Contents
Are you considering a grammar school in Manchester for your child's secondary education?
There are seven grammar schools in Greater Manchester to choose from. Most are in the borough of Trafford, and one school ranks within the top 10 state secondary schools in the UK.
Keep reading to learn about the best grammar schools in Manchester in 2026 and how to help your child prepare for the 11+.
What are grammar schools?
A grammar school is a secondary school in the UK that selects pupils based on their academic ability. Children applying for a place at a grammar school take an entrance exam in Year 6 known as the 11 plus (11+). The pupils with the highest scores are then eligible for a place in Year 7.
You do not need to pay school fees if your child attends a grammar school. Grammar schools are funded by the state (government). They are the only state-funded secondary schools in England that can select pupils based on academic ability.
Most of the grammar schools in Greater Manchester use the same 11+ exam. This is set by the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium.
How many grammar schools are there in Greater Manchester?
There are seven grammar schools in Greater Manchester. The majority are in Trafford:
How can I help my child with the 11+?
Is your child applying to grammar schools? Help them prepare with Atom's free 11+ course.
You'll get English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning lessons sent straight to your inbox. Lessons include replica GL Assessment 11+ practice papers, so your child can put thought into action!
Ready to get started? Simply click the button to complete the form, and we'll send you Lesson 1 straight away.
The 5 best grammar schools in Manchester in 2026
1. Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
© manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (AGGS) is a girls' grammar school founded in 1902. It prides itself on outstanding exam results and students' sports and cultural successes.
Pastoral care is integral to education at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls. The school has a strong national reputation as one of the first National Teaching Schools. The Times named it 'State Secondary School of the Year in the Northwest for Academic Excellence 2025'.
Key information
Town: Altrincham
Local council: Trafford Council
Number of pupils: 1,300+
National league table rank: 9
A level results (2025): 91.3% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 86.1% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry points: 11+
Entry gender: girls
2. Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
© wikipedia.org
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys was founded in 1912. There is a strong focus on diversity, equality and inclusion, and student leadership. Students have a track record of success in sports, the arts, engineering, science and debating. In 2013, physicist Brian Cox opened a new physics centre. There is a vibrant house system and over 100 clubs and societies on offer.
Key information
Town: Altrincham
Local council: Trafford Council
Number of pupils: 1,400+
National league table rank: 33
A level results (2025): 82.2% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 79.2% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry points: 11+
Entry gender: boys
3. Sale Grammar School
© salegrammar.co.uk
Sale Grammar School is a mixed grammar school founded in 1991. Ofsted rate the school 'outstanding' and praise students' academic achievement and behaviour. The school has a strong reputation for pastoral care, with students describing the school as a big family.
The school offers a broad extracurricular programme. Many students enter school and national competitions and have reached national sports finals. Its ethos is embodied by the six virtues of kindness, respect, community, creativity, curiosity and perseverance.
Key information
Town: Sale
Local council: Trafford Council
Number of pupils: 1,400+
National league table rank: 38
A level results (2025): 83.3% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 73.7% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry points: 11+
Entry gender: mixed
4. St Ambrose College
(c) st-ambrosecollege.org.uk/
Saint Ambrose College is a Catholic boys’ grammar school in Altrincham. It was founded in 1946 and has specialist status in maths and computing.
Sports excel at Saint Ambrose College. The main team sports are rugby, cricket and athletics, but there are a variety of other sports clubs and activities on offer. Boys have access to state-of-the-art sports facilities, including a new sports hall, a full 4G pitch and a swimming pool.
Key information
Town: Altrincham
Local council: Trafford Council
Number of pupils: 1,000+
National league table rank: 51
A level results (2025): 80.3% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 74.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry points: 11+
Entry gender: boys
5. Loreto Grammar School
© manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Loreto Grammar School is an academically selective Catholic school for girls. It is part of a worldwide network of over 120 Loreto schools and has strong links with schools in India, Australia, Germany and Spain.
Loreto Grammar School is rooted in tradition but maintains a forward-thinking vision. Both Ofsted and the Diocese of Shrewsbury judge the school 'outstanding' in all categories. Both A levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are available in the sixth form.
Key information
Town: Altrincham
Local council: Trafford Council
Number of pupils: 1,000+
National league table rank: 60
A level results (2025): 78.8% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 71.2% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry points: 11+
Entry gender: girls
Prepare for 11+ success with Atom
Is your child applying to a grammar school in Manchester? Get everything you need to prepare for local 11 plus exams, in one package.
Tailored exam plans for your child's target schools
100,000+ practice questions in every 11+ topic
Unlimited mocks tests for the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11+ and bespoke grammar school exams
Progress tracking that shows how your child compares to other candidates!
Start your child's 11+ journey
Atom Home is endorsed by grammar schools. See why families love using Atom for 11+ prep and get started for free.
Contents