2026 Cheadle Hulme School Entrance Exam

[thoughtsappreciated]

Thought I’d start a thread in case anyone else is going to be anxiously waiting the result of today’s entrance exam!

My DC sat it. I already have an older one at CHS. Am not anxious particularly, but have done this all before with a year group with a much higher birth rate and interview notifications will be out soon enough!

Great thanks, hope your DC had a good day. My DC enjoyed the day and felt exam went ok, time pressure was the aspect that stood out.

Yes they did thanks. Time pressure is a key feature of the CEM and as an adaptive test (if they are getting the answers right) it should get harder and harder as they progress through the questions, so a child saying it was hard and they didn’t get through all the questions has hopefully done well, or at least fulfilled their potential for that test by getting up to the most challenging questions for their capability level…! The key is making sure you don’t compare to others experiences, as each child will have had a different test dependent on right/wrong answers

Thank you. From your experience, how soon are the interview invites received? I believe Monday, however curious as to whether they would be released earlier.

I think the current junior school kids are getting their offer letters on Friday. So I would expect interview emails to be after that, so either later on Friday or on Monday. From memory it is a link to an online portal and you can choose a date/time that works for you. I think it’s the same system they use for parents evenings.

You are a fountain of knowledge and I really appreciate your replies!

My daughters just received an invitation to interview so check your inboxes!!

Email received here too! Good luck everyone!

Is anyone aware what proportion of candidates they interview?

Just interested and not looking to derail as both my boys are going to prep but is there a reason you’re not considering either of the excellent state options in Cheadle Hulme?

I don’t live in CH so not in catchment

Yes same here.

Ahh makes sense, I know so many people, my brother and sister included who have moved to CH to be in the catchment for the schools

I have heard two thirds of those who apply will be offered a place at CHS but I’m not sure if that’s accurate. Although possibly as an offer doesn’t mean it will be taken up.

my DC was offered and chose another school so I assume 50% or so might do that? Most children I know sit 2-3 exams.

Is Cheadle Hulme often first choice for private school in the area?

Completely depends what people are looking for. If you have a bright child, are focussing mostly (but not exclusively) on academics, don’t mind/actively want single sex education and don’t care too much how bad the commute is then you’d probably pick MGS, Withington or Man High. If you have a girl of average intelligence then Alderley Girls has great value add scores and is a smaller, more nurturing school that stats would suggest will get the best academically out of your daughter. If you want co-ed, good but not stellar exam performance/value add, a beautiful site with lots of space and broadly equal focus on academic, sport, music, drama then CHS or SGS (or Bolton if you are north side) might be more what you are looking for. There is also St Bedes which has an entrance exam but isn’t really academically selective so is a more relaxed option if your child struggles with tests.

It’s all about personal preference - we are very lucky in this area that that they are all great schools in which the right child will thrive and fulfil their potential. Right now it’s also a low birth year and so places won’t be too difficult to come by - they will all be trying to convince the top slice of kids but there should be enough places to go round.

Just my views!

Very interesting! Single sex wasn’t an option for us and DC enjoyed the CHS exam day. Also impressed with Stockport Grammar School. All schools are on their best behaviour during this process and marketing does play a part I am sure. It’s helpful to hear from a parent that is a part of the school so thank you.