Trafford 11 Plus: Grammar Schools, Test Format and Preparation
By Simply Eleven Plus · Updated 25 October 2026 · 4 min read
Trafford has more grammar schools than most areas. Five of them share one 11 plus through a consortium, while two others run their own tests.
Trafford 11 plus at a glance
| The Trafford consortium test | |
|---|---|
| Consortium | Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale Grammar, Stretford Grammar and Urmston Grammar |
| Set by | GL Assessment (in recent years) |
| Covers | Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths, mostly multiple choice |
| Register | Usually spring to June of Year 5 |
| Test date | September of Year 6 |
| Separate tests | Loreto Grammar and St Ambrose College run their own |
What’s in the consortium test
In recent years the consortium has used GL Assessment papers covering Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths, mostly multiple choice and split into timed sections.
Don’t forget the second form. Registering for the test does not apply for a school place. You must also name the grammar schools on your home council’s secondary school application (the Common Application Form) by its deadline, usually 31 October of Year 6. Offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March.
How to prepare for the Trafford 11 plus
- Reasoning carries a lot of weight: practise letter codes, number sequences, NVR odd one out and rotations and reflections.
- Practise working to strict section timings.
Practise for free
Simply Eleven Plus has 11 plus practice for Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning with instant marking, free to start. Our free live 11 plus mock exams let your child sit a timed paper online under exam conditions. For a full timeline, see how to prepare for the 11 plus.
Frequently asked questions
- Which Trafford grammar schools share one 11 plus?
- Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale Grammar, Stretford Grammar and Urmston Grammar.
- Do Loreto and St Ambrose use the Trafford consortium test?
- No. Loreto Grammar School and St Ambrose College run their own entrance tests.
Free 11+ live mock exams
Let your child sit a real-time, timed mock paper online, then go through the trickiest questions together. It’s free.