Urmston Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 150
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Good
Urmston Grammar School
Urmston Grammar School is a leading co-educational grammar school in Trafford, Greater Manchester, known for its strong academic record and focus on personal growth. With a long tradition of excellence, the school combines high academic standards with a supportive environment that encourages every student to reach their full potential.
Urmston Grammar provides a wide-ranging curriculum alongside an extensive enrichment programme that includes music, sport, drama and academic clubs. Pupils are encouraged to take part in educational trips, competitions and leadership opportunities, helping them to develop confidence, teamwork and independence both inside and outside the classroom.
The school consistently achieves outstanding GCSE and A-level results, with many students progressing to leading universities across the UK. Due to its excellent reputation and high performance, Urmston Grammar is one of the most sought-after schools in the area, and entry through the 11 Plus exam is highly competitive each year.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Urmston Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Urmston Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Urmston Grammar School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Urmston Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Urmston Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Urmston Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Urmston Grammar School’s Key Information
Urmston Grammar School’s key information in regards to locating and contacting the school.
School Address
Full Address:
Urmston Grammar School, Newton RdUrmston
Greater Manchester
M41 5UG
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking can be found within the school as well as just outside there is on-street parking.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: Park Rd N, Urmston, Manchester, M41 5AT, 0.4 miles from the school.
- Car Park: Sumner Way, Urmston, Manchester, M41 5BE, 0.4 miles from the school.
Urmston Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Urmston Grammar Academy is a happy and successful school where pupils and sixth formers work hard and show pride in their learning.
Academic strength: The curriculum is broad and ambitious, helping all pupils, including those with SEND, to gain strong knowledge and achieve well.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are taught by skilled teachers who explain ideas clearly, though some assessment methods are still being refined.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils behave calmly and respectfully, with few incidents of bullying, and enjoy clubs, trips and leadership opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: The school is well led and supportive, and safeguarding is strong, proactive and effective across all areas.
Urmston Grammar School Exam Format
Urmston Grammar School is part of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium, which uses one shared entrance exam. Candidates take a single test, and their results can be used to apply to multiple consortium schools, including Urmston Grammar School.
The Urmston Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview
Urmston Grammar School’s 11 Plus entry exam consists of two CEM papers. These papers will test Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Mathematics. Each paper will be approximately 1 hour long, they will occur on the same day, and there will be a short break between the papers.
Paper One:
Covers Verbal Reasoning and Maths, testing reading, logic and numerical skills through short, timed sections.
Paper Two:
Focuses on Non-Verbal Reasoning and may include extra Verbal or Maths questions. It assesses pattern recognition, visual logic and spatial awareness.
CEM 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass mark, but pupils typically need to score within the top 25% to be considered for a place.
Catchment Area
Urmston Grammar does not have a fixed catchment area, but distance from the school is an important factor when allocating places. Priority is usually given to families living within the M41 and M31 postcodes, and in recent years, the furthest distance offered under the distance criterion was around 5.3 miles. Applicants may be asked to provide proof of residence, and distance is used as a tie-breaker when more pupils meet the qualifying standard than there are places available.
Additional Eligibility
To gain a place, your child must achieve the qualifying standard in the 11 Plus exam. If more pupils meet this standard than there are spaces available, the school applies the following oversubscription criteria:
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Children in or previously in care who meet the qualifying standard.
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Children eligible for Pupil Premium.
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Siblings of current pupils.
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Children living closest to the school (used as a tie-breaker, as there is no fixed catchment area.
Click here to view the full Urmston Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Urmston Grammar School
Helping your child prepare for the 11 Plus test at Urmston Grammar School can have a big impact on their confidence and performance. Here are a few tips:
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.
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 Urmston Grammar School. 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.
Urmston Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here are the important dates for 11 Plus entry to Urmston Grammar School.
Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Entrance Test Date
Results Released
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Urmston Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Urmston Grammar School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Urmston Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Registration for the 11 Plus test must be completed through the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium website. The registration form is typically available from April to June, and it is important to apply within this period. Late applications will not be accepted.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Urmston Grammar School 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.
Urmston Grammar School FAQs
You must register your child for the Trafford 11 Plus exam and list Sale Grammar as a preference on your local authority application form by the stated deadline.
The exam is multiple-choice with two papers covering Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths. Scores are standardised by age, and results are shared across Trafford consortium grammar schools.
Entry is highly competitive, with more applicants than places each year. Pupils usually need to score within the top 25% in the 11 Plus to be considered for admission.
There is no fixed catchment, but distance from the school is used as a tiebreaker when allocating places. Living closer to the school can improve your child’s chances of receiving an offer.