Trafford is home to one of the highest concentrations of grammar schools in England. For parents in the area, understanding the options — and the differences between them — is an important part of the admissions process. This guide provides an overview of each school in the Trafford Consortium.
School details, admissions criteria, and performance data change regularly. Always check directly with each school and with Trafford Council for the most current information. The details below reflect general information and should be verified before making admissions decisions.
The Trafford Consortium
The Trafford Consortium is a group of grammar schools that use a shared entrance examination — the GL Assessment — for selecting pupils. Sitting one exam gives your child the opportunity to apply for a place at any of the consortium schools, which simplifies the admissions process for families.
The consortium currently includes eight schools, offering a range of co-educational, single-sex, and faith-based options.
Sale Grammar School
Sale Grammar School is a co-educational grammar school located in Sale, Trafford. It consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in Greater Manchester and is oversubscribed most years. The school has strong results at GCSE and A-Level and a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
Admissions are based on the consortium test result, with proximity used to determine priority among qualifying applicants.
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
One of the most academically prestigious schools in the North West, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (AGSB) has a long tradition of academic excellence. The school is highly oversubscribed and typically requires a high standardised score for admission.
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (AGSG) is equally well-regarded and consistently achieves outstanding results. Like AGSB, it is highly selective and oversubscribed. Both Altrincham grammar schools draw applicants from across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Stretford Grammar School
Stretford Grammar School is a co-educational school that provides an excellent grammar school education to pupils from across Trafford. It is often slightly less oversubscribed than the Altrincham schools, making it a strong option for families whose children achieve a good score on the consortium test.
Urmston Grammar School
Located in Urmston, this co-educational grammar school serves the western part of Trafford and draws pupils from Urmston, Flixton, Davyhulme, and surrounding areas. It offers strong academic results and a warm, supportive environment.
Loreto Grammar School
Loreto Grammar School is a Catholic girls' grammar school in Altrincham. As a faith school, it gives priority to Catholic applicants, though non-Catholics who meet the academic standard may also be considered. The school has strong results and a distinctive ethos rooted in its Catholic tradition.
St Ambrose College
St Ambrose College is a Catholic boys' grammar school in Hale Barns, Altrincham. Like Loreto, it gives priority to Catholic applicants. The school is well-regarded academically and has strong links to the local Catholic community.
Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College
Blessed Thomas Holford is a co-educational Catholic grammar school. It gives priority to Catholic applicants and serves the faith community across Trafford and beyond.
How to Choose
When selecting schools on your application form, consider:
- Distance from home — proximity is used for tie-breaking at most schools
- Single-sex vs co-educational — this is a personal preference and both options are well-represented in Trafford
- Faith schools — if your child is Catholic, faith schools may give your application priority
- School culture and ethos — visit open days and talk to current parents
- Sixth form options — some schools have strong sixth forms while others focus on GCSE
Many families rank all the consortium schools they would genuinely consider, in preference order. There is no disadvantage to listing multiple schools.
What Score Do You Need?
The required score varies by school and by year. The Altrincham schools are the most competitive and typically require higher scores. A standardised score of 121 or above is generally considered a pass for the consortium, but a higher score — typically 125 or above — may be needed for the most oversubscribed schools.
These figures are indicative only. The actual cut-off in any given year depends on the number of applicants and the cohort's performance.
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