Trafford Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Trafford, in Greater Manchester, has one of the strongest grammar school systems in the North of England, with seven grammar schools offering free, academically selective education to high-achieving students. These schools use the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test, administered through the Trafford Consortium, to determine entry into Year 7.
These schools are highly competitive, regularly ranked among the top-performing state schools in the UK, and are known for their academic excellence, Oxbridge success, and broad enrichment opportunities.
🧠 GL Assessment 11+ in Trafford
- Test Format:
- English (comprehension and vocabulary)
- Mathematics
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Administered by: GL Assessment
- Testing Period: September of Year 6
- Selective admissions based on performance, with hundreds of applicants per school
🏫 List of Trafford Grammar Schools Using GL Assessment
🔹 Altrincham:
- Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
- Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
🔹 Sale:
- Sale Grammar School
🔹 Stretford:
- Stretford Grammar School
🔹 Urmston:
- Urmston Grammar School
🔹 Trafford-wide (Catholic):
- Loreto Grammar School (Girls, Catholic)
- Saint Ambrose College (Boys, Catholic)
🔍 School-by-School Highlights
🔸 Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
- Founded: 1912
- Type: Boys (11–16), co-ed in Sixth Form
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,300
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- One of the top state schools in the North
- A-Level: ~90% A*-B
- Exceptional results in Sciences, Maths, and Languages
- Regular Oxbridge and Medicine entrants
- Extensive STEM, debating, music, and sports programmes
🔸 Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
- Founded: 1910
- Type: Girls (11–16), co-ed in Sixth Form
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,350
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Consistently ranked among the top 10 grammar schools nationally
- GCSE: ~95% grades 7–9
- A-Level: ~90% A*-B
- Strong in English, Humanities, STEM, and Languages
- High university progression including Oxbridge, UCL, Imperial
🔸 Sale Grammar School
- Type: Co-educational grammar
- Founded: 1991 (merger of Sale Boys’ and Girls’ Grammar Schools)
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Excellent academic performance and inclusivity
- GCSE: ~85–90% grades 7–9
- A-Level: ~80–85% A*-B
- Strong pastoral care and academic enrichment
- High uptake for Medicine, Law, and STEM
🔸 Stretford Grammar School
- Type: Co-educational grammar
- Founded: 1928
- Pupil Numbers: ~900
- Ofsted: Good
Reputation:
- Improving academic results and expanding Sixth Form
- Focus on inclusivity and progress
- Strengths in Sciences, English, and Sport
- Strong enrichment and community engagement
🔸 Urmston Grammar School
- Type: Co-educational grammar
- Founded: 1929
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,000
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Balanced academic and extracurricular focus
- GCSE: ~85% 7–9 grades
- Strong in Arts, Music, and STEM
- Encourages innovation and leadership
🔸 Loreto Grammar School (Girls, Catholic)
- Type: Girls’ grammar (Catholic)
- Founded: 1909
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,050
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Catholic ethos with strong academic outcomes
- GCSE: ~90% 7–9 grades
- Excellent in Humanities, English, RE, and Languages
- High-performing Sixth Form with university success
- Part of Loreto global education network
🔸 Saint Ambrose College (Boys, Catholic)
- Type: Boys’ grammar (Catholic)
- Founded: 1942
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,000
- Ofsted: Good
Reputation:
- Catholic values and character development
- Strong results in Maths, Physics, and Sport
- High standards of behaviour and discipline
- Good university progression and sporting excellence
📊 Academic Results Summary
| School Name | GCSE (7–9) | A-Level (A*-B) | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altrincham Grammar (Girls) | ~95% | ~90% | National top performer, Oxbridge, Languages |
| Altrincham Grammar (Boys) | ~90–95% | ~85–90% | STEM, Debate, Oxbridge |
| Sale Grammar | ~85–90% | ~80–85% | Inclusivity, balanced Sixth Form |
| Loreto Grammar | ~90% | ~85% | Catholic ethos, strong humanities |
| Stretford Grammar | ~75–80% | ~70–75% | Rising school, inclusive ethos |
| Urmston Grammar | ~85% | ~75–80% | Innovation, music, enrichment |
| St. Ambrose College | ~80% | ~75–80% | Catholic values, sport, maths focus |
🏆 Awards & Enrichment
- Ofsted “Outstanding” for most Trafford grammars
- Strong participation in:
- UKMT Maths Challenges
- STEM Olympiads
- Young Enterprise
- Public Speaking & Debating Competitions
- Music & Drama Festivals
- Wide range of sports, international trips, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Model UN, and social justice initiatives
Trafford’s GL Assessment grammar schools are among the best in the North of England, known for their academic excellence, strong values, and student development. Whether you’re looking for a faith-based education, STEM specialism, or all-round performance, Trafford grammar schools offer exceptional opportunities for ambitious students.
