Saint Ambrose College
Altrincham, Cheshire, North West · WA15 0HE
A Roman Catholic grammar school for boys in Altrincham, Saint Ambrose College combines a faith ethos with selective academic ambition. With 1,091 pupils against a capacity of 1,050, it is a large school running slightly over its intended size, reflecting steady demand for its 140 places each year. Ofsted judged the school Good across every area at its most recent inspection, including the sixth form. It will appeal to Catholic families seeking a structured, high-achieving environment for an academically capable boy.
1,091
Pupils
Good
Ofsted
140
Places (PAN)
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Boys
- Type
- state grammar school
- Pupils
- 1,091
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 18.3
- Location
- Altrincham, Cheshire, North West
- Website
- www.st-ambrosecollege.org.uk
Entrance & admissions
- Consortium
- Trafford Catholic grammars (Loreto, St Ambrose)
- Exam board
- GL Assessment
- Subjects tested
- Maths, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning
- Places (PAN)
- 140
- Entry age
- 11
Key dates· 2027 entry
Exam dateNext
14 September 2026
Application deadline
31 October 2026
Offers date
1 March 2027
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Latest results
Attainment 8
76.2
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
98%
National average 47%
Teaching & academics
The results here are genuinely strong: an average Attainment 8 score of 76.2 sits well above the national average of 46.9, and 98% of pupils gain grade 5 or above in English and Maths, against a national figure of 47%. Such outcomes are characteristic of a selective intake working to a high standard. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 18.3 is fairly typical for a large secondary.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 2.57%
- EHC plans
- 0.46%
- English as additional language
- 8.9%
- Free school meals
- 6.3%
Ethos & heritage
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Boarding
- No
Inspection reports
- Ofsted overall
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Good
- Last inspected
- 18 February 2020
The last word
A well-run Catholic boys' grammar where selective entry translates into consistently impressive GCSE results. Suited to families who value a faith-based setting and can prepare their son for a competitive 11+.
The Passmate verdict
Have you considered?
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
Altrincham, North West
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
Altrincham, North West
Loreto Grammar School
Altrincham, North West
Stretford Grammar School
Manchester, North West
Urmston Grammar Academy
Manchester, North West
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Rossendale, North West
Saint Ambrose College 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Saint Ambrose College located?
Saint Ambrose College is located at Hale Road, Hale Barns, Altrincham, WA15 0HE.
What type of school is Saint Ambrose College?
Saint Ambrose College is a state grammar school in North West.
What subjects does Saint Ambrose College test in the 11+?
Saint Ambrose College tests Maths, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning at 11+.
Which exam board does Saint Ambrose College use for the 11+?
Saint Ambrose College's 11+ uses GL Assessment.
When is the Saint Ambrose College 11+ exam?
For the 2027 entry, the Saint Ambrose College 11+ exam is on 14 September 2026.
How do I apply to Saint Ambrose College?
For 2027 entry, the application deadline is 31 October 2026.
When are Saint Ambrose College 11+ offers released?
For 2027 entry, Saint Ambrose College releases offers on 1 March 2027.
Which consortium does Saint Ambrose College belong to?
Saint Ambrose College is part of the Trafford Catholic grammars (Loreto, St Ambrose) consortium.
How many places does Saint Ambrose College offer?
Saint Ambrose College has a published admission number of 140 places.
How many pupils attend Saint Ambrose College?
Saint Ambrose College has approximately 1,091 pupils on roll.
What is Saint Ambrose College's Ofsted rating?
Saint Ambrose College was rated "Good" by Ofsted at its inspection on 18 February 2020.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.