St. Ambrose College – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
St. Ambrose College is a prestigious Roman Catholic boys’ grammar school located in Hale Barns, Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Known for its academic excellence, strong Catholic ethos, and outstanding sports programmes, it consistently ranks among the top-performing state schools in the North West.
1. History & Background
- Founded in 1946, St. Ambrose College was established by the Christian Brothers, a Catholic religious order dedicated to education and character development.
- The school was originally a private fee-paying institution but became a state-funded grammar school in 1980, allowing boys to enter based on academic ability rather than financial means.
- St. Ambrose College maintains a strong Catholic identity, emphasising faith, service, and academic excellence while welcoming students from all backgrounds.
- In 2012, the school moved to a new state-of-the-art campus, enhancing its facilities and learning environment.
- Admissions are highly competitive, requiring students to pass the 11+ entrance exam for Year 7 entry.
2. Pupil Numbers
- The school educates approximately 1,000 students, divided into:
- Lower School (Years 7–11) – Around 750 pupils.
- Sixth Form (Years 12–13) – Around 250 pupils.
- Highly selective admissions – Entry is based on 11+ exam results, and Sixth Form places are awarded based on strong GCSE performance.
3. Academic Reputation & Awards
St. Ambrose College is one of the highest-achieving grammar schools in the UK, consistently producing outstanding exam results.
📈 Exam Performance & National Rankings
- The school offers GCSEs and A-Levels, with a strong track record of academic excellence:
- A-Level Results (2023):
- 85% of grades were A–B*.
- Many students progress to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
- GCSE Results (2023):
- A high percentage of students achieved *Grades 9–7 (A–A equivalent)**.
- A-Level Results (2023):
- Regularly ranked as one of the top Catholic grammar schools in the UK.
- Ofsted Rating: “Outstanding”, with inspectors praising the school’s high teaching standards, strong leadership, and student development.
🏆 Awards & Achievements
- STEM Excellence – Recognised for its strong performance in Maths Olympiads, Science Fairs, and Engineering Competitions.
- Sporting Success – St. Ambrose has an exceptional reputation in rugby, frequently competing at the county and national levels.
- Music & Performing Arts Recognition – Students participate in choirs, orchestras, and national drama competitions.
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award – Many students complete this prestigious leadership programme.
🏫 St. Ambrose College – Contact Information
School Name: St. Ambrose College
Type: Roman Catholic State-Funded Grammar School for Boys (Ages 11–18)
Affiliation: Christian Brothers (Edmund Rice Trust)
📍 Address:
St. Ambrose College
Hale Road
Hale Barns
Altrincham
Cheshire
WA15 0HE
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)161 980 2711
📧 Email:
office@st-ambrosecollege.org.uk
🌐 Website:
https://www.st-ambrosecollege.org.uk
📱 Social Media:
-
Twitter/X: @StAmbroseColl
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
You can view the school’s exact location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the St. Ambrose College 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at St. Ambrose College is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the St. Ambrose College entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the St. Ambrose College 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for St. Ambrose College Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
St. Ambrose College Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to St. Ambrose College.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
St. Ambrose College – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
St. Ambrose College is a Catholic state-funded selective grammar school for boys aged 11-18, located in Hale Barns, Altrincham. The school is part of the Edmund Rice family of schools and is known for its academic excellence, strong Catholic ethos, and outstanding pastoral care.
Admission to Year 7 is highly competitive and is based on performance in the 11+ entrance exam, with priority given to Catholic applicants.
Year 7 Admissions Criteria
To gain admission to St. Ambrose College for Year 7, students must:
1. 11+ Entrance Examination
All applicants must sit the 11+ entrance test, which assesses:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and creative writing.
📌 Mathematics – Arithmetic, problem-solving, algebra, and numerical reasoning.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Tests logic, language skills, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Assesses pattern recognition and spatial awareness.
✔ The exam is highly competitive, and students must achieve a qualifying standardised score to be considered for admission.
2. Catholic Faith Priority
As a Catholic school, priority is given to baptised Catholic boys. Applicants must provide:
✔ A copy of the baptism certificate
✔ A faith reference from their parish priest
📌 Non-Catholic applicants may be considered if places remain after Catholic applicants have been allocated.