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Trafford Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Trafford Grammar Schools 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 Trafford Grammar Schools 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 Trafford Grammar Schools 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 Trafford Grammar Schools 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.
Trafford Grammar Schools 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 Trafford Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Trafford Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
(GL Assessment Grammar Schools – Entry)
The borough of Trafford (Greater Manchester) has seven grammar schools, all of which are state-funded and selective, requiring students to pass the 11+ Entrance Exam. Several Trafford grammar schools use GL Assessment, while a few use school-set papers, so entry processes vary slightly by school.
🏫 Trafford Grammar Schools – Overview
| School Name | Gender | 11+ Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (AGSB) | Boys | GL Assessment |
| Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (AGGS) | Girls | School-set |
| Stretford Grammar School | Co-educational | GL Assessment |
| Urmston Grammar School | Co-educational | School-set |
| Sale Grammar School | Co-educational | GL Assessment |
| Loreto Grammar School | Girls (Catholic) | School-set + faith |
| St. Ambrose College | Boys (Catholic) | School-set + faith |
✅ This guide focuses on the GL Assessment grammar schools in Trafford:
- Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (AGSB)
- Sale Grammar School
- Stretford Grammar School
✅ GL Assessment Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria
1. The GL Assessment 11+ Test
Students are tested in the following multiple-choice subjects:
- English Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
Each school may set a different qualifying standardised score (e.g. 334 or 353), depending on the number of applicants and performance that year.
🔹 1. Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (AGSB)
- Test provider: GL Assessment
- Minimum score: Usually around 334 (subject to change annually)
- Places available: ~160 in Year 7
- Oversubscription criteria:
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Pupils eligible for Free School Meals
- Siblings
- Distance from school
🔹 2. Sale Grammar School
- Test provider: GL Assessment
- Qualifying score: Varies annually (e.g. 353 in recent years)
- Places available: ~180 in Year 7
- Oversubscription criteria:
- Looked After Children
- Catchment area (Sale, parts of Altrincham)
- Distance
🔹 3. Stretford Grammar School
- Test provider: GL Assessment
- Pass mark: Around 334+
- Places available: ~150 in Year 7
- Priority given to:
- Pupil Premium children (FSM)
- Siblings
- Distance
🔗 Stretford Grammar Admissions
📝 How to Apply for Trafford Grammar Schools (GL Assessment)
✅ Step 1: Register for the Entrance Test
- You must register directly with each school that uses the GL Assessment.
- Registration opens: April–May
- Registration closes: June–July
- Registration is online via each school’s admissions page.
✅ Step 2: Sit the Entrance Test
- Test date: Usually held on a Saturday in mid-September
- Pupils take the test at the school they’ve registered with (you can choose multiple schools)
✅ Step 3: Receive Results
- Results released in October – you’ll know whether your child has met the qualifying score
✅ Step 4: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Submit to your home local authority
- Deadline: 31st October
- List your chosen grammar schools in order of preference
✅ Step 5: National Offer Day
- Offers released: 1st March
ℹ️ Important Notes
- You must register separately for each grammar school.
- You can apply to more than one grammar school.
- Catholic schools (Loreto & St. Ambrose) require Supplementary Information Forms and faith references.
- Urmston Grammar and AGGS use school-set tests, not GL.
🔗 Useful Links
-
Trafford Council Admissions:
www.trafford.gov.uk/admissions -
The Grammar School Registration Portals:
