About Urmston Grammar School
Urmston Grammar School (Urmston Grammar Academy) is a co-educational grammar school in Urmston, Greater Manchester, admitting 186 pupils per year. It is part of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium. Admissions enquiries by email only to admissions@urmstongrammar.org.uk (not by telephone).
Urmston Grammar School provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum. GCSE 9–7: 62%. A-Level A*–B: 76%.
About the GL Assessment 11+ Test for Urmston Grammar School
Urmston Grammar School is a co-educational state grammar school in England that uses the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test to select pupils for Year 7 admission. The school admits approximately 186 Year 7 pupils each September, and applications must be made through your home Local Authority via the Common Application Form (CAF) — never directly to the school.
The GL Assessment 11+ is one of two main 11+ test providers in England (the other being CEM, now retired in many regions). The Trafford test typically consists of multiple papers covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Scores are standardised against the cohort age distribution, so younger pupils are not disadvantaged. Each school sets its own qualifying mark (pass mark).
For 2027 entry, the GL Assessment test is sat in Saturday 13 September 2026 and results are released to parents on Mid-October 2026 — crucially, before the Common Application Form deadline of Friday 31 October 2026, giving parents time to consider results before listing school preferences. National Offers Day is Monday 1 March 2027, when Local Authorities issue Year 7 secondary school offers.
Urmston Grammar School is academically selective — pupils must achieve the qualifying mark in the 11+ test to be eligible for a place. If applications exceed the published admission number (186 places), the school applies its oversubscription criteria (looked-after children, FSME, siblings, distance) to allocate places. This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions criteria, key dates and oversubscription rules.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Urmston Grammar School
Urmston Grammar School Admissions Criteria
Urmston Grammar School (Urmston Grammar Academy) is a co-educational grammar school in Urmston, Greater Manchester, admitting 186 pupils per year. It is part of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium. Admissions enquiries by email only to admissions@urmstongrammar.org.uk (not by telephone).
- ✓Register at any one of the five Trafford Consortium schools (opens noon 23rd April 2026, closes noon 19th June 2026).
- ✓Sit two one-hour GL Assessment papers on Monday 14th September 2026.
- ✓Achieve the qualifying score for Urmston Grammar School (published in the admissions policy).
- ✓Complete the Local Authority CAF by 31st October 2026, naming Urmston Grammar School.
- ✓Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- ✓Children within the school's catchment area who achieve the qualifying score.
- ✓Children of school staff on a permanent contract for 2+ years.
- ✓All other qualifying children, ranked by distance from the school.
Urmston Grammar School Oversubscription Criteria
If applications exceed the 186 Year 7 admission number, the Board of Governors / Trust applies the following criteria in priority order. Final ranking uses the standardised score achieved in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test.
- Looked-after / previously looked-after children (highest priority by law)
- Children who achieve the qualifying mark in the entrance test (above the qualifying standard set by Urmston Grammar School)
- Children eligible for Pupil Premium / Free School Meals Entitlement (FSME)
- Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school
- Children with sibling(s) currently attending the school
- Children of staff (where staff member has worked at the school for 2+ years)
- Children ranked by total standardised score (highest first) up to the published admission number
- Tiebreak: distance from home to school (straight-line measurement) for children with equal scores
Key Dates & Deadlines — Urmston Grammar School 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | May 2026 via individual school portals |
| 📌 Registration closes | late June 2026 (varies) |
| 📌 GL Assessment 11+ Entrance Test | Saturday 13 September 2026 (English + Maths + VR + NVR) |
| 📌 Test results released | Mid-October 2026 |
| 📌 CAF deadline (apply via Local Authority) | Friday 31 October 2026 |
| 📌 National Offers Day | Monday 1 March 2027 |
How to Apply to Urmston Grammar School via the Common Application Form
Step 1 — Register your child for the GL Assessment 11+ Test
Register through your regional 11+ portal (e.g. Trafford) when registration opens. Closes late June 2026 (varies). There is no fee to sit the GL Assessment test.
Step 2 — Attend an Open Day at Urmston Grammar School
Visit during Year 5 or early Year 6 to meet staff and pupils and decide whether to list this school on your CAF.
Step 3 — Sit the GL Assessment Entrance Test
Your child sits the GL Assessment in Saturday 13 September 2026. The test typically covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with standardised scores age-adjusted.
Step 4 — Receive your standardised test results
Test results are released to parents on Mid-October 2026, BEFORE the Common Application Form deadline. You will receive a standardised score and an indication of whether your child has passed the qualifying mark.
Step 5 — Complete your Common Application Form (CAF)
List Urmston Grammar School as one of your preferences on the CAF submitted via your home Local Authority (not the school's LA, unless they are the same). You can usually list 3-6 preferences depending on your LA.
Step 6 — Submit the CAF by the deadline
Submit your CAF by Friday 31 October 2026. Late applications are processed only after all on-time applications have been allocated, dramatically reducing your chance of a place.
Step 7 — Receive your school offer on National Offers Day
Offers are issued via your Local Authority on Monday 1 March 2027. If unsuccessful, you can appeal or join Urmston Grammar School's waiting list — managed by the school itself.
GL Assessment Subjects Tested at Urmston Grammar School
Urmston Grammar selects through the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11+ (GL Assessment), sat once for the consortium's schools — two computer-marked, age-standardised multiple-choice papers, with a qualifying score of 334.
- Verbal reasoning: word-based logic, vocabulary and comprehension.
- Mathematics: Key Stage 2 number, measurement, geometry and statistics.
- Non-verbal reasoning: pattern recognition and spatial problem-solving.
GL Assessment Practice Papers for Urmston Grammar School
Urmston Grammar School uses the GL Assessment 11+ format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — 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 Urmston Grammar 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 Urmston Grammar School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Urmston Grammar School is a high-performing co-educational grammar in Trafford with strong GCSE and A-Level results and a broad co-curricular programme.
- GCSE: around 79% of grades at 9–7 in a recent year.
- Sixth form: around 72% of A-Level grades at A*–B, with strong university progression.
- Ethos: a diverse, inclusive community with a focus on character and service.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school's website.
Catchment Area for Urmston Grammar School
Admission to Year 7 is through the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11+, produced by GL Assessment and shared across the consortium's schools (Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale, Stretford and Urmston) — so a child sits it once. It is two computer-marked, age-standardised multiple-choice papers of around an hour each, taken in mid-September, assessing verbal reasoning, mathematics and non-verbal reasoning, with a consortium standardised qualifying score of 334 (and a lower threshold of 324 for Pupil Premium applicants).
The school admits around 186 pupils to Year 7 and uses a catchment defined by straight-line distance from the school, though entry is based first on meeting the qualifying score. After looked-after children, priority includes the 20 highest-scoring applicants regardless of where they live, then up to 10 Pupil Premium pupils, then children of long-serving staff, then catchment applicants by distance. Register through the Trafford consortium and name the school on the Common Application Form by 31 October. Always confirm the current arrangements in the school's admissions booklet.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Urmston Grammar School is a co-educational selective grammar for ages 11–18 on Newton Road in Urmston, in Trafford, Greater Manchester (M41 5UG). It is one of the five schools in the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium and is known for combining academic challenge with a strong sense of character and service.
Beyond lessons, the school offers a vibrant co-curriculum spanning music, drama, sport, science clubs and leadership opportunities. For the full list of activities and pastoral arrangements, see the school's own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Urmston Grammar School
How do I apply to Urmston Grammar School for Year 7?
Applications to Urmston Grammar School are made through your home Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) — not directly to the school. Your child must sit the GL Assessment 11+ test (registration closes late June 2026 (varies)), then list Urmston Grammar School on the CAF. The CAF deadline is Friday 31 October 2026.
Does Urmston Grammar School use the GL Assessment 11+ test?
Yes — Urmston Grammar School uses the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test for Year 7 admission, taken in Saturday 13 September 2026 (English + Maths + VR + NVR). The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with standardised age-adjusted scores.
What is the pass mark / qualifying score for Urmston Grammar School?
Urmston Grammar School sets its own qualifying mark each year. Pupils must score at or above the qualifying mark to be eligible for a place. Final ranking is by total standardised score (highest first) up to the admission number of 186 places.
How many Year 7 places does Urmston Grammar School have?
Urmston Grammar School admits 186 Year 7 pupils each September. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school applies its oversubscription criteria (looked-after children, FSME, siblings, distance) to allocate places fairly.
When are GL Assessment results released in 2026?
For 2027 Year 7 entry, GL Assessment test results are released on Mid-October 2026 — before the Common Application Form deadline of Friday 31 October 2026. You will receive a standardised score and an indication of whether your child has passed the qualifying mark.
When is National Offers Day for Urmston Grammar School in 2027?
National Offers Day for Year 7 secondary school places in England is Monday 1 March 2027. Offers are issued by your home Local Authority — not directly by the school. If unsuccessful, you can appeal or join Urmston Grammar School's waiting list.
Is Urmston Grammar School a state school or fee-paying?
Urmston Grammar School is a state-funded grammar school — there are no tuition fees. As a state grammar, it is academically selective via the GL Assessment 11+ test, but pupils who pass the test do not pay to attend.
How can my child prepare for the Urmston Grammar School 11+ test?
ExamTutor offers a complete GL Assessment 11+ preparation programme including tutor-led practice papers, full video explanations for every question (covering all GL topic areas — English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning), and downloadable resources. Most parents start preparation 12-18 months before the September 11+ test.
Where can I find Urmston Grammar School's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Urmston Grammar School 2027 entry is published on the school's official website. Always check the school's website for the most up-to-date oversubscription criteria, qualifying mark, supplementary forms (if any), and any school-specific application requirements.