About Manchester Grammar School
The Manchester Grammar School (MGS) is an independent day school for boys in Rusholme, Manchester, founded in 1515 by Hugh Oldham — the largest boys' independent day school in the UK, with around 1,650 pupils aged 7–18. As an independent school it charges fees (approximately £15,000 a year for 2025/26; confirm the current figure with the school).
Entry to Year 7 (the main intake, around 150 places) is by the school's own entrance examination in January — formal papers in English and Mathematics, alongside an assessment day of lessons, group activities and a piece of creative writing, plus a reference and possibly an interview. MGS is highly academically selective.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Manchester Grammar School
MGS runs its own admissions process. Submit the online application directly to the school (usually by November of Year 6; a £40 registration fee applies). Your son then sits the entrance examination in January — formal papers in English and Mathematics (calculators are not allowed) — and attends an Assessment Day of lessons, group activities and a creative-writing task, which gives the school insight into how he learns. A reference is requested from his current school, and some candidates are interviewed. There are around 150 Year 7 places, and entry is highly competitive.
Catchment Area for Manchester Grammar School
As an independent school, MGS has no catchment area — boys travel in from across Greater Manchester and beyond. Places are awarded purely on performance in the entrance assessment.
MGS offers extensive means-tested bursaries; check the school's fees and assistance pages for current income thresholds and how to apply alongside your entry application.
Subjects Tested at Manchester Grammar School
The MGS entrance examination is the school's own: formal papers in English and Mathematics (arithmetic and problem-solving, no calculators), supported by an Assessment Day with a creative-writing task and group activities. It is designed to assess potential and suitability for the school's approach, not narrow knowledge.
Academic Results at The Manchester Grammar School (MGS)
The Manchester Grammar School is one of the most academically successful independent schools in the country, with an exceptional record of GCSE and A-Level results and university destinations.
- Academic outcomes: results are consistently among the strongest in the UK, with the great majority of grades at the highest levels.
- Destinations: large numbers of leavers progress to Oxbridge, other Russell Group universities and leading US institutions each year.
- Access: a substantial, fully means-tested bursary scheme supports pupils across a wide range of family incomes.
The school publishes its latest results each summer; confirm current figures on its website.
Pastoral Care & Co-curricular Life at The Manchester Grammar School (MGS)
Manchester Grammar School combines academic challenge with strong pastoral care and an exceptionally broad co-curricular programme on its extensive Fallowfield campus.
- Pastoral care: a form and house system supports each boy's wellbeing and progress through the school.
- Co-curricular: one of the most active Duke of Edinburgh schools in the North, with a wide range of sport, music, drama, debating and clubs.
- Access: the school's bursary programme is among the largest of any independent school, widening access regardless of family income.
Independent 11+ Practice Papers for Manchester Grammar School (MGS)
Manchester Grammar School (MGS) sets its own entrance examination. 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 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Manchester Grammar School (MGS) 11+ Exam
The MGS entrance exam rewards secure English and arithmetic and clear problem-solving rather than a fixed format. Build confident Year 5/6 skills and practise timed creative writing. The steps below help.
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.
Manchester Grammar School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to MGS for Year 7?
Submit the online application directly to the school, usually by November of Year 6 (a £40 registration fee applies). Your son then sits the January entrance exam and attends an assessment day.
What is the MGS entrance exam?
The school's own examination: formal papers in English and Mathematics (no calculators), held in January, plus an assessment day of lessons, group activities and creative writing, with a reference and possibly an interview.
Is MGS selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a highly selective independent day school for boys, so it charges fees (approximately £15,000 a year for 2025/26; confirm the current figure with the school).
How many Year 7 places are there?
Around 150, the school's main intake; competition is intense.
Does MGS have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits boys from any area, purely on merit in the entrance assessment.
When is the entrance exam?
In January of Year 6 (January 2027 for September 2027 entry); apply by around November 2026.
Are bursaries available?
Yes — MGS offers extensive means-tested bursaries (full to partial), assessed on household income; apply when you submit the entry application.
Do boys need a calculator?
No — calculators are not allowed in the Mathematics paper.
How can my son prepare?
Build confident Year 5/6 English and arithmetic and practise timed problem-solving and creative writing. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.