The Manchester Grammar School
Manchester, Lancashire · M13 0XT
The Manchester Grammar School is a historic day-only boys' school founded in 1515 with a reputation as one of the country's top independent academics. Its ethos emphasizes 'Sapere Aude' (dare to know), nurturing ambitious, enquiring minds across a strong portfolio of academic, sporting, musical and dramatic achievement. The school produces well-rounded young men with a culture of service and community contribution, backed by recent major capital investment including a new sixth-form centre.
- →Exceptional academic credentials with 32 Oxbridge offers in 2025 and consistent top-tier university placement
- →Rare combination of rigorous academics with genuinely strong music, drama and sport programmes (200+ annual trips, 300+ cocurricular activities)
- →Generous bursary provision (200+ full-fee awards annually) despite substantial fees, making entry accessible beyond wealthy families
- →Historic Manchester institution with strong local and national reputation, extensive old boy network
Who thrives here
Bright, intellectually curious boys who thrive in a competitive but supportive environment and are willing to engage across academics and cocurricular life. The school suits families who value traditional academic rigour alongside pastoral breadth and service.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Old Hall Lane
Manchester, Lancashire
M13 0XT
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Sir Nicholas Hytner
Film and theatre director
Sir Ben Kingsley
Actor
Faisal Islam
Journalist and broadcaster (Sky News)
Anthony Preston
Entrepreneur
Michael Crick
Author and broadcaster
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at The Manchester Grammar School?
Day fees at The Manchester Grammar School are approximately £15,228 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into The Manchester Grammar School?
The Manchester Grammar School admits pupils at 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are The Manchester Grammar School's exam results?
At The Manchester Grammar School, 69% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 81% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is The Manchester Grammar School a boarding school?
The Manchester Grammar School is a day school in Manchester and does not offer boarding.
What is The Manchester Grammar School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated The Manchester Grammar School “Excellent” (2019).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Genuinely strong all-round education across academics, sport, music and drama—not narrow academic hothouse
✓Substantial bursary provision ensures access and socioeconomic diversity despite high fees
✓Historic institution with genuine sense of community and old boy network; strong pastoral care
✓Breadth of opportunity (300+ trips, 200+ cocurricular activities) means all boys can find their niche
✓High Oxbridge and Russell Group outcomes with excellent university guidance
Common concerns
!Day-only model excludes families outside commuting distance and offers no flexibility for working parents
!Very selective intake and competitive academic culture may not suit less confident or non-traditional learners
!Capital investment narrative (fundraising campaigns) may signal pressure on fees or unequal access to new facilities during construction periods