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Reviewed

Sale Grammar School

State school · Sale, M33 3NH
  • Secondary
  • Co-ed
  • Ages 11-18
  • 1,348 pupils
Academically selective state school
We've reviewed this school • Unlock to access

A truly wonderful co-ed grammar which delivers academic excellence while nurturing creativity, resilience and a balanced approach to life.

Why read our school review?

Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.

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Watch Behind-the-scenes of a school review

Overview & data

Pupil numbers
1,348 ·
Sixth form numbers
391 ·
Religion
None
Local authority
Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council

Headteacher

Headteacher

Rebecca Smith

Since September 2020, Rebecca Smith. Educated in the north west, she studied biological sciences at Durham University. Knowing that she wanted to teach, she returned to Manchester, gaining a PGCE and later a master’s in educational leadership. She’s

Entrance

Year 7 entrance test is from GL Assessment. Around 2,800 pupils sit the common exam for the Trafford grammar schools consortium. There are 180 places. Priority is given based on a tightly-defined postcode area and after that, on rank order based on

Admissions policy
Academically selective state school
Open days
July

Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Other 25 %
Where the number of students is less than 10, we cannot say where they've come from or where they are going to due to data protection rules.
Brooklands Primary School 10 %
Springfield Primary School 9 %
Unknown 7 %
Where the school a student attended before or after this school is not known. These might be students who have come from or going to home schooling, independent schools, moving abroad etc.
Moorlands Junior School 7 %
Park Road Sale Primary School 6 %
Woodheys Primary School 4 %
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy 4 %
St Anne's CofE Primary School 3 %
Heyes Lane Primary School 3 %
Tyntesfield Primary School 3 %
Bowdon CofE Primary School 3 %
St Mary's CofE Primary School 2 %
St Hugh's Catholic Primary School 2 %
Wellfield Junior School 2 %
Lime Tree Primary Academy 2 %
Bollin Primary School 2 %
Willows Primary School 2 %
Broadheath Primary School 2 %
Stamford Park Primary School 2 %
Data highlight

Exit

Currently, there is a trend for north west universities like Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle. Two-thirds to Russell Group. Sciences, maths, engineering, economics tend to pop up a great deal as popular subjects, though pretty much

% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)

School
93%
LA avg.
75%
Eng. avg.
66%
Data highlight

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, 73 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 54 per cent A*/A at A level (80 per cent A*-B).

GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
100%
LA avg.
80%
Eng. avg.
60%
Data highlight

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)

School
44.46
LA avg.
40.59
Eng. avg.
35.69
Data highlight

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

Sciences, business studies, maths and history fare very well for the very top grades at GCSE but so too do textiles, art, music and graphic products. So, there’s that roundedness, which the school seeks, right there in the stats.

On results days

Qualifications taken in 2024
  • A level
  • EPQ
  • GCSE
75
Number of teachers
18:1
Pupil to teacher ratio

Learning support & SEN

The SEN department is very well staffed. Sale has about 50 students on the register, four with an EHC plan. Most areas catered for tend to be dyslexia and autism, although a couple of students are physically disabled. Teachers keep an eye out for

0.7 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
5.5 %
Students with SEN support

Arts & extracurricular

Students are not pressured but they do put pressure on themselves, head says, so they are encouraged to 'think beyond’ with extracurricular activities. One parent echoed this, saying ‘here children are given a more rounded approach to life’. The

Sport

Sport is strong with the usual spectrum on offer (hockey, football, netball, rugby, cricket, tennis, athletics) but also basketball and handball. Loads of fixtures too. Girls’ football is a strength and U15 girls recently won the national handball

Ethos & heritage

Initially girls only, it became a mixed grammar after amalgamating with Sale Boys. In its current form it is under 30 years old and something of the new kid on the block, when set against Altrincham Girls and Boys, but its popularity as a mixed

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

The parents we spoke to felt the co-ed aspect had been a significant factor in choosing Sale (many of the other local grammars in Trafford being single sex). There is a strong pastoral team and a ‘confide’ online network where students may share

Mobile phone policy

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Mobile phone policy

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Student’s must not use in school: mobile phones, cameras, headphones, of any kind or any other electronic devices. Sixth form students are allowed to use their mobile phones and headphones in the sixth form centre.

Updated Sep 2024

Pupils & parents

Pupils seemed a vibrant bunch and if the displays are anything to go by, astute and interested in the world around them. Teachers, says school, ‘like taking them out on trips because they behave very well’ – and that says a lot.

Reflecting the

1,348
Number of pupils

The last word

A truly wonderful co-ed grammar which delivers academic excellence while nurturing creativity, resilience and a balanced approach to life.

Inspection reports

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

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

This school has not provided any information yet

If you are from this school, please, get in touch to feature images and useful information for parents.

