Ages 
An article in the Sunday Times on the best places to live in Britain described Altrincham as the number one place for schools – and AGSB is one of the reasons why. The school motto translates as Work Conquers All and it’s as though these boys are on a mission to prove that. They seem super-competitive in all things, yet it appears friendly and good-humoured with plenty of banter. They’ve got the message, they’re here to work and play hard, and they do.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,420 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 390 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council
Headteacher
Headmaster
Graeme Wright
Since September 2018, Graeme Wright, previously senior deputy headmaster at Victoria College, Jersey. Degree in history from Liverpool and qualified as a teacher at Manchester. Before taking up teaching, he served in the Royal Marines for seven
Entrance
Up to 70 feeder schools, Altrincham Prep probably the largest. Priority for catchment is WA13, 14 and 15, then Trafford LA addresses in M33. Entrance exam on the second Saturday in September for places in year 7 (now seven form entry), with
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- May
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Under five per cent leave post GCSE to join co-ed or sixth forms offering less trad subjects. Good number to Oxbridge each year - 16 in 2024, plus 39 medics. Most to Russell Group universities, a few with gap years and/or work placements. Manchester,
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2024, 81 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 65 per cent at A*/A at A level (85 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Highly selective, it’s no surprise that results are excellent but it’s also outstanding for value-added at A level, clear evidence of some very good work going on. Most boys take 12 GCSEs; it’s a heavy load but the thinking behind it is to deter boys
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Heartfelt praise from the boys for the school SENCo who works alongside enthusiastic and knowledgeable teaching assistants. Boys tell us they are supported not only in their learning but also in managing and supporting the occasional health issue
Arts & extracurricular
It’s cool to be good at music here; everyone in years 7/8 learns a musical instrument and many continue throughout their school career. A dedicated music IT suite contains 19 iMacs with professional sequencing and publishing software; there’s also a
Sport
Sporting facilities are superb, and couple that with some of the most enthusiastic PE teachers we’ve ever met. Numerous pitches (Astro and grass), a large multi-functional sports hall, well equipped fitness suite. There’s even a coffee shop. It’s
Ethos & heritage
The Altrincham County High School for Boys, as it was originally known, was founded in 1912. The original distinctively decorated red-brick building still forms the central block of the school; numerous additions over the years notably an imposing
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
'I’ve always been a friendly, outgoing chap,' said the head boy who, along with his fellow prefects, plays a central role in the day-to-day running of the school. They, along with staff, are visible around the school site at breaktimes and
Pupils & parents
The school has undoubtedly changed over the years, particularly in respect of its ethnic mix, reflective of a wider area demographic. A third come from beyond the local area, bringing a good school mix from Cheshire and central Manchester. 'Don’t use
The last word
An article in the Sunday Times on the best places to live in Britain described Altrincham as the number one place for schools – and AGSB is one of the reasons why. The school motto translates as Work Conquers All and it’s as though these boys are on
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
