In short, I you need to move to get into any of the Trafford grammars around here. I think there was a funny year a couple of years back where the outcomes showed Urmston accepting all applications but that really was a one off. Unless you are going for a top 20 place which I wouldn't bank on given some of the high scores quoted here!
I've been tracking outcomes for the past few years and you either need to be in catchment (priority postcode) or very close if outside of that. Remember Stretford includes Chorlton in their priority postcodes, but not Didsbury where there are tons of parents much closer than you trying to get their kids in.
Although the birth rate is dropping, Trafford grammars are targeted by parents both nationally and internationally (lots of people from Hong Kong are specifically moving into Trafford area), so I don't see competition for places waning anytime soon.
I would also prompt you to think if the grammars are really worth the move and what the alternatives are if your child weren't to pass. Due to the selective system, there are no comprehensives here, just 'secondary modern' type high schools missing a proper top set.
It is easy to think when your child is 3-4 that they are bright and will pass the 11+ with a bit of work. Now we are in the middle of Year 5 prep, I have a bright child who still may or may not pass. I can't say I'm thrilled about the alternatives and we won't take on the cost of private secondary. You definitely need to think hard about what you may want for your child down the line. I have friends who have actually moved out of Trafford at junior school age to get better non selective schools e.g. Lymm, Cheadle Hulme, Knutsford as they don't want the stress of a year (or two) worth of prep to pass an exam on a single day.
I've been tracking outcomes for the past few years and you either need to be in catchment (priority postcode) or very close if outside of that. Remember Stretford includes Chorlton in their priority postcodes, but not Didsbury where there are tons of parents much closer than you trying to get their kids in.
Although the birth rate is dropping, Trafford grammars are targeted by parents both nationally and internationally (lots of people from Hong Kong are specifically moving into Trafford area), so I don't see competition for places waning anytime soon.
I would also prompt you to think if the grammars are really worth the move and what the alternatives are if your child weren't to pass. Due to the selective system, there are no comprehensives here, just 'secondary modern' type high schools missing a proper top set.
It is easy to think when your child is 3-4 that they are bright and will pass the 11+ with a bit of work. Now we are in the middle of Year 5 prep, I have a bright child who still may or may not pass. I can't say I'm thrilled about the alternatives and we won't take on the cost of private secondary. You definitely need to think hard about what you may want for your child down the line. I have friends who have actually moved out of Trafford at junior school age to get better non selective schools e.g. Lymm, Cheadle Hulme, Knutsford as they don't want the stress of a year (or two) worth of prep to pass an exam on a single day.
Statistics: Posted by starfish80 — Tue Apr 09, 2024 3:33 pm
