Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates pattern recognition, spatial awareness and visual logic.
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus Guide
If you're considering Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (AGSB) for your child, this 2026 admissions guide provides everything you need to know. It explains how to apply, what to expect from the 11 Plus entrance exam, and how to best support your son during preparation.
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 174
Competition: High
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Introduction to
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (AGSB) is a highly regarded selective grammar school located in Trafford, Greater Manchester. Renowned for its exceptional academic results, the school is committed to developing intellectual curiosity, independence and self-confidence in every student.
Alongside its rigorous academic curriculum, AGSB offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including music, sport, drama, STEM activities and leadership initiatives. The school’s strong pastoral care system supports pupils in building respect, responsibility and resilience.
As a member of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium, AGSB is one of the most competitive schools in the region, with demand for Year 7 places regularly exceeding availability.
1
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
2
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
3
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
4
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
5
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
6
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
7
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
8
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys’s Key Information
Here can be found information to help with finding the school and where you can park your car, also information regarding the capacity and admission numbers of the school.Â
School Address
Full Address:
Marlborough Road, BowdonAltrincham
Cheshire
WA14 2RS
Contact Information
Email Address
agsbadmissions@hamblintrust.co.uk
Telephone (Main Office)
0161 928 0858
Website Address
https://www.agsb.co.uk/
Parking in the school
There is parking on site and there is on-street parking just outside the school.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: Trafford Council, Cecil Road, 33 Cecil Road, Trafford, WA14 9NT, a 9 minute walk from the school.
- Car Park: Trafford Council, Victoria Road, 1 Victoria Road, Trafford, WA14 9AF, an 11 minute walk from the school.
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys Ofsted Report
The quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth-form provision
Outstanding
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good, with Outstanding for behaviour and attitudes.
Academic strength: Pupils are highly motivated and perform well, especially in subjects like English, history and classics.
Teaching and curriculum: Strong in many subjects, though assessment is inconsistent across departments.
Behaviour and culture: Excellent pupil behaviour, respectful environment, and wide-ranging extracurricular opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Well-led with strong staff morale; safeguarding is rigorous and effective.
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys Exam Format
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (AGSB) is part of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium, meaning applicants take one shared 11 Plus entrance exam that can be used for several schools in the area.
The Altrincham Grammar School for Boys Entry Exam: Overview
The exam assesses a range of academic skills through multiple-choice questions in three key areas. The test takes place in mid-September and consists of two timed papers sat on the same day. Each paper includes a series of short, varied sections. Scores are age-standardised and combined to produce an overall ranking.
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: Tests vocabulary, comprehension and logical thinking skills.
Paper Two
Mathematics: Assesses numerical reasoning, problem-solving and arithmetic ability.
Paper Three
CEM 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no set pass mark; places are offered based on performance and in line with the school’s oversubscription criteria.
Catchment Area
AGSB does not have a fixed catchment area beyond its defined priority admission area, but distance remains a key factor in allocation.
Additional Eligibility
To gain a Year 7 place at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (AGSB), applicants must meet the required standardised score in the entrance exam. The Published Admission Number (PAN) for September 2026 is 202.
If more pupils qualify than there are places, the following priority order applies:
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Looked after and previously looked after children scoring 324+
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Up to 20 Pupil Premium pupils living in the priority area (WA13, WA14, WA15, M33, M23 in Trafford) and attending a Trafford state primary, scoring 324–333, plus all within that area scoring 334+
-
Up to 10 Pupil Premium pupils at Trafford state primaries scoring 324+
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Applicants within the priority area scoring 334+
-
All other qualified applicants scoring 334+, ranked by score
If oversubscribed, places go to those living closest to the school (straight-line distance). If equal, random allocation is used.
Click here to view the full Altrincham Grammar School for Boys admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
A consistent and structured approach to preparation can help your son feel confident and capable on exam day. Here are some ways to support him:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
COMING SOON
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Altrincham Grammar School for Boys. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys’ Key Dates and Application Information
These are the dates for key events such as the entry exam date and the entry exam registration date.
Entrance Exam Registration Opens
April 2025
Date passed
Registration Deadline
June 2025
Date passed
Entrance Test Date
September 2025
Date passed
Results Released
October 2025
Date passed
Common Application Form Deadline
Thursday 31st October 2025
Date passed
Offer Day
Monday 2nd March 2026
100 days to go
How to Apply
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
1
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Altrincham Grammar School for Boys Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions Policy
2
Entrance Test Entry Form
You must register your daughter for the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium entrance exam through the online portal, typically available between April and June 2025. Completing this registration is essential to secure a place for the September test, as late applications will not be accepted.
Visit Council Website
3
Common Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Altrincham Grammar School for Boys listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed, failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys FAQs
Register for the Entrance Exam through the school’s website between May and June, then name Altrincham Grammar School for Boys as a preference on your Local Authority application form by 31 October.
The Entrance Exam assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics skills, using papers set and standardised by an approved test provider.
Entry is very competitive, with significantly more applicants than available places. Only those achieving the required qualifying score and ranked under the school’s priority criteria are offered admission.
Yes. The catchment area covers an eight-mile radius from the school’s main entrance, and distance from the school is used as a tiebreaker when places are oversubscribed.
Schools Nearby
9 schools found within 25 miles of Altrincham
Loreto Grammar School
Loreto Grammar School, Dunham Road, Altrincham
Assessment: GL Assessment, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Cavendish Road, Bowdon, Altrincham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
St. Ambrose College
Saint Ambrose College, Hale Road, Hale Barns
Assessment: GL Assessment, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Sale Grammar School
Sale Grammar School, Marsland Road, Sale
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Urmston Grammar School
Urmston Grammar School, Newton Rd, Urmston
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Stretford Grammar School
Stretford Grammar School, Granby Road, Stretford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, Rossendale
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
21.6 Miles Away
View School