Altrincham Grammar School for Boys 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys.
How to get into Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys is a selective secondary school in Greater Manchester. To get into Altrincham Grammar School for Boys children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Altrincham Grammar School for Boys with all the important information you need to know.
Admission Requirements
Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). The school offers 202 places annually for Year 7 admissions [1].
Only boys are eligible for admission to this selective grammar school sup>[1]. The school prioritises families living within specific postal addresses: WA13, WA14, WA15, M33, and M23 within Trafford Local Authority sup>[1].
Families must achieve a qualifying score on the Trafford 11+ examination. Children who score 324 and above on the standardised test meet the basic qualification threshold sup>[1]. Looked After and Previously Looked After Children receive special consideration if they achieve this score sup>[1].
Application Process
The application process involves two separate steps: registering for the entrance examination and completing the Common Application Form (CAF). Registration for the Trafford 11+ examination opens at 12 noon on Thursday 24th April 2025 and closes at 12 noon on Friday 20th June 2025 (see key dates).
Families must complete the online registration form through the school's website during this period sup>[1]. Important note: if registration is not completed by the deadline, a later test will not be available until after 1st March 2026 sup>[1].
Separately, families must submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to their local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates). Altrincham Grammar School for Boys must be listed as a preferred choice on this form for Year 7 consideration sup>[1].
- Register online for the entrance examination between 24th April and 20th June 2025 sup>[1]
- Choose examination centre location when registering sup>[1]
- Complete and submit the Common Application Form by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- Provide special circumstances documentation if required during registration sup>[1]
- Contact details available in the school information section
Examination Details
The Trafford 11+ examination takes place on Monday 15th September 2025 (see key dates). The examination consists of two one-hour papers provided by GL Assessment, with a short break between sessions sup>[1].
All questions are multiple-choice format and test three key areas: Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning sup>[1]. Mathematics questions cover content taught up to the start of Year 6, including number, measurement, geometry and statistics sup>[1].
Examination details including attendance slips will be posted to registered families by Thursday 4th September 2025 (see key dates). Children must bring their attendance form with a photograph attached on examination day sup>[1].
- Verbal Reasoning: solving problems with written information and reading comprehension sup>[1]
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: solving problems with visual information including shapes and diagrams sup>[1]
- Mathematics: Key Stage 2 curriculum content with problem-solving applications sup>[1]
- Results available in mid-October 2025 (see key dates)
Results and Offers
Examination results are communicated to families in mid-October 2025, before the CAF submission deadline (see key dates). Raw scores are converted to age-standardised scores to ensure fairness across different birth dates within the academic year sup>[1].
School offers are announced on National Offer Day, which occurs on Monday 2nd March 2026 (see key dates). Families will be allocated a place at their highest-preferred school where their child meets entry criteria and places remain available sup>[1].
Achieving the qualifying score does not guarantee an offer of admission sup>[1]. If applications exceed available places, the school applies oversubscription criteria prioritising catchment area residents and distance from school sup>[1].
Preparation Guidance
Effective preparation should begin well before the examination date using a 'little and often' approach. Child psychologists recommend regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11 years sup>[1].
Building a strong knowledge base across all three examination areas is essential for success sup>[1]. Children should aim to score consistently 75-80% or above in practice tests as preparation progresses sup>[1].
For additional preparation resources, families should explore practice papers and consider professional tutoring support if needed. Regular reading helps develop verbal reasoning and comprehension skills tested in the examination sup>[1].
- Start preparation at least 12 months before the examination date
- Focus on mathematics fundamentals from Key Stage 2 curriculum sup>[1]
- Practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types regularly
- Use timed practice sessions to build examination stamina
- Read the Trafford GL Familiarisation Guide available through the school sup>[1]
Special Considerations
Children requiring exam access arrangements must have documentation reviewed during the registration process sup>[1]. Families should carefully read the Admissions Policy and Entrance Exam Information Booklet for detailed guidance on requesting accommodations sup>[1].
Supporting evidence must be provided when registering children who require special arrangements sup>[1]. Important note: Learning Support staff cannot discuss individual access arrangements before applications are submitted sup>[1].