3. Oversubscription Criteria
If the school receives more applications than available places, priority is given in the following order:
✔ Baptised Catholic boys who achieve the required 11+ score
✔ Catholic Looked After Children (Children in Local Authority care)
✔ Catholic boys with siblings at St. Ambrose College
✔ Other Looked After Children
✔ Non-Catholic boys who meet the required score, ranked by distance from the school
📌 Applicants outside Trafford or with lower scores may not be offered a place due to oversubscription.
How to Apply for Year 7 Admission
Since St. Ambrose College manages its own entrance exam, the application process is different from the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium.
Step 1: Register for the 11+ Exam
📅 Registration Opens: May – June (Year 5)
- Parents must complete the 11+ registration form via the St. Ambrose College website.
- A confirmation email will be sent with exam details.
Step 2: Submit Catholic Faith Documents
- Baptism certificate and faith reference must be submitted by the deadline (if applicable).
Step 3: Attend Open Events (Optional but Recommended)
- St. Ambrose College holds Open Evenings and Taster Days for prospective students and parents.
- These events provide an opportunity to tour the school, meet teachers, and learn about the curriculum and Catholic ethos.
Step 4: Take the 11+ Entrance Exam
📅 Exam Date: Typically in September (Year 6)
- The test is conducted at St. Ambrose College.
- Results are standardised to ensure fairness across different age groups.
Step 5: Receive 11+ Results
📅 Mid-October (Year 6)
- Parents receive their child’s 11+ results before submitting the school preference form.
Step 6: Submit Secondary School Preference Form
📅 Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
- Parents must list St. Ambrose College as their preferred school on the Local Authority Secondary School Admissions Form.
Step 7: National Offer Day – Receive Admission Decision
📅 March 1st (Year 6)
- Parents are informed whether their child has secured a place at St. Ambrose College.
- If successful, parents must accept the offer to confirm their child’s place.
Step 8: Transition & Induction
📅 Summer Term (before September start)
- Induction Days are held to help students settle in.
Key Dates to Remember
📌 11+ Registration Opens: May – June (Year 5)
📌 11+ Exam Date: September (Year 6)
📌 11+ Results Sent: October (Year 6)
📌 Secondary School Application Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
📌 National Offer Day: March 1st (Year 6)
📌 Year 7 Induction: Summer Term before September entry
(Exact dates may vary each year, so always check the St. Ambrose College website or Trafford Local Authority Admissions Office for updates.)
Final Tips for a Successful Application
✔ Prepare for the 11+ exam early – Use past papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Encourage reading and writing practice – Strong literacy skills are essential for the English and reasoning sections.
✔ Practice exam techniques – Focus on time management and accuracy under timed conditions.
✔ Attend Open Events – Get familiar with the school environment and ethos.
✔ Submit Catholic documents on time – Baptism certificates and faith references are required for priority admission.
Admission to St. Ambrose College Year 7 is highly competitive, but with early preparation and strong academic performance, your child can maximize their chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit:
🔗 St. Ambrose College Website
Step 5: Track Progress & Adjust Study Plan
📌 Keep a record of scores and accuracy for each practice test.
📌 Identify recurring mistakes and adjust the study plan accordingly.
📌 Increase focus on weaker areas while maintaining strengths.
📌 Celebrate progress to boost confidence and motivation!
Regular self-assessment and targeted revision using practice papers ensures continuous progress and greater confidence.
Why Our GL Assessment Practice Tests Are the Best Preparation Tool for the St. Ambrose College 11+ Exam
Our GL Assessment-style practice tests are designed to:
✅ Mirror the real exam format – Helping students get used to the types of questions they will face.
✅ Improve performance through repetition – Strengthening both knowledge and test-taking techniques.
✅ Boost confidence – Helping students feel calm and prepared on the exam day.
✅ Identify areas for improvement – Allowing targeted revision for better results.
✅ Be engaging and challenging – Ensuring students stay motivated and learn effectively.
By consistently using our practice tests, your child will be fully prepared to excel in the 11 Plus entrance exam and secure a place at St. Ambrose College.
