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Trafford and Manchester prep

Grammar schools in Manchester and Trafford: 11 Plus guide

Trafford has some of the most competitive grammar schools in the North West.

Greater Manchester's state grammar schools are concentrated in Trafford, where Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and Sale Grammar School are among the highest performing in the North West. The Trafford 11+ test is highly competitive and uses GL Assessment.

Child preparing for Trafford and Altrincham grammar school 11 Plus entrance exam
GL
Trafford test format
Trafford
Grammar school area
Year 5-6
Prep window

Grammar schools in Manchester and Trafford

The main state grammar schools in the Greater Manchester area are in Trafford. Altrincham Grammar schools are nationally regarded and consistently ranked among the top state schools in England.

  • Altrincham Grammar School for Boys — Bowdon
  • Altrincham Grammar School for Girls — Altrincham
  • Sale Grammar School — Sale
  • Stretford Grammar School — Stretford
  • St Ambrose College — Catholic boys, Hale Barns
  • Loreto Grammar School — Catholic girls, Altrincham

Trafford 11+ preparation approach

The Trafford 11+ follows a GL Assessment format. Preparation should cover all four core areas, with a focus on accuracy under timed conditions.

  • Maths problem solving and number reasoning
  • English comprehension and vocabulary
  • Verbal reasoning — codes, series, word relationships
  • Non-verbal reasoning — visual pattern logic

Practical plan

Trafford 11+ preparation plan

Step 1

Year 5 summer: baseline mock, then weak-topic focus.

Step 2

Autumn Year 6: two practice sessions per week with mock papers.

Step 3

January onwards: full timed papers monthly.

Step 4

Final month: speed and confidence, rest between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Trafford 11+ test?

The Trafford 11+ is usually held in September of Year 6. Always check Trafford Council's secondary transfer admissions guidance for exact dates each year.

Is the Manchester Grammar School a state school?

No. Manchester Grammar School is an independent fee-paying school and does not use the state 11+ process. The state grammar schools are in Trafford.

How far in advance should we prepare?

Most families in the Trafford area start in Year 5. Strong reading, vocabulary and maths habits from Year 4 are very helpful.