About Cheadle Hulme School
Cheadle Hulme School is a co-educational independent day school in Greater Manchester & Trafford. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Cheadle Hulme School is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #297 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 75%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Cheadle Hulme School
Cheadle Hulme School Admissions Criteria
Cheadle Hulme School is a co-educational independent day school in Greater Manchester & Trafford. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Cheadle Hulme School to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Cheadle Hulme School. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Cheadle Hulme School's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about their interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether them child has been offered a place at Cheadle Hulme School.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Cheadle Hulme School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Cheadle Hulme School Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Cheadle Hulme School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Cheadle Hulme School 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Cheadle Hulme School
Step 1 — Attend a Cheadle Hulme School Open Event
Attend a Cheadle Hulme School Open Event or book a personal tour
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form in the Admissions
Complete the online registration form in the Admissions section of the website
Step 3 — Pay the £80 registration fee via the link at the end of
Pay the £80 registration fee via the link at the end of the form
Step 4 — Submit your application by the deadline
Submit your application by the deadline (e.g. 5pm Friday 10 December for September 2022 entry — check current year deadline)
Step 5 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 6 — Your child sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Cheadle
Your child sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Cheadle Hulme School
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated — CHS confirms places based on assessment and reference
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the £500 deposit per student
On acceptance, pay the £500 deposit per student (returned without interest when child leaves CHS)
Independent Subjects Tested at Cheadle Hulme School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Cheadle Hulme School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Sport Scholarships including High Potential Programmes and Emerging Creative Talent Programme (art and drama). Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced following assessment
Additional notes: Cheadle Hulme School is a co-educational independent day school in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester for pupils aged 3-18 (founded 1855). Approximately 1,400 pupils. Member of HMC. Fees unchanged for 2025-26 academic year.
Independent Practice Papers for Cheadle Hulme School
Cheadle Hulme School uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Cheadle Hulme School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Cheadle Hulme School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Cheadle Hulme School is an academically selective independent school with strong, consistent results at GCSE and A-Level and a distinctive, values-driven ethos rooted in its charitable origins.
- GCSE: a strong record, with around two-thirds of grades at 9–7 in a recent year.
- A-Level: strong results (around 69% at A*–B).
- Progression: most pupils progress to leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Cheadle Hulme School
Cheadle Hulme School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day school, places are open to families from across Cheadle Hulme, Stockport and the wider Greater Manchester and Cheshire area, with entry by selective assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school occupies an extensive site with playing fields on Claremont Road in Cheadle Hulme, with main entry points from Pre-School, at 7+, 11+ and the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1855 as the Manchester Warehousemen and Clerks’ Orphan Schools, Cheadle Hulme School is a co-educational independent day school (ages 3–18) on a Grade II-listed site in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, with the motto ‘In Loco Parentis’. Faithful to its charitable origins, it is known for inclusive, values-driven ‘Waconian Values’ (curiosity, compassion, joy and community), strong pastoral care and a financial-assistance programme that widens access.
Sport is a particular strength, with a participation-first ethos across rugby, football, hockey, netball and cricket, alongside a busy House system and wide co-curricular programme. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheadle Hulme School
How do I get into Cheadle Hulme School?
To gain entry to Cheadle Hulme School Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does Cheadle Hulme School use?
Cheadle Hulme School sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at Cheadle Hulme School?
Cheadle Hulme School uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Cheadle Hulme School?
Yes. Cheadle Hulme School offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Cheadle Hulme School?
Most independent schools including Cheadle Hulme School accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Cheadle Hulme School?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Cheadle Hulme School. No registration required.
When is the Cheadle Hulme School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Cheadle Hulme School is Typically December of the year prior to entry (5pm). The registration fee is £80. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Cheadle Hulme School 11+ results announced?
At Cheadle Hulme School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.
What is the acceptance deposit at Cheadle Hulme School?
The acceptance deposit at Cheadle Hulme School is £500 per student (returned without interest when child leaves CHS — no financial assistance available for this deposit). This is payable on acceptance of a place.