Sale Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: Sale Grammar School
• Location: Marsland Road, Sale, Cheshire, M33 3NH
• Type: Mixed Grammar School (ages 11-18)
• Headteacher: Mrs Rebecca Smith
• Students: Approximately 1,260 pupils (315 in Sixth Form)
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
• Contact: 0161 973 3217 | office@salegrammar.co.uk
• Entrance Requirements: 11+ examination for Year 7 entry

About Sale Grammar School

Sale Grammar School represents one of the most successful educational institutions in Greater Manchester, serving the prosperous community of Sale in Trafford. Established in 1991 through the strategic merger of the historic Sale Boys' Grammar School and Sale Girls' Grammar School, the institution has evolved into a thriving Academy Trust Grammar School since 2011.

Located in the heart of Sale's desirable residential area, the school benefits from excellent transport links to Manchester and the wider region, making it particularly attractive to families across South Manchester and Cheshire. The school's modern campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, purpose-built sports facilities including multiple halls and extensive playing fields, and contemporary learning spaces designed to maximise educational outcomes.

As part of Trafford's fully selective secondary education system, Sale Grammar School maintains exceptionally high academic standards. The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects its commitment to educational excellence, with consistently strong A-Level and GCSE results that regularly place it amongst the top-performing schools nationally. The institution's ethos centres on developing well-rounded individuals who demonstrate both academic achievement and strong character values.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Sale Grammar School's entrance examination follows the standardised Trafford 11+ format, designed to identify students with the academic potential to thrive in a selective grammar school environment. The assessment typically takes place in September for the following year's entry, with results announced in October.

The examination comprises four distinct sections:

• Mathematics: Comprehensive assessment covering arithmetic, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning appropriate to Year 6 level
• English: Reading comprehension passages with questions testing inference, vocabulary, and grammatical understanding
• Verbal Reasoning: Logic-based questions examining linguistic patterns, analogies, and deductive reasoning skills
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Visual puzzles assessing spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and abstract thinking abilities

The school sets a competitive pass mark, typically requiring students to achieve approximately 80% across all sections. Given the high demand for places, thorough preparation is essential for success in this rigorous selection process.

How to Apply

The application process for Sale Grammar School follows Trafford's coordinated admissions system. Families must complete several key steps to secure consideration:

Registration and Application:
Parents must register their child through Trafford Council's online portal by the specified deadline, typically in July of Year 5. This registration is essential for entrance examination eligibility and must be completed regardless of residence within or outside the Trafford borough.

Entrance Examination:
Registered students sit the 11+ examination at designated test centres across Trafford in September. The school provides detailed guidance on examination format and logistics following successful registration.

Results and Allocation:
Results are released in October, with successful candidates receiving conditional offers. Final places are confirmed following the standard secondary school application process through local authorities in November.

Families residing outside Trafford should note additional considerations regarding transport arrangements and catchment area preferences, which may affect final place allocation even with successful examination results.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's comprehensive 11+ preparation programme is specifically designed to maximise your child's potential for success at Sale Grammar School. Our expert tutors possess detailed knowledge of Trafford's examination format and have successfully prepared hundreds of students for grammar school entry.

Our tailored approach includes intensive practice across all four examination components, with particular emphasis on the challenging verbal and non-verbal reasoning sections that often determine success. We provide regular diagnostic assessments to identify areas requiring focused attention, ensuring efficient use of preparation time.

Beyond academic preparation, our experienced team offers invaluable guidance on examination technique, time management, and confidence building. We understand the competitive nature of Sale Grammar School admissions and provide realistic guidance on backup school options within both the maintained and independent sectors.

Our track record with Trafford grammar schools demonstrates our deep understanding of the selection process, enabling us to provide families with strategic advice on maximising their child's prospects whilst managing the emotional aspects of this important transition. Through our personalised approach, we ensure each student approaches their 11+ examination with confidence and the skills necessary to demonstrate their true academic potential.