Trafford 11+ Exam Guide (2026): Schools, Registration, Pass Marks & Strategy

If you’re a parent in Manchester or Greater Manchester, Trafford is one of the most important areas to understand.

Trafford is one of the few regions in the UK with state grammar schools

This guide explains how the Trafford 11+ works — clearly, accurately, and without confusion.

What Is the Trafford 11+?

The Trafford 11+ is:

A selective entrance exam
Used by grammar schools in Trafford
Taken in Year 6 (early autumn)

Key point:

Unlike Manchester itself, Trafford has a structured grammar school system

Which Schools Use the Trafford 11+?

The main Trafford grammar schools include:

Boys

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys

Girls

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Mixed

Sale Grammar School
Stretford Grammar School
Urmston Grammar School

These are state schools (no tuition fees)
But entry is highly competitive

Exam Format (What Your Child Will Sit)

Most Trafford schools use:

GL Assessment

Typical papers include:

English (comprehension)
Maths
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning

Important:

Exams are standardised
Scores are adjusted based on age

Registration Process (Do Not Miss This)

You must apply directly via each school.

Typical timeline:

Registration opens: April – June (Year 5)
Deadline: usually June / early July
Exam date: September (Year 6)

You also need to:

Submit your school preference via local council (CAF form)
This is separate from exam registration

Common mistake:

Many parents register for the exam but forget the CAF form.

Pass Marks & Scores (What You Actually Need)

Trafford uses standardised scores.

Typical benchmark:

Around 334+ (combined score) is often considered competitive

But be clear:

This is NOT a guaranteed cut-off
Scores required vary each year

Also:

Different schools may have different score thresholds

Competition & Reality

Trafford schools are popular.

Expect:

High number of applicants
Limited places
Strong competition

Important:

Passing the required score does NOT always guarantee a place
— especially if:

You live outside catchment
The school is oversubscribed

Catchment Area (Critical Factor)

This is where many families misunderstand the system.

Trafford schools consider:

Distance from school
Priority areas

This means:

A higher score does not always beat a closer applicant
Location can significantly affect outcomes

Strategy matters as much as performance

Travel & Exam Day Planning (Your Advantage Section)

Most guides ignore this — but it matters.

1. Visit the School in Advance

Know exact entrance points
Understand parking limitations
Reduce uncertainty on exam day

2. Plan for Traffic (Very Important)

Trafford morning traffic can be heavy.

Especially around:

Altrincham
Sale
Stretford

3. Arrive Early

Aim for 20–30 minutes before check-in
Avoid stress for your child

Small details here can affect performance more than people expect

A Realistic Strategy for Trafford Parents

Instead of thinking:

“We must get into one school”

Think:

✔ Apply to multiple schools
✔ Understand catchment rules
✔ Have backup options

👉 This reduces risk significantly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing registration deadlines

Ignoring catchment rules

Focusing only on scores

Not having a backup school

These mistakes are more common than people think

Final Advice