Manchester High School for Girls
School summary
Founded in 1874, Manchester High School for Girls is a non-denominational independent day school educating girls from age 4 to 18. With roughly 250 pupils on roll, it is a medium-sized school where a substantial sixth form of 176 students gives the senior years real weight. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent overall, and excellent for personal development, while its compliance requirements were fully met. Academic ambition sits at its centre, supported by scholarships in academic work, music, sport and dance.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
80%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
57%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
86%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 16 April 2024
Teaching & academics
Results comfortably outstrip national norms: 80% of GCSE entries reach grades 9-7 against a national average of 23%, and at A-level 57% achieve A*-A and 86% A*-B, both well above national figures. The curriculum leans towards traditional academic strengths, with mathematics, the sciences and economics among the most popular choices, and the EPQ available alongside GCSEs and A-levels. Modern languages are well represented, with French, Spanish and German all offered. Around 10% of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting individual needs are recognised within a high-achieving setting.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head of the Preparatory Department · Mrs Samantha Gibbons
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 176
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a clear feature, with swimming, netball, tennis, athletics and gymnastics among the main activities. Scholarships in music, sport and dance point to opportunities for girls with talents beyond the classroom.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1874
- Religious character
- Non-denom
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 10.32%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Mobile phone policy
Students must not use mobile phones in corridors or in the dining room. They can use them in form rooms, in the locker areas and on the lawn during break and lunchtime. Students must ensure their mobile phone is switched off or put to 'flight mode' during lessons and form time. They must not use their phone to contact parents if they are feeling unwell. They must not use their phone to take photographs or film of friends in school or when they are wearing school uniform, unless they have specifically been given permission by a teacher. They must use their phone responsibly.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,518 - £13,590
Schools nearby
The Manchester Grammar School
Manchester, North West
Withington Girls' School
Manchester, North West
Manchester Vocational and Learning Academy
Manchester, North West
Kassim Darwish Grammar School for Boys
Manchester, North West
St Bede's College
North West
IncludEd Learning
Manchester, North West
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A long-established girls' school with results that speak for themselves and an inspectorate judgement of excellent across the board. It suits academically motivated families who want a focused, all-through education for their daughters.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Manchester High School for Girls 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.