How Trafford Grammar Schools Choose Students – And How to Prepare Accordingly

19/09/2025 / 11+ Tuition

For families across Greater Manchester, and particularly in Trafford, the idea of sending a child to grammar school is both a hopeful ambition and a logistical challenge. These schools, known for their strong academic performance and supportive learning environments, represent a gateway to greater opportunities. They are often seen as the right fit for bright, motivated children who are ready for a more rigorous educational experience. But the pathway into grammar school is not automatic. Each year, thousands of children apply for a relatively small number of places, making the admissions process highly competitive.

As a parent, understanding how these schools make their selection is essential. Not only does it help you plan effectively, but it can also ease the sense of uncertainty that often surrounds 11+ preparation. Many families find themselves unsure of what’s expected, when to begin preparing, or how much to invest in tutoring. By shedding light on how Trafford grammar schools actually choose their pupils, this article aims to offer clarity, reassurance, and practical insight into how to support your child through this journey.

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Understanding the Selection Process

The selection process used by Trafford’s grammar schools is carefully designed to assess academic potential in a fair and consistent way. The five schools in the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium—Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Sale Grammar School, Urmston Grammar, and Stretford Grammar. —follow a shared entrance exam process set by GL Assessment. This means that the same test format and scoring approach is applied across the consortium, making the process more transparent but still highly selective.

Admissions decisions are based almost entirely on how well a child performs in the entrance exam. There are no interviews, no teacher recommendations, and no portfolio reviews. While some schools may prioritise applications from children in catchment areas or offer places to those eligible for pupil premium or with looked-after status, academic performance remains the central criterion for admission. Each school sets its own qualifying score, and places are typically awarded in rank order from the highest scorers down.

This level of competitiveness means that even academically capable children may miss out if they are unfamiliar with the format of the test or struggle under timed conditions. That’s why preparation matters—not as a way to “teach to the test,” but as a way to help children understand what to expect and how to manage it confidently. Knowing that everything rests on a single assessment can feel intense, but with the right preparation and support, most children can approach the exam feeling well-equipped rather than overwhelmed.

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What the Exam Is Really Looking For

The GL Assessment exam used by Trafford grammar schools is broken down into four key areas: English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Each paper is designed to test a child’s ability to think, reason, and apply knowledge—not just to recall facts or follow rehearsed procedures. In other words, the exam looks beyond what is typically assessed in classroom settings. It seeks to evaluate how a child processes information, makes connections, and solves problems under pressure.

The English section focuses heavily on reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. Children may be asked to interpret meaning, identify themes, or explain how language is used in a given text. These tasks test not only reading fluency but also inference, attention to detail, and critical thinking. The mathematics section, while rooted in the key stage two curriculum, is often presented in a more abstract way. Word problems, multi-step calculations, and time-pressured tasks require children to apply what they’ve learned in school in more flexible and challenging ways.

Verbal reasoning evaluates a child’s ability to analyse and manipulate language, looking at patterns, sequences, and logic. This might involve identifying synonyms and antonyms, completing analogies, or solving word-based puzzles. Non-verbal reasoning, by contrast, tests visual-spatial thinking. Children must interpret patterns in shapes, sequences, and images—skills that are rarely taught explicitly in primary school. These sections of the exam are often the most unfamiliar and can be a source of anxiety if a child has not encountered similar questions before.

What all of these sections have in common is a focus on reasoning and speed. The ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure is key. The exam doesn’t simply reward right answers—it rewards those who can think clearly and act decisively within a limited timeframe. That’s why familiarisation and practice play such an important role in preparation.

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When and How to Begin Preparation

There’s no single ‘correct’ time to begin preparing for the 11+, but most experts agree that gradual, sustained preparation is far more effective than last-minute cramming. Some families begin informally in Year 4, using puzzles, vocabulary-building games, and extra reading to support core skills. Others wait until Year 5 to introduce more focused exam practice and structured study routines. The right starting point will depend on your child’s current attainment, learning style, and confidence levels.

In Year 4, the emphasis should be on creating a strong academic foundation. Children who are already comfortable with reading comprehension, basic maths fluency, and sustained attention will be better positioned to take on the more specific challenges of 11+ practice later on. Gentle exposure to verbal and non-verbal reasoning—perhaps through fun books or puzzle-based games—can help to build early familiarity without pressure.

Year 5 is typically when structured preparation begins in earnest. This may involve practice papers, topic-specific revision, and in some cases, working with a tutor. Importantly, preparation should be planned in a way that balances learning with wellbeing. Over-scheduling or introducing too much intensity too early can lead to burnout or anxiety. A steady, consistent approach—built around weekly targets and regular reflection—is often the most effective and sustainable path. Mock exams can also be introduced during this year to help children get used to test conditions and identify areas that need more focus.

Read our blog on 11+ Preparation Advice for Years 3-6 here >

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The Value of Local Expertise

While many general tutoring services exist, those with specific experience in the Trafford 11+ offer a distinct advantage. Tutors familiar with the GL Assessment format, and with the nuances of the local grammar school admissions landscape, can offer more targeted and relevant support. They understand the structure of the exam, the types of questions that appear most frequently, and how the scoring system works. They can also provide tailored advice on how to pace preparation, how to manage time during the exam, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Experienced tutors are also well placed to offer insight into each school’s specific culture and expectations, which can help families make more informed decisions about where to apply. Some may even be able to advise on the implications of catchment policies or offer guidance on how to interpret mock exam results in the context of past entry trends.

This kind of expertise is not just useful for the child—it can be a source of reassurance for parents too. Many families find the 11+ process confusing and stressful, especially if they are navigating it for the first time. A knowledgeable tutor can help demystify the process, provide honest feedback, and offer clarity when it’s most needed.

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Preparing With Perspective

The grammar school journey can sometimes feel like a race—but it’s important to keep things in perspective. Success in the 11+ is about far more than gaining a place at a selective school. It’s about helping your child grow into a confident, independent learner. The skills they develop through preparation—critical thinking, time management, problem-solving, and resilience—are valuable well beyond the exam itself.

It’s also important to acknowledge that grammar school may not be the right fit for every child. Some children may respond better to a more holistic or creative curriculum, and that’s perfectly okay. The most important thing is to make decisions based on what’s best for your child—not what others are doing, or what seems prestigious on paper.

If your child does sit the exam and doesn’t secure a place, it’s not a failure. It’s one step in a broader educational journey. Plenty of children who don’t attend grammar schools go on to thrive academically and personally. What matters most is that they feel supported, understood, and encouraged to be the best version of themselves—wherever they go to school.

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How Principal Tutors Can Help

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, 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+ preparation, visit our website or call us on 0800 772 0974. To get started today, you can also request a tutor using our short online form—we’ll be in touch to discuss your child’s needs and how we can help.

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