The Manchester Grammar School
A true adventure for ambitious boys with enquiring minds, established in 1515, known for academic excellence and well-rounded pupils.
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Our take
Independent boys senior school in Manchester for ages 7–18. Selective entry.
- Families seeking a senior school for ages 7–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
- Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
- Single-sex (boys). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
About the head
“Sapere Aude”
MGS aims for the widest possible social access, treating each boy as an individual, promoting well-being with strong pastoral care, and developing independence of mind and spirit through a broad education.
Distinctive features
Selective boys day school
Over 200 full fee bursaries annually
Wide range of academic subjects including classics and modern languages
Around 300 trips per year
Strong Oxbridge admissions (32 offers in 2025)
Extensive co-curricular activities
Activities & co-curricular
sport
music
drama
academic club
service
other
Facilities
sports
arts
academic
wellbeing
Latest exam results
In 2025, and . At GCSE, , with
Where leavers go
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 211 | — | — | — |
| Oxbridge | 27 | 21 | 25 | 23 |
| US Ivy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Medicine | — | — | — | 29 |
Recent coverage
The Manchester Grammar School recently opened The Hibbitt Centre, a new Sixth Form facility designed to enhance the learning environment for senior students. This development reflects the school's ongoing commitment to providing state-of-the-art resources to support academic excellence.
Notable alumni
Open-day dates not yet published
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How well does The Manchester Grammar match?
Tell us your child's age, location, needs and entry point. We'll score commute, academics, support, budget and culture against schools in Manchester.
Check fit for my childApplication timeline
No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.
| Year | Opens | Closes | Reply by | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 1 Sept 2025 | 15 Nov 2025 | TBC | Closed |
Open events
Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.
Talks & tasters
| Mon, 21 Sept 2026 | Sixth Form Taster Days begin | Taster Day |
| Thu, 24 Sept 2026 | Whole School Open Evening (2026) | Open Evening |
| Thu, 24 Sept 2026 | Whole School Open Evening | Open Evening |
| Thu, 12 Nov 2026 | Sixth Form Open Evening | Open Evening |
| Sat, 14 Nov 2026 | Whole School Open Morning | Open Morning |
Fees
Bursaries & Scholarships
Excerpts
“Parents and boys speak very highly of pastoral care which is based around form tutors and year heads.”
Pastoral care, inclusivity & disciplineParents and boys speak very highly of pastoral care which is based around form tutors and year heads. ‘We couldn’t believe how nurturing the school is compared to where he came from,’ a parent enthused. One boy told us, ‘It’s incredible how they look Mobile phone policy A clear...
House system
Wellbeing
Tutoring is central to pastoral care at MGS with small groups that ensure each boy is well known and supported. The school community fosters individual value, mental wellbeing, and leadership opportunities across all years including a house system in Junior School.
Inspection
Isi — 23 Jan 2024
One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.
Term dates 2025-26
Schools like The Manchester Grammar School
Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Questions parents ask
Common questions about The Manchester Grammar School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.
What kind of child is The Manchester Grammar School best for?+
Independent boys senior school in Manchester for ages 7–18. Selective entry.
How does admissions work?+
Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.
Are fees published?+
Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.
Does the school support SEND?+
Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.
Are there open days?+
9 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.
How do I contact admissions?+
email at admissions@mgs.org or phone on 0161 224 7201. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.
What similar schools should I compare?+
We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to The Manchester Grammar School — see the "Schools like The Manchester Grammar School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Reviews
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