Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls.

How to get into Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is a selective secondary school in Greater Manchester. To get into Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 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 Girls with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2025 (see key dates). The school offers 204 places annually [1].

Families must apply for a place through the Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF). The school uses the Trafford 11+ exam for all admissions. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with priority given to applicants living within the catchment area, although places may be available for out-of-area candidates.

The priority catchment area is defined as an 8-mile radius from the main entrance of the school, with distance measured in a direct line from the child's permanent place of residence. The entrance exam is age-standardised, so no student has an advantage based on their age.

Application Process

Registration for the Trafford 11+ opens on Thursday 24th April 2025 and closes on Friday 20th June 2025 (see key dates). Families must complete two separate applications during the admissions process.

The first step involves registering for the Trafford 11+ exam through the school's website. Parents need to register their daughters for the entrance examination between April and June, alongside completion of a Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF), prioritising the school as a high preference.

  • Complete the online registration form on the school's website between April and June (see key dates)
  • Submit the Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Name Altrincham Grammar School for Girls as a preference on the CAF
  • Attendance forms and examination details are sent by Thursday 4th September 2025, with children required to bring the Attendance Form with a photograph attached on exam day
  • Contact details available in the school information section for specific queries

Alternative arrangements are available for children who are ill on the exam day. Families requiring special access arrangements should contact the school during the registration process to discuss individual needs.

The Trafford 11+ Examination

The exam takes place on Monday 15th September 2025, with results received in mid-October (see key dates). The test consists of two one-hour papers taken on the same day with a short break in-between.

The examination comprises mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning [1]. All questions are multiple-choice and consist of questions in mathematics based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum, verbal reasoning involving solving problems with written information including reading comprehension, and non-verbal reasoning using visual information such as shapes, diagrams and pictures.

  • Mathematics: Problem-solving and arithmetic covering number, measurement, geometry, algebra and statistics
  • Verbal Reasoning: Logical thinking, vocabulary and comprehension questions
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning: Visual problem-solving including spatial reasoning tasks
  • GL Assessment has created a bespoke paper specifically for the Trafford Consortium, so students will not sit the same examination at any other school [1]

Preparation Guidance

Child psychologists recommend using a 'little and often' approach with regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11. Families should start preparation at least one year in advance to build necessary skills effectively.

The school recommends beginning preparation with Key Stage 2 curriculum content before moving to exam-specific skills. Regular reading helps develop comprehension abilities essential for the verbal reasoning sections. Children scoring 75-80% consistently in practice tests should be on track to pass the entrance examination.

  • Focus on core mathematics covering all Key Stage 2 topics
  • Develop vocabulary and reading comprehension through regular reading
  • Practice visual problem-solving with shapes and patterns
  • Use timed practice sessions to build speed and accuracy
  • Take mock examinations to simulate test conditions
  • For free practice papers, see practice papers section
  • For tutoring support, see tutor recommendations

Practical Advice

Families should prepare children for the examination day by familiarising them with the test format and venue arrangements. Children must bring the correct Attendance Form with photo identification or they will not be allowed to sit the examination.

On exam day, children should arrive well-rested and prepared. The examination is held at various venues across the Trafford area, with specific locations confirmed closer to the test date. Families should plan travel routes in advance and allow extra time for arrival.

  • Ensure children have a good night's sleep before the exam
  • Provide a healthy breakfast on the morning of the test
  • Arrive at the test venue early with required documentation
  • Bring photo identification and completed attendance forms
  • Pack essential stationery as recommended by the school
  • Practice relaxation techniques to manage exam stress
  • Consider backup school options in Greater Manchester for comprehensive planning

For families not offered a place, the school maintains a waiting list until 31st December at the end of the autumn term of Year 7, applicable for those who qualified through the entrance exam. Appeals processes are available through the local authority for unsuccessful applications.

For specific guidance on individual circumstances or additional support needs, families should contact the school directly through the details provided in the school information section.

[1]Altrincham Grammar School for Girls official website

Trafford 11+ Information

In order to get into Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, 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 entrance examination for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is known as the Trafford 11 plus. This assessment comprises two papers, each lasting one hour, with a brief interval between them. The papers are presented in a multiple-choice format, evaluating the candidate's abilities across three key areas.

The Maths section assesses the student's mathematical skills, drawing from the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. Verbal Reasoning challenges the applicant to analyze and interpret written information, including reading comprehension tasks. Lastly, Non-verbal Reasoning examines the child's capacity to solve problems using visual cues, such as shapes, diagrams, and pictures.

This comprehensive evaluation aims to identify students with the necessary academic potential to thrive in the challenging educational environment provided by Altrincham Grammar School for Girls.

