The Ultimate Parent’s Guide to 11+ Grammar School Admissions in Trafford & Manchester

19/09/2025 / 11+ Tuition

Applying for a grammar school place in Trafford or Manchester can feel overwhelming at first glance. With application deadlines, exam boards, different school policies, and competitive entry standards, many parents find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory. This guide aims to simplify that journey by providing a clear, practical overview of the grammar school admissions process in the region, along with expert advice on how to prepare effectively and confidently.

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Understanding the Local Grammar School Landscape

Trafford stands out in the North West of England for retaining a fully selective grammar school system. This means that a number of high-performing state schools admit pupils based on their performance in the 11+ exam, rather than by proximity or primary school catchment. Among the most well-known of these are Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Sale Grammar School, Urmston Grammar, and Stretford Grammar. Each of these schools has a strong academic reputation, excellent university progression rates, and a vibrant mix of extra-curricular opportunities.

Manchester, on the other hand, does not operate a state-funded grammar school system, though some families living in Manchester do apply to Trafford schools if they are willing to travel. Additionally, Manchester is home to the Manchester Grammar School (MGS), an independent institution with its own rigorous entrance exam and a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. MGS is fee-paying, but it offers generous bursaries to pupils from lower-income backgrounds, making it an attractive option for many aspirational families.

In both areas, competition for places is intense. Trafford schools often receive applications from children not only across Greater Manchester but also from further afield, including Cheshire and Lancashire. As a result, children need to be academically strong, resilient under pressure, and well-prepared if they are to secure a place.

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The 11+ Exam and What It Really Involves

The 11+ exam is not a single, uniform test taken by all children across the country. Rather, it is a collective term used to describe a set of assessments designed to evaluate a child’s academic potential at the end of primary school, typically in Year 6. These assessments are used by selective grammar schools to help decide which pupils to admit. In most areas, including Trafford, the 11+ is taken in early September of Year 6, with the results often released a few weeks later, giving parents time to consider school preferences before the October application deadline.

The 11+ exam usually comprises four main areas: English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. While this might sound straightforward at first, the content and format of these papers can vary widely depending on the school and, crucially, the exam board in use. In Trafford, the majority of grammar schools currently use the GL Assessment format, which presents questions in a multiple-choice structure. This format has become the standard for most schools in the region, replacing earlier use of the CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) format in some cases.

Each section of the exam is designed to test a different aspect of a child’s ability. The English paper typically focuses on comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. It might include a passage followed by a series of questions that assess how well the child can understand meaning, infer information, and interpret more complex language. The mathematics paper generally aligns with the national curriculum but often includes more advanced problem-solving or topics that children may not yet have covered in school, such as ratio, algebra, or more abstract numerical reasoning.

Verbal reasoning is another core component and is often the least familiar to children unless they’ve encountered it in practice materials. It tests how well a child can work with words, language patterns, and logic puzzles involving letters and sequences. For example, a typical question might ask a child to identify a word that doesn’t fit in a group, or to complete a word puzzle based on letter codes.

Non-verbal reasoning, on the other hand, is more visual in nature. It measures a child’s ability to analyse and solve problems using shapes, patterns, and spatial reasoning. These questions might involve identifying sequences in visual patterns, rotating shapes, or spotting differences between images. While these skills are not always explicitly taught in the classroom, they are closely related to logical thinking and general problem-solving ability.

Read our Parents’ Ultimate Guide to the 11+ here >

Although the CEM format has largely been phased out in Trafford, its influence is still present in some preparation resources. CEM papers placed a stronger emphasis on comprehension and mental arithmetic, and they often included less predictable question types. As a result, some tutors and parents continue to use CEM-style materials to broaden a child’s exposure to more varied and challenging content. This is particularly relevant for children who may be applying to independent schools, such as the Manchester Grammar School, where exam formats may differ from those used in the state grammar system.

It’s important to understand that the 11+ is not designed to test what a child has memorised, but rather how they think and how well they can apply knowledge in unfamiliar situations. There is no specific curriculum for the 11+, and children are not expected to recall facts by rote. Instead, the exam is a measure of reasoning, comprehension, and the ability to make connections—skills that are developed over time through reading widely, solving puzzles, engaging in discussion, and building a secure grasp of basic numeracy.

For this reason, preparation should go beyond textbooks. Encouraging a child to read a range of books—both fiction and non-fiction—can significantly improve their vocabulary, comprehension, and ability to think critically. Likewise, games and activities that involve logical thinking, mental maths, or wordplay can be surprisingly effective in helping children build the kind of flexible thinking that the 11+ demands.

