The Best High Schools in Manchester (2026)

If you're looking at high schools in Manchester for your child, the choice is shaped by one big geographic split: Trafford (Altrincham, Sale, Hale) still operates grammar schools with a competitive 11+ exam, while Manchester City Council operates a comprehensive system. This guide covers the best of both, plus the top independent options.

Best comprehensive secondaries

Parrs Wood High School (Didsbury)

Good (Ofsted). One of the largest secondary schools in the country and consistently one of the best-performing comprehensives in Manchester. Broad curriculum, strong sixth form, well-regarded by local families.

Chorlton High School

Good. Large comprehensive drawing from across South Manchester. Strong community ties and a reputation for turning around results in recent years.

Trinity CofE High School (Hulme)

Outstanding. One of Manchester's most-respected church secondaries. Faith-based admissions mean it's competitive for practicing families.

Whalley Range 11–18 High School

Good. Strong all-girls comprehensive in West Manchester with consistently good academic results.

Best grammar schools (Trafford)

These are some of the best state schools in the country. All require children to pass the 11+ exam, which is taken in Year 6.

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Outstanding (Ofsted). Consistently ranked among the top state schools in the UK for academic results. Highly competitive 11+ entry.

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys

Outstanding. Equally celebrated, equally competitive.

Loreto Grammar School (Altrincham)

Outstanding. Catholic girls' grammar with Catholic entry criteria. One of the highest-performing schools in the country.

Sale Grammar School

Outstanding. Mixed-sex grammar. Slightly less competitive entry than the Altrincham grammars but still strong.

Stretford Grammar School

Outstanding. Located in Stretford, draws from across Trafford.

Urmston Grammar Academy

Outstanding. Mixed-sex grammar with strong results.

Best independent secondaries

Manchester Grammar School (Fallowfield)

One of the best independent schools in the country. Boys only, 7–18. Academically selective and well-funded. Annual fees around £15,000+. Sends large numbers to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.

Withington Girls' School

Independent girls' school with consistently outstanding academic results. Strong reputation across the north.

Cheadle Hulme School

Independent, mixed-sex, 4–18. Well-regarded across Greater Manchester.

Choosing the right high school

• Visit on open days — Ofsted reports don't tell you how a school feels

• Check the catchment area carefully — it can be small, especially for oversubscribed schools

• Look at sixth form as well as 11–16 provision

• For Trafford grammars, plan for 11+ tutoring — the test is competitive

• Talk to parents whose children are currently at the school — the best source of honest information