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The new Trafford grammar test, explained
In July 2026 the Trafford Grammar School Consortium announced a new test provider and a new kind of test. Here's what that means, in plain English.
Which schools?
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale Grammar, Stretford Grammar and Urmston Grammar share one test. Loreto Grammar and St Ambrose College set their own test on a different date and are not part of this change.
Who sits what, and when?
| Year group now | Test | When | Year 7 entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 6 | Old GL test | Already sat in September 2026 | September 2027 |
| Year 5 | New test | September 2027 | September 2028 |
| Year 4 | New test | Summer term 2028 (end of Year 5) | September 2029 |
Year groups refer to the 2026/27 school year. Exact test dates are not yet confirmed.
What's in it?
The test draws on the national curriculum up to the end of Year 5. One paper covers English and maths. A second paper draws on other primary subjects: art and design, computing, design and technology, geography, history, languages, music, PE and science. Questions test how children apply what they know, often in unfamiliar situations, rather than memorised facts. Where a question needs something a child may not have met, the information is given in the question.
What's not in it?
No verbal reasoning. No non-verbal reasoning. Nothing beyond Year 5.
A common mistake
Some guides online describe the new test as English and maths only. The schools' own announcement says a second paper covers other primary subjects.
What's still unknown?
The exact test date, the registration window, the detailed paper format and timings, and the qualifying scores. The schools will publish a free familiarisation guide. We'll update this page the day details are released.
What the schools recommend
Strong attendance and engagement at school, wide reading, real-life maths, and calm rather than pressure.
Get told the moment details are published
Test date, registration window and the official familiarisation guide. One email when each lands. Nothing else.
Source: Trafford Grammar School Consortium announcement, published on each school's website.
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