Ultimately, success in the 11+ isn’t just about getting the highest score—it’s about helping children develop the confidence, habits, and mental agility that will serve them well throughout their education. When approached in a measured and thoughtful way, preparation for the 11+ can be a highly rewarding experience that lays a strong foundation for future learning.

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Planning Ahead: Timelines and Preparation Strategies

The key to success in the 11+ process is early, structured preparation. While it’s possible to start later and still achieve good results, most successful candidates begin their preparation in some form during Year 4. This may involve weekly sessions with a tutor, independent reading, or exposure to verbal reasoning activities in a relaxed, pressure-free setting.

Formal preparation usually begins in earnest during Year 5. At this stage, families typically begin using practice papers, enrolling in 11+ courses, or scheduling regular tutoring. Some children benefit from group sessions where they can learn with peers, while others thrive in one-to-one settings that allow for more tailored support. Either way, the aim is to gradually build up both subject knowledge and exam technique without overwhelming the child.

By the summer of Year 5, many families introduce mock exams. These full-length practice tests simulate the conditions of the real exam and help children build stamina and confidence. They also provide valuable insight into areas where the child might need additional support. This is often a pivotal point in the preparation process, allowing families to refine their approach before the actual test in September of Year 6.

In terms of key dates, registration for Trafford grammar school exams usually opens around May or June of Year 5. Each school operates its own registration window, and it is crucial not to miss these deadlines. The actual 11+ exams typically take place during the first few weeks of September, with results released in October and school preference submissions due by the end of that month. Final school place offers are made in March of Year 6.

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The Role of Tutoring and How to Make It Work for You

Tutoring is a common route for families preparing for the 11+, but its effectiveness depends greatly on how it’s used. A good tutor does more than go over worksheets—they assess your child’s strengths and weaknesses, adapt their teaching style accordingly, and provide feedback that helps both the child and the parent understand where progress is being made.

In areas like Trafford where demand is high, experienced tutors are often familiar with the specific styles of the GL papers and the nuances of each grammar school’s admissions process. They can help children build confidence, improve time management, and avoid the kinds of careless mistakes that can make the difference between getting in or missing out.

That said, tutoring should always be balanced with a supportive home environment. Children preparing for the 11+ need space to relax, pursue their interests, and enjoy time with family and friends. The process should be seen as a journey, not a sprint. When tutoring is approached with the right mindset, it can be a valuable tool for boosting a child’s academic skills and their belief in their own ability to meet a challenge.

Some parents worry about placing too much pressure on their child, and rightly so. That’s why it’s important to set realistic expectations and keep open lines of communication. Children perform best when they feel encouraged and know that the outcome of a test doesn’t define their worth or potential.

Request your private 11+ tutor here >

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Moving Forward with Confidence

The path to a grammar school place may be demanding, but it is also achievable for many children when preparation is approached with thoughtfulness and care. Whether your child is in Year 3 and just beginning to explore the idea, or in Year 5 and starting focused practice, every small step counts.

Ultimately, your child’s journey through the 11+ is about more than just getting into a particular school. It’s a chance to develop skills that will serve them well for years to come—problem-solving, critical thinking, and resilience under pressure. With your support, and perhaps the guidance of an experienced tutor, they can approach the exam with clarity and confidence.

No two families take exactly the same path, and that’s okay. What matters most is finding a rhythm and approach that works for your child. There is no magic formula, but there is plenty of help available—from quality tutoring services to online resources and local mock exam providers. With the right tools and a steady hand, you can help your child face the 11+ not with fear, but with belief in their ability to rise to the occasion.

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How Principal Tutors Can Help Your Child Prepare

Preparing for the 11+ is a unique journey for every child, and the right support can make a real difference. At Principal Tutors, we understand the challenges families face—from navigating unfamiliar exam formats to balancing preparation with everyday school life. That’s why we offer one-to-one online tutoring from fully qualified UK teachers, tailored to your child’s learning needs and academic goals.

Our tutors go beyond teaching content. We focus on building the essential skills needed for success—strengthening vocabulary, boosting mental maths, and developing verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Just as importantly, we help children grow in confidence and master the techniques needed to perform well under exam conditions.

For families in Trafford and Manchester, we provide targeted preparation aligned with the GL Assessment format used by local grammar schools. Our tutors bring valuable insight into schools such as Altrincham Grammar, Sale Grammar, and Urmston Grammar.

If you’d like to explore how we can support your child’s 11+ journey, or to request a tutor, visit our website or call us directly on 0800 772 0974.

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