Contact the school

Address

Marsland Road
Sale
Cheshire
M33 3NH
Get directions

Telephone: 0161 973 3217

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.salegrammar.co.uk/

Local authority: Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council

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School data & information Sale Grammar School Marsland Road, Sale, Cheshire, M33 3NH
1,348 Pupil numbers
744/604 Pupil numbers boy/girls split
391 Sixth form numbers
3 % % of pupils eligible for free school meals
11 % Pupils whose first language is not English
18:1 Pupil to teacher ratio
75 Number of teachers
9 Number of teaching assistants

Mobile phone policy

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Student’s must not use in school: mobile phones, cameras, headphones, of any kind or any other electronic devices. Sixth form students are allowed to use their mobile phones and headphones in the sixth form centre.

Updated Sep 2024
Our review contains additional results data reported to us by Sale Grammar School and is updated annually. See the review

% achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
100%
LA avg.
80%
Eng. avg.
60%

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Average overall GCSE score (attainment 8) (2024)

School
75.50
LA avg.
58.30
Eng. avg.
44.20

What is this?

Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Improvement rates in core subjects (progress 8) (2024)

0.80 Score Well above average
≈ 16% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. This is based on results in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Subjects entered at GCSE level (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCSE (9-1) Full Course 97 7
Religious Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 53 9
Psychology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 63 8
Physics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 78 8
Physical Education/Sports Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 48 7
Music GCSE (9-1) Full Course 15 8
Mathematics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 188 8
History GCSE (9-1) Full Course 93 8
Geography GCSE (9-1) Full Course 77 8
French GCSE (9-1) Full Course 92 7
English Literature GCSE (9-1) Full Course 188 8
English Language GCSE (9-1) Full Course 188 8
Drama & Theatre Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 32 8
Design & Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 71 8
D&T Food Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 58 7
Computer Studies/Computing GCSE (9-1) Full Course 40 8
Chemistry GCSE (9-1) Full Course 78 8
Business Studies:Single GCSE (9-1) Full Course 86 8
Biology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 78 8
Astronomy GCSE (9-1) Full Course 13 7
Art & Design (Fine Art) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 41 8

% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)

School
40%
LA avg.
34%
Eng. avg.
20%

What is this?

Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.

Average points score (2024)

School
44.46
LA avg.
40.59
Eng. avg.
35.69

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.

Subjects entered at 16 to 18 (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCE A level 8 A
Sociology GCE A level 8 A
Religious Studies GCE A level 13 A
Psychology GCE A level 32 A*
Physics GCE A level 36 A
Physical Education / Sports Studies GCE A level 12 B
Mathematics (Further) GCE A level 14 A*
Mathematics GCE A level 96 A
History GCE A level 20 A
Geography GCE A level 19 A
English Literature GCE A level 18 A
Economics GCE A level 39 A
Chemistry GCE A level 100 A
Business Studies:Single GCE A level 32 A
Biology GCE A level 84 A
Art and Design (Fine Art) GCE A level 7 A
Sociology GCE AS level 6 A
Mathematics (Further) GCE AS level 12 B
Mathematics GCE AS level 8 A
Economics GCE AS level 6 A
Computer Studies / Computing GCE AS level 7 B
Chemistry GCE AS level 7 C
Biology GCE AS level 7 B

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Recent feeder schools

Year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 12 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 11 exit (average 2020-2022)

Year 13 exit

SEN overview

Sale Grammar School is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

SEN statement

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Sale Grammar School’s aim is to encourage each individual to strive to reach their full potential in a caring and supportive environment. We recognise that some pupils may have Special Educational Needs (SEN) which our staff are well trained to cater for, so that all students can reach their full learning potential. Admission to our school is based on the results of the 11+ examination, so the range of special needs we support is affected accordingly. There is a dedicated SEND Team within the school and a designated, newly designed 'Hub' area which students can access for further support. The SENCO has an additional time allowance and a postgraduate qualification. They are supported by members of the leadership team. The Hub is always manned by a Higher Level Teaching Assistant who acts as the Hub Manager, and as such, all students are known. The support offered to pupils will vary according to the nature of their need, but all students who are on the SEND register have a link Teaching Assistant who updates their pupil passport, and meets with the child to offer support and guidance, as required. Our aim is to work closely with parents and draw on the expertise of other agencies within Trafford LA to support each individual pupil as and when appropriate.

All curriculum staff are subject specialists who seek to make learning challenging, enjoyable and stretch the students at all levels within and outside of the classroom. Students are carefully monitored to ensure that they are achieving to their potential and intervention strategies are put in place where concerns are raised. A broad and balanced curriculum is enriched by a wide range of extension opportunities both in and out of school. Accelerated and extended learning opportunities are integral to the programme of study provided.

Updated Jan 2023
0.7 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 2.7%
5.5 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 12.9%

SEN conditons supported

Schools report the conditions they might be able to support. Please note, this may not be a complete list. Find out more.

Conditions (Might cover/be referred to as) Provision
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Social skills Yes
HI - Hearing Impairment
MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty Learning needs
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment Sensory processing
OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic, Tics, Tourettes
PD - Physical Disability
PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health Anxiety, Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health
SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication Selective mutism
SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty Complex needs
SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Auditory processing, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting Yes
VI - Visual Impairment Special facilities for Visually Impaired

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

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
Our data explained
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