Best Schools in Trafford 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 83 schools and nurseries in Trafford — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Trafford has 83 schools educating over 39,000 pupils across this borough south of Manchester. Trafford is unique in Greater Manchester as the only borough that still operates a selective grammar school system, making it a magnet for families seeking academic excellence.
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale Grammar School and Stretford Grammar School are all highly competitive. The borough also has strong comprehensives like Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College.
Trafford at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Trafford
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Vincent's Catholic Primary School | Trafford | Outstanding | 95% | — | — |
| Park Road Academy Primary School | Trafford | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| Brooklands Primary School | Trafford | Good | 92% | — | — |
| St Mary's CofE Primary School | Trafford | Good | 89% | — | — |
| Altrincham CofE (Aided) Primary School | Trafford | Good | 88% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Trafford
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | Trafford | Outstanding | +1.32 | 100% | 58% |
| Loreto Grammar School | Trafford | Outstanding | +1.06 | 100% | 82% |
| Saint Ambrose College | Trafford | Good | +1.04 | 99% | 47% |
| Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | Trafford | Outstanding | +1.01 | 100% | 98% |
| Urmston Grammar Academy | Trafford | Good | +0.88 | 100% | 99% |
Admissions in Trafford — Key Dates
Trafford Council coordinates admissions. Secondary applications closed on 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. Primary applications close on 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Grammar schools require the Trafford 11+ test — register separately through trafford.gov.uk.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Trafford?
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys and Sale Grammar School are among the top grammar schools in the North West. Blessed Thomas Holford is a strong comprehensive.
How many grammar schools are in Trafford?
Trafford has four grammar schools: Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale Grammar School and Stretford Grammar School. Entry is via the Trafford 11+ test.
How competitive are Trafford grammar schools?
Very competitive. Trafford grammar schools receive applications from across Greater Manchester and beyond. The 11+ pass rate varies by year but typically the top 30% of applicants qualify.
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