Stockport Grammar School

Stockport Grammar School, dating back to 1487, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and holistic education in Stockport, Manchester. As an independent co-educational school catering to students aged 3 to 18, the school is committed to fostering a vibrant learning environment. Stockport Grammar School emphasises both academic achievement and the development of well-rounded individuals. The school boasts modern facilities, a wide array of extracurricular activities including sports, arts, and clubs, and a supportive community that values character, integrity, and a love for learning. Guided by a strong ethos, Stockport Grammar School seeks to inspire and empower students to thrive academically, creatively, and socially.

Entrance Exam Overview:

Papers: Applicants undergo a three-paper examination, testing their proficiency in English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning.

English:

  • Comprehension: Answer 40 multiple-choice questions assessing understanding, inferences, word definitions, grammatical functions, and character portrayal within an unseen passage (30 minutes).

  • Creative Writing: Choose between two tasks, involving either writing a description or a story inspired by an image or crafting a story or description based on a provided opening line (30 minutes).

Mathematics:

  • Duration: 60 minutes.

  • Exam covers the national curriculum mathematics key stage two syllabus, utilizing metric units with standard abbreviations.

  • Questions encompass various topics, and candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions in any order. Credit is given for correct working, even if the final answer is incorrect.

Verbal Reasoning:

  • Duration: 30 minutes (scaled down from the 60-minute sample papers).

  • Candidates tackle general knowledge and information-based questions to assess their verbal reasoning skills.

Note: The school emphasises that no knowledge beyond the key stage two mathematics curriculum is assumed. All instructions and units of measurement are clearly explained, ensuring a fair testing environment.

  • Don’t be tempted to complete a large amount of tests in preparation. This is not a good way to prepare and it is likely to make little or no difference to your child’s results.

  • Focus on bringing up your child’s academic standard in order to successfully gain a place. This way when your child does gain entry, they will continue to thrive when they start.

  • Reading a variety of good quality classic books will help improve your child’s vocabulary and reading skills.

  • Familiarise yourself with the format of the exam. Know the types of questions, the time constraints, and any specific instructions.

  • Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. Your physical well-being can have a positive impact on your cognitive abilities and concentration.

  • Practice under exam conditions. This includes timing yourself, avoiding distractions, and creating an environment similar to the actual exam setting.

Ready to take the next step?