All enquiries regarding special considerations should be directed to the Admissions team through email sup>[1]. Contact details are available in the school information section.
Practical Advice
On examination day, children must arrive with their attendance form and attached photograph sup>[1]. Without correct identification, children will not be permitted to sit the examination sup>[1].
Families should ensure adequate rest and a healthy breakfast on examination morning. The test consists of two hour-long sessions with multiple-choice questions, so children should be prepared for sustained concentration sup>[1].
If examination details are not received by Tuesday 9th September 2025, families should contact the school's Admissions Officer immediately (see key dates). This ensures sufficient time to resolve any administrative issues before the examination date.
- Choose the closest examination centre to home address when registering sup>[1]
- Ensure child is familiar with multiple-choice answer sheets before examination day
- Plan journey route and parking arrangements in advance
- Consider backup school options in Greater Manchester area
- Review appeals process information provided by local authority sup>[1]
Trafford 11+ Information
In order to get into Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, children need to pass the Trafford 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.
Trafford 11+ Subjects & Structure
The Trafford 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:
- Maths
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-verbal Reasoning
The 11 plus exam for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys is a crucial assessment that determines a child's eligibility for admission. The exam comprises two one-hour papers, both of which are entirely multiple-choice in format. These papers cover a range of subjects designed to evaluate a student's academic potential and reasoning abilities.
The Maths section of the exam is based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum, assessing a child's proficiency in mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. The Verbal Reasoning section focuses on a student's ability to analyze and interpret written information, including reading comprehension. Lastly, the Non-verbal Reasoning section evaluates a child's capacity to solve problems using visual information, such as shapes, diagrams, and pictures.
The Altrincham Grammar School for Boys 11 plus exam is a comprehensive assessment that provides valuable insights into a student's academic strengths and potential. Success in this exam is a significant milestone for children seeking to secure a place in this prestigious educational institution.
Other Schools using Trafford 11+
As well as Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, several other schools also use Trafford 11+. These are:
- Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
- Sale Grammar School
- Stretford Grammar School
- Urmston Grammar Academy
Trafford 11+ Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Altrincham Grammar School for Boys is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.
Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.
Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.
It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!
Trafford 11+ Pass Mark
The pass mark for the Trafford 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).
Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Altrincham Grammar School for Boys 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Altrincham Grammar School for Boys) as well as other relevant dates.
| Date | Event | Calendar Link |
|---|---|---|
| 24/04/2025 | Trafford 11 Plus Registration Opens At Midday | Add Dates to Calendar |
| 08/05/2025 | Altrincham Grammar School For Boys Open Evening | |
| 20/06/2025 | Trafford 11 Plus Registration Closes At Midday | |
| 04/09/2025 | Final Exam Details Are Sent To Registered Families By This Date | |
| 15/09/2025 | Trafford 11 Plus Exam | |
| Late October | National Deadline To Apply For Secondary School Places | |
| 02/03/2026 | Secondary School National Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Altrincham Grammar School for Boys as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
As the Trafford 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.
Why use a private 11+ tutor?
Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.
11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.
11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.
Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!
Private 11+ Tutors for the Altrincham Grammar School for Boys 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Altrincham Grammar School for Boys 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.
11+ Past Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
Unfortunately, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.
11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Trafford 11+ Ensure you double-check with Altrincham Grammar School for Boys which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.
This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.
11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys by Bond
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the Trafford 11+ to get into Altrincham Grammar School for Boys.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys by GL Assessment
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into Altrincham Grammar School for Boys.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys by Exam Ninja
These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the Trafford 11+.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys by Owl Tutors
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into Altrincham Grammar School for Boys.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys by CGP
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into Altrincham Grammar School for Boys.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Altrincham Grammar School for Boys ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEM | Maths | |||
| CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys by 11+ For You
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys by Examberry
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys by Independent Junction
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys by IPS
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys by Schofield & Sims
These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about Altrincham Grammar School for Boys together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 2RS |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.agsb.co.uk/ |
| Telephone | 01619280858 |
| Email Address | agsbadmin@agsb.co.uk |
| Gender | Boys only |
| Total Year 7 Places | 202 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1349 (0 Girls / 1349 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Mr Graeme Wright |
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys is a boys only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).
