BoysIndependent

The Manchester Grammar School

Manchester, Manchester, North West · M13 0XT

Founded in 1515, The Manchester Grammar School is one of the country's oldest independent boys' schools, and it remains rooted in the academic seriousness implied by its name. The ISI judged it excellent for both education and pupil personal development at its most recent inspection, with compliance requirements fully met. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of around ten gives boys close attention, and a long-standing bursary scheme, funded largely by former pupils, helps widen access beyond those who can meet the day fees of up to £17,364. A substantial sixth form of around 420 pupils gives the upper school real scale and momentum.

234

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£17,364

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Boys
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 7-18
Pupils: 234
Pupil:teacher ratio: 10
Location: Manchester, Manchester, North West
Website: www.mgs.org/
Telephone: 0161 224 7201

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Head of the Junior School Eleanor Losse

Latest results

Attainment 8

42.9

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

73%

A-level A*-A

73%

A-level A*-B

93%

Teaching & academics

Results here are weighted heavily towards the top grades: 73% of GCSEs were awarded at 9-7, and at A-level 73% reached A*-A with 93% at A*-B. The reported Attainment 8 of 42.9 and the 0% figure for grade 5+ in English and Maths sit oddly against this and look like a recording quirk rather than a reflection of the school's clearly strong upper-grade performance. The academic centre of gravity is sciences and mathematics, with Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economics and History the most popular A-level choices. An unusually broad language offer spanning French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Chinese, alongside the EPQ, points to genuine intellectual ambition.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 420

Popular A-level subjects

MathematicsFurther MathematicsChemistryPhysicsBiologyEconomicsHistory

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 14.65%
EHC plans: 0.3%

Arts & extracurricular

Languages

FrenchGermanSpanishItalianRussianChinese

Popular GCSE subjects

English LiteratureEnglish LanguageMathematicsFrenchSpanish

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 1515
Religious character: Non-denom
Boarding: No

Mobile phone policy

School has a clear policy on mobile phones. Recognises they are part of everyday life but prioritises pupil wellbeing and welfare. Educates pupils about responsible, ethical behaviour through PSHE curriculum, tutor periods and assemblies. Takes abuse of technology seriously.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £17,364
Bursaries up to: 100% of fees

Bursary scheme funded mostly by old boys

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 23 January 2024

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A historic, academically driven boys' school where strong top-end results and a wide curriculum are matched by a bursary tradition that keeps the doors open wider than the fees alone might suggest.

The Passmate verdict