. Typically, there will be an assessment day and Year 6 entrance exam. This exam is created by the school so will be different to the Trafford exam. Make sure to check the admissions page for the latest dates.
There are often searches for Manchester Grammar School 11+ papers and results. As this is a school created exam, it is best to practice general 11+ English and Maths. If they have any sample papers these will help.
How to choose the best grammar school for your child
It is unlikely that any school will be perfect for your child. What may work well for a girl in Altrincham may not work for a boy in Cheetham Hill. Consider:
- Distance Many families from the north and east will have a 45-60 minute commute.
- Consider the admissions criteria. Each school will have different policies on distance, siblings and faith.
- Girls/Boys Some schools are for girls only, some are for boys only and some are mixed. There are also Catholic options.
- Exam Trafford, Loreto & St Ambrose are all different. MGS is also different.
- Fee Trafford are free. MGS are fee paying.
- Results Make sure to check the school’s own results and the government’s school performance service. Look at results over a number of years.
We will not rank these schools as the cut off scores and results vary each year. Using old results could be misleading.
How to prepare for Trafford & Manchester exams
- Make sure you know which exams you will be doing.
- Know what to expect. Check each school’s website to see what subjects and papers they will be testing on.
- GL Style Trafford take an exam set by GL Assessment. Our GL papers will help with this.
- Short Sessions As they are quick exams, they are great to do during the week.
- Practice under exam conditions. Doing timed practice exams will show how your child will cope with the pressure.
- Use the score to plan. Our guide to calculating a good 11 plus score will help.
Common Mistakes Made by Manchester Families
- Thinking Manchester Grammar School is a state grammar school.
- Late registration.
- Forgetting to apply on the Common Application Form.
- Thinking Loreto, St Ambrose and MGS all take the same exam.
- Using old pass marks.
Ready to get your child practicing for their 11+?
If you are unsure where to start, our free sample papers will give you an idea of the style of questions. Choose papers that match your child’s target schools. If you have any questions our team will be happy to help.
FAQs
Is Manchester Grammar School a free school?
No, it is an independent school. There are bursaries available so ask the school about financial help.
Can my child do the Trafford exam and the MGS exam?
Yes, these are separate. They are on separate dates.
Where can I find Manchester Grammar School 11+ past papers?
As this is a school created exam, check the admissions page. General 11+ English & Maths papers will help.
Where can I find 11+ results for Manchester grammar schools?
Each school will have their own results. The government have a school performance service. Compare results over a number of years.
When should my child start preparing?
The exams are in September of Year 6 so many families start in Year 5. However, most children don’t need to start early.
Will passing the exam guarantee my child a place?
No, each school will have admissions criteria. How many families apply will also affect this.