Where next after Hale Prep?

We have a proud history of children leaving Hale Prep and moving on to the schools that, in consultation with the parents, we know will best suit each child.

Our examination results speak for themselves. However, it is important for parents to understand that we can only achieve this success after the full curriculum has been delivered at the end of juniors. The children are very well prepared for all entrance examinations and our curriculum is specifically designed to prepare children with this in mind.

At the end of Year 6, there are three options available.

1. Entry into the local high schools, such as Wellington High School North Cestrian. There is no examination for such schools, and the offer of a place is largely determined by postcode.

2. a) The local foundation schools:

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Sale Grammar School, Urmston Grammar School, and Stretford Grammar Schools.

Two examinations set by GL assessment determine entry into these schools. Each paper includes maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Pupils in Year 5, in preparation for these exams, have specialist lessons in all three elements. Whilst the lessons familiarise the children with types of questions, advise on techniques, and give practice against "the clock", a decisive factor will be the innate ability of the children. Whilst the school maximises ability, given the non-selective nature of the school, the percentage pass rate will vary from year to year.

2. b) St Ambrose and Loreto Catholic Grammar Schools:

The examinations of these schools can vary but invariably include a verbal reasoning paper, a maths paper and an English paper. All are covered in the school timetable. Additionally, practising examinations against the clock is part of the school's preparation.

3. Independent Grammar Schools:

All include maths and English examination papers. The content of the papers is adequately covered in Hale Prep's school curriculum. Increasingly, there is a reliance on IQ testing, including non-verbal elements. The precise formats of the exams vary from year to year.

A major difference between the local foundation grammar schools and the independent grammar schools is that the independent grammar schools interview pupils. This underlines the advantage of Hale Prep's curriculum, not simply the confidence that seven years of drama gives but the range of topics the children have experienced.

A number of the independent grammar schools' examinations are now taken on computers. Given that the children at the school have been having IT lessons since Year 1 and that the examination practice the pupils are given includes examinations on the computer, this does not present any particular problem.

After Hale Prep - Destinations Since 2015:

Pupils are frequently offered places at more than one school. Below is a list of the final choices since 2015. On occasion, there are an unequal number of boys and girls.