The Manchester Grammar School
School summary
Founded in 1515, The Manchester Grammar School is one of the country's oldest independent boys' schools, drawing on more than five centuries of academic tradition. The non-denominational school takes boys from age seven through to eighteen, with a large sixth form of around 420 pupils. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly ten to one allows for close attention, and the Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent for both education and personal development. A bursary scheme, funded largely by former pupils, helps widen access for families who could not otherwise meet the day fees of up to £17,364 a year.
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
73%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
73%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
93%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 23 January 2024
Teaching & academics
Results sit well above national benchmarks: 73% of GCSE entries reach grades 9-7, against a national average of 23%, while at A-level 73% achieve A*-A and 93% reach A*-B. The school leans strongly towards the sciences and mathematics, with Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economics and History among the most popular sixth-form choices. An EPQ is offered alongside GCSEs and A-levels, and the breadth of languages on offer is notable.
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Head of the Junior School · Eleanor Losse
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 420
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Modern languages are a particular strength, with French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Chinese all available. The school's PSHE curriculum, tutor periods and assemblies are used to teach responsible and ethical behaviour, including around technology and mobile phone use.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1515
- Religious character
- Non-denom
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 14.65%
- EHC plans
- 0.3%
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.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £17,364
- Bursaries up to
- 100% of fees
Bursary scheme funded mostly by old boys
Schools nearby
Manchester High School for Girls
Manchester, North West
Manchester Vocational and Learning Academy
Manchester, North West
Withington Girls' School
Manchester, North West
St Bede's College
North West
Kassim Darwish Grammar School for Boys
Manchester, North West
IncludEd Learning
Manchester, North West
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Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A historic, academically ambitious boys' school where high-flying scientists and mathematicians will feel at home, with bursaries opening the door wider than the fees alone might suggest.
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.
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The Manchester Grammar School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.