In total 1,349 pupils attend Altrincham Grammar School for Boys and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Graeme Wright.
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys was last inspected by Ofsted on 27/09/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 10/11/2022, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.
Last Ofsted Report Data
| Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 27/09/2022 | 1 | 10/11/2022 | Outstanding | Full Report |
|---|
Ofsted Report Summary
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys was inspected by Ofsted on 27 September 2022 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional performance in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.
The inspection report highlights the school's outstanding quality of education, which is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the teaching staff. The school's strong focus on personal development and the cultivation of positive behaviour and attitudes among students were also highly commended.
Furthermore, the report praises the outstanding leadership and management at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, which has undoubtedly contributed to the school's success. The sixth form provision was also deemed outstanding, indicating that the school provides excellent support and guidance to its older students as they prepare for higher education and future careers.
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys for the 2022-23 academic year.
| GCSE Subjects Offered |
|
|---|---|
| A-Level Subjects Offered |
|
GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.
GCSE Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Religious Studies | 53 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 9 |
| Art & Design | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Biology | 151 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 3 | 18 | 17 | 32 | 79 |
| Business Studies:Single | 34 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | 5 | 5 | 14 | 8 |
| Chemistry | 151 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 3 | 6 | 23 | 33 | 83 |
| Chinese | 18 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 60 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 26 | 18 |
| Design & Technology | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Economics | 50 | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 9 |
| Electronics | 30 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | 10 | 19 |
| English Language | 178 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 9 | 24 | 50 | 59 | 35 |
| English Literature | 178 | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 10 | 37 | 38 | 47 | 43 |
| D&T Food Technology | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| French | 42 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 5 | 3 | 9 | 6 | 18 |
| Geography | 76 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 11 | 18 | 17 | 29 |
| Geology | 16 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 9 |
| German | 42 | 1 | - | - | 2 | 6 | 6 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 5 |
| History | 70 | - | - | - | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 24 | 19 |
| Latin | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Mathematics | 184 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 11 | 22 | 72 | 77 |
| Music | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 5 | 5 |
| Physics | 151 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 6 | 25 | 43 | 74 |
| Spanish | 76 | - | - | - | 2 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 27 | 21 | 10 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 61 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 7 | 15 | 37 |
| Science: Double Award | 27 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Biology | 52 | - | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 23 | 14 | |||
| Business Studies:Single | 24 | - | - | - | 3 | 9 | 9 | 3 | |||
| Chemistry | 96 | - | 3 | 5 | 6 | 15 | 43 | 22 | |||
| Computer Studies / Computing | 41 | - | - | 1 | 2 | 14 | 14 | 9 | |||
| Economics | 51 | - | - | 2 | 4 | 12 | 22 | 10 | |||
| English Language | 11 | - | - | - | 2 | 7 | - | 2 | |||
| English Literature | 6 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 2 | |||
| Geography | 17 | - | - | - | 3 | 7 | 3 | 4 | |||
| Geology | 12 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 6 | 5 | |||
| Government and Politics | 19 | - | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 4 | |||
| History | 40 | - | 2 | - | 3 | 11 | 14 | 10 | |||
| Logic / Philosophy | 6 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| Mathematics | 143 | - | 2 | 6 | 11 | 18 | 48 | 56 | |||
| Mathematics (Further) | 41 | - | - | - | 4 | 8 | 10 | 19 | |||
| Music | 6 | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |||
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 6 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | - | |||
| Physics | 72 | - | 2 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 29 | 18 | |||
FAQ
Is Altrincham Grammar School for Boys hard to get into?
Yes, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.
Is Altrincham Grammar School for Boys a private school?
No, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Altrincham Grammar School for Boys free?
Yes, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Altrincham Grammar School for Boys won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Altrincham Grammar School for Boys?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Altrincham Grammar School for Boys for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.
Is Altrincham Grammar School for Boys a boys-only school?
Yes, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only school.
