Secondary Education

Moving to secondary school is a big step for children, and it is natural to worry about their future, their education and, most importantly, their happiness. We are here to offer support and guidance to families going through this process. When preparing for secondary school, we strongly advise families to research and visit prospective schools. It is important to have an open mind and consider all possibilities.  It is also important to think about the right fit for your child, thinking carefully about where they will flourish and most importantly be happy in their next phase of learning.  Trafford is a selective education authority where grammar schools have entrance exams. Parents are advised to check school websites for information about open days and individual admission processes.

Which Secondary Schools Can I Apply to?

Historically children have transferred from St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School to schools in Trafford, although there are other secondary schools that can be considered.  The most important advice we can offer is to visit the schools and their website for up to date information on their open days and admissions policy. Admission policies can change from year to year and are often dependent on where you live. Some independent schools offer bursaries and scholarships too.

 Catholic Trafford Secondary Schools

• Blessed Thomas Holford, Altrincham
• Loreto Grammar, Altrincham
• St Ambrose College, Hale Barns
• St Anthony’s Catholic School, Flixton

Other Trafford Secondary Schools

• Altrincham College
• Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
• Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
• Manor Academy
• North Cestrian School
• Sale Grammar School
• Stretford Grammar School
• Urmston Grammar School
• Wellington School

Schools outside of Trafford

• Knutsford Academy
• Lymm High

Independent secondary schools

• Alderley Edge School for Girls
• Cheadle Hulme School
• Chetham's School of Music
• Cransley School
• Manchester Grammar School
• Manchester High School for Girls
• St Bedes College
• Withington Girls School

Trafford Guidance

Please visit the link below for information regarding a secondary school place.  

https://www.trafford.gov.uk/residents/schools/school-admissions/Admissions.aspx

The Application Process

14 September- online application goes live.

31^st October – deadline for secondary applications via the common application form (CAF).

When completing the CAF, you should always put the schools in your real order of preference.

1^st March is national offer day.

The offer day can be quite an emotional day for many families as school offers are confirmed. Please remember that while children will be relieved and happy, others may feel the opposite. It is important for parents to let Y6 teachers know how their child is feeling so they can support them at school. We send out a form to gather information on offers, since the local authority cannot share the data with us. Knowing what schools the children have been allocated helps us to plan the summer term, establish possible new friendships, support transition and further support children via team building activities. It also helps us to advise the following year group and answer their questions about school offers.

Y6 to Y7 transition

Through your child’s time at St Vincent’s we have been preparing your child to be ready for transition to secondary school. During the last half of the Summer term (June to July), we liaise with many secondary schools on transition activities. These may include some or all of the following:

• Y7 staff visiting St Vincent’s staff and pupils;
• Y6 staff visiting secondary schools;
• Transition days or evenings organised by secondary schools;
• Sports or extracurricular activities run by secondary schools.

Other sources of support

Starting secondary school BBC Bitesize https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/zh4wy9q/starting-secondary-school/1

This useful resource covers:

A day in the life of a secondary aged child

Coping with classwork

Developing friendships

Top tips for day one

If you would like to talk to use about secondary school, please do not hesitate to contact school to discuss.