Best independent prep schools in Altrincham

[Liliannjjk]

Hi all, we will be relocating to Altrincham next year, and my son will be entering Year 5 in September.

I am currently looking at some of the independent schools in Altrincham for my son.

My goal is to enroll my child in a grammar school. Among the following private schools, which one is better? Which one can best ensure that my son achieves good results in the 11+ examination and successfully gains admission to a grammar school?

1. Altrincham Preparatory School
2. Hale Preparatory School
3. Forest School
4. St. Ambrose Preparatory School

Thank you so much, everyone.

I don't have experience of them, but know a number of people who've sent their boys to St Ambrose prep solely to get them prepared & into the grammar school.

Thanks for your reply.
Which has stronger academics?
Which focuses more on the 11+ exam?

I'm afraid I don't know much more. It might be worth joining the local Facebook groups and asking there.

I live in Altrincham (and hate it but that’s just me - it’s full of range rovers and people with money who think they are better than everyone)

but anyway! For a boy I would definitely say altie prep school has the best reputation.

May I know the Facebook group’s name please?

Thank you for your reply, and I appreciate your acknowledgment of APS having the best reputation. Could you please provide more information about Altrincham? Additionally, I would like to know if it is challenging for my son to gain admission to a grammar school if he begins preparing for the 11+ exam. Thank you.

I would say that beginning prep in year 5 is possibly leaving it a little late, depending on his general ability. You may want to get a tutor sooner if you think he may need it, until you move. If he is working above the expected level for his age group then you can relax a bit. Competition is quite fierce, particularly if you are hoping for ABGS. APS is a popular choice though so, although no guarantee, they do definitely know how to coach them.

The state primaries in Altrincham and surrounding areas are excellent. You don't need to go private to pass the 11+ if you're kid is bright enough. IMO it would be cheaper and just as effective to get a tutor.

Having said that I'd choose Forest Prep over Hale Prep (and haven't looked at the others as I have girls).

People say all state primaries in Alty are great but don't account for the ridiculous amount of private tutoring that goes on from Yr4.
They get good sats partly cos half the cohort have been tutored for 11+

I do know the state primaries are rated too. Regardless of school you need a good tutor.

I only do 11+ prep from year 5 with mine but ds1 didn't get an offer for AGSB as we are further away and he passed for the rest of the grammars.

St Ambrose College is my choice as the faith aspect is very important to me. I can highly recommend. They do take non-catholics as well. The facilIties are excellent and the staff are amazing. I am so happy, as is DS. Got to get DS2 in now!

My impression of the independents in Alty is that they promise to prep for grammar in a way state schools won't but its not an alternative to tutoring.

Where have you got to with this? we have looked at both APS and St A. I disagree that APS has the better reputation. We've not made it to look around Hale Prep but have looked at Forest School too. Hale prep we couldn't get a place anyway, it is very popular. Forest school, I really disliked the building. Same for APS. APS don't publish results about grammar school success and weren't open about this at all when we looked round. It is opposite ABGS and I think people assume they are connected. They are not. I am sure StA does a lot better getting kids into StA college and it is now co-ed. State primary with tuition is v v common for the 11+. Private schools in Trafford are not like elsewhere as they focus on 11+. Other places have their own senior schools and are far more focused on a well rounded education. I think the facilities at Trafford preps are disappointing compared to other areas. If you want results then as far as I can tell Private tuition or private school are similar. The former is much cheaper but means DC doing classes after school and at weekends which just seems cruel to me.

Hey. APS publish to parents each year the destination schools of boys and it's usually around 50-60% who head to AGSB in year 7 which is well above the numbers from state schools in the area (as you would expect as they prep the boys for it)