Altrincham schools

[Fallingrain]

My family is relocating up North to be closer to grandparents and we are looking at the Altrincham area. Does anyone have recommendations on areas to live and good schools? We have a healthy budget having made some cash on a house down south so that’s not too much of an issue. But we’d like somewhere friendly. Also interested to hear opinions on the grammars.

There are quite a few threads on Altrincham Grammars - its a bit marmite. They are excellent schools and pupils achieve outstanding results. The process however is (many say) really divisive, quite pressured at age 10/11 and really not for everyone. You opt in rather than opt out, but if you search on here you'll find lots of threads. Any posts on the Property page talking about moving to Manchester usually mention it.

In terms of location, I think there are only one or two primary schools that are not outstanding, so the question (depending on age) is about location for secondary schools. An address in WA14 / WA15 is usually within catchment for the Altrincham Grammars, plus Sale, but its what happens if the children are not suited for grammar / you opt out of the process. The catchments of the secondary moderns (eg Wellington - very well regarded) is literally a mile, so its worth considering high school as well as primary.

Hale, Bowdon, Altrincham all within walking distance of each other (they sound like separate areas but they're really not) but would advise renting or spending time locally before buying.

Thank you @Africa2go thats v helpful. I’m really looking for somewhere friendly with a good sense of community. Any views on Lymm?

Don't know Lymm particularly well but its lovely, very green, great walks. Ease of commute to say Manchester City Centre not as good (no tram) and house prices cheaper than Hale / Bowdon / Altrincham. Lots of newish builds if that's of interest.

Lymm would come within catchment for AGGS (although offers are distance based from the school so not guaranteed that far out) but wouldn't be in priority catchment for AGSB or Sale Grammar. Lymm High has a great reputation though.