Other Schools using Trafford 11+

As well as Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, several other schools also use Trafford 11+. These are:

Trafford 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 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.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

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).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

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 Girls, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Altrincham Grammar School for Girls) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
24/04/2025Trafford 11 Plus Registration Opens At MiddayAdd Dates to Calendar
19/06/2025Altrincham Grammar School For Girls Open Evening
20/06/2025Trafford 11 Plus Registration Closes At Midday
04/09/2025Final Exam Details Are Sent To Registered Families By This Date
15/09/2025Trafford 11 Plus Exam
Late OctoberNational Deadline To Apply For Secondary School Places
02/03/2026Secondary 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 Girls as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

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 help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

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 Girls 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 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 Girls

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that Altrincham Grammar School for Girls currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Altrincham Grammar School for Girls chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.

Exam BoardSubject11+ Past Paper
CEM*
Now use GL Assessment		Mixed

11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

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 Girls 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 Girls 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 Girls.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 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 Girls.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 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 BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 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 Girls.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 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 Girls.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-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 Girls 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 BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls by Examberry

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about Altrincham Grammar School for Girls together with their admissions contact details.

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is a girls-only grammar school.
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls,
Cavendish Road, Bowdon,
Altrincham,
Cheshire
WA14 2NL
School Website
Telephone01619125912
Email Addressadmin@aggs.bright-futures.co.uk
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places204
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1389 (1389 Girls / 0 Boys)
Principal Ms Stephanie Gill

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is a girls 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 1,389 pupils attend Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and it's led by the Principal, Ms Stephanie Gill.

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls was last inspected by Ofsted on 11/10/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 04/12/2022, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
11/10/2022104/12/2022OutstandingFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls was inspected by Ofsted on 11 October 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 approach to behaviour and attitudes was also deemed outstanding, creating a positive learning environment that fosters student growth and achievement. Additionally, the school's commitment to personal development was recognized as outstanding, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future success.

The leadership and management of Altrincham Grammar School for Girls were also rated as outstanding, demonstrating the school's ability to effectively guide and support its staff and students. Finally, the sixth form provision was deemed outstanding, providing students with excellent opportunities for further education and personal growth.

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 Girls for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (204 pupils)
  • English Language (203 pupils)
  • English Literature (203 pupils)
  • Biology (127 pupils)
  • Chemistry (127 pupils)
  • Physics (127 pupils)
  • History (117 pupils)
  • Geography (94 pupils)
  • French (80 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (76 pupils)
  • Spanish (72 pupils)
  • German (55 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (51 pupils)
  • Social Science: Citizenship (49 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (42 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (20 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (19 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (17 pupils)
  • Art & Design (16 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (16 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (14 pupils)
  • Chinese (12 pupils)
  • Music (11 pupils)
  • Dance (10 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Biology (105 pupils)
  • Chemistry (98 pupils)
  • Mathematics (82 pupils)
  • History (54 pupils)
  • Psychology (53 pupils)
  • Physics (32 pupils)
  • English Literature (26 pupils)
  • English Language (22 pupils)
  • Economics (20 pupils)
  • Geography (19 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (17 pupils)
  • Art and Design (13 pupils)
  • French (13 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (12 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (10 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (10 pupils)
  • Spanish (9 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (7 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 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)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design16----221443
Biology127---1-2291994
Business Studies:Single51----1-391721
Chemistry127----1-572787
Chinese12--------11
Social Science: Citizenship49------6131119
Computer Studies/Computing42-----2391216
Design & Technology17-----1-358
Dance10------1531
English Language203-----225317966
English Literature203-----524615162
D&T Food Technology14------1166
French80----2312211824
Geography94-----24182149
German55----144111619
History117----122303052
Mathematics204----115327588
Music11--------38
Physics127-----1572292
Religious Studies16-------329
Spanish72----152232120
Drama & Theatre Studies19------24310
Physical Education/Sports Studies20------14114
Science: Double Award76----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design13----634
Biology105-2610233529
Business Studies:Single7----133
Chemistry98-2512273615
Computer Studies / Computing10--12241
Drama and Theatre Studies10----163
Economics20---24112
English Language22--1-6113
English Literature26--117107
French13--12343
Geography19--123121
History54--4620203
Mathematics82-128162926
Mathematics (Further)17---2762
Physics32--2-10164
Psychology53--15111818
Religious Studies12---1335
Spanish9---2142

FAQ

Is Altrincham Grammar School for Girls hard to get into?

Yes, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 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 Girls a private school?

No, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Altrincham Grammar School for Girls free?

Yes, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Altrincham Grammar School for Girls won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into Altrincham Grammar School for Girls?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Altrincham Grammar School for Girls 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 Girls a girls-only school?

Yes, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is a girls-only school.

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