Four Trafford schools named among top 100 in the country

Only nine schools in the north west were included in the list, which was published by the Daily Mail last week (August 27).

The list only ranked state schools, saying that the demand for the settings has ‘never been higher’ due to the introduction of VAT on private schools in January.

The borough of Trafford is still utilising the 11 plus to secure spots for pupils in the Trafford Grammar School Consortium. 

All the borough of Trafford schools in the list were grammar schools. 

The Daily Mail said that the list was based on consultation with education experts, The Good Schools Guide, and analysis of GCSE results, class sizes, and extracurricular activities.

A full list of borough schools named is below.

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (Image: Google) While the list wasn’t ranked, the Altirncham Grammar School for boys had the highest percentage of pupils gaining 5 or above in English and maths at GCSE last year, with 99.5 per cent. 

The newspaper quoted the Good Schools Guide in saying the grammar school has a ‘Hogwarts feel’ visually. 

It cited the GCSE results from 2024, with 87 per cent of all GCSE results being a grade 7 or above.

It also highlighted the focus on sport, arts, engineering and scientific innovation.

The school is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (Image: Google Maps)

This girls’ grammar school dates back to 1910 and is part of the Bright Futures Education Trust. 

The list said that there are nearly 1,400 girls attending the school, with around 360 in the sixth form. 

It said 90.4 per cent of all GCSE results were graded at 7 or above in 2024, while 99 per cent of pupils gained 5 or above in English and maths. 

The girls grammar school is also rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Loreto Grammar School

Loreto Grammar School (Image: Google Maps)

Last year’s results saw 97.5 per cent of students achieve a grade 5 or above in English and maths, and 76.5 per cent of results a grade 7 or above.

Loreto operates with a ‘strong catholic ethos’, the Daily Mail said, and has 1,050 students and 100 staff.

Headteacher Jane Beever has been in place since 2006. 

Loreto also holds an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted grade. 

Sale Grammar School

Sale Grammar School (Image: Google Maps)

Sale Grammar School saw 98.4 per cent of pupils gain a grade 5 or above in 2024. 

It also had 79.5 per cent of results at grade 7 or higher. 

The Daily Mail said that academic achievement is ‘clear’, and quoted Ofsted’s noting of the school’s ‘strong community spirit’. 

It also highlighted that Ofsted said pupils describe the school as ‘one big family’.