About Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG)
Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) is a girls independent day school in Greater Manchester & Trafford. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) 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 #118 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 76.9%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG)
Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) Admissions Criteria
Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) is a girls independent day school in Greater Manchester & Trafford. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, 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 Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) 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 Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG). 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 — ISEB Common Pre-Test: Your child will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test online — the standardised, adaptive assessment used by Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) and over 90 other UK independent senior schools. The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes in total. It is age-standardised to allow fair comparison across applicants.
- ✓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 her interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether her child has been offered a place at Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG).
- ✓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 Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) 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 Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) 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 Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG)
Step 1 — Visit MHSG at an Open Event or book a tour (0161 224 0447
Visit MHSG at an Open Event or book a tour (0161 224 0447, admissions@manchesterhigh.co.uk)
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — Submit registration by the November deadline
Submit registration by the November deadline (year before entry)
Step 5 — The school requests a reference from your daughter's
The school requests a reference from your daughter's current Head
Step 6 — Your daughter sits the 11+ entrance exam in January (Year 6)
Your daughter sits the 11+ entrance exam in January (Year 6) — English Comprehension, Composition, Mathematics; aim for 80%+
Step 7 — Interview and school reference review
Interview and school reference review — January to February
Step 8 — Offers posted in February, to be accepted by the deadline
Offers posted in February, to be accepted by the deadline in March
Independent Subjects Tested at Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG)
Scholarships & Bursaries at Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Sports/Dance, Drama Scholarships (Drama includes free LAMDA lessons). Scholarships generally cover up to 50% of fees (most less). Means-tested Pankhurst Bursary Appeal for 100 girls. Travel grant available for bursary recipients.
Outcome announced: Academic Scholarships awarded at Head Mistress's discretion based on entrance assessment performance. Music, Sports/Dance scholarships based on audition or assessment.
Additional notes: Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) is a leading independent day school for girls aged 4-18 (founded 1874) in Fallowfield, Manchester. Senior fees £6,017/term (£18,051/annum). 86% of 2025 A-level grades A*-B, median grade A. Strong STEM focus. Alumni include the Pankhurst suffragettes. ISI 'Excellent' rated.
Independent Practice Papers for Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG)
Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) uses ISEB Common Pre-Test 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 Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) 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 Manchester High School for Girls (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Manchester High School for Girls is a leading, academically selective girls’ day school, with outstanding results that place it among the top schools nationally.
- GCSE: a strongly academic programme — in 2025, 77% of grades were 9–7.
- A-Level: excellent results (57% A*/A in 2025, with a median grade of A).
- Progression: strong progression to leading universities, including Oxbridge and the Russell Group.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Manchester High School for Girls
Manchester High School for Girls is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day school, places are open to families from across Manchester and the surrounding area, with selective entry by examination and interview rather than where a family lives.
The school sits in Whalley Range, close to Manchester city centre with good transport links; admission to the Senior School is at 11+ (as part of the Greater Manchester Consortium), with entry to the Prep from age 4 and to the Sixth Form at 16+.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1874, Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) is a selective independent day school for girls (ages 4–18) close to Manchester city centre, comprising a Preparatory School and Senior School with Sixth Form. Strongly academic but with an equally valued caring ethos, it is known for developing confident, outward-looking young women, with wellbeing a priority and means-tested bursaries offered since 1893.
Co-curricular life is rich — from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Model United Nations and subject societies to a strong music tradition in a purpose-built music house. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manchester High School for Girls
How do I get into Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG)?
To gain entry to Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) 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.
Does Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
Yes. Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test as part of its 11+ admissions process. The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, adaptive assessment commissioned by ISEB and developed by GL Assessment, used by over 90 leading UK independent senior schools. It covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. Results are age-standardised and shared with all senior schools the candidate has registered with.
What is the 11+ exam at Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG)?
Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) 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 Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG)?
Yes. Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) 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 Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG)?
Most independent schools including Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) 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 Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG)?
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 Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG). No registration required.
When is the Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) is November of the year before entry. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) 11+ results announced?
At Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG), 11+ assessment results are February (offer letters posted). The deadline to accept a place is March deadline (as specified in offer letter).