The Manchester Grammar School (MGS)

  • MGS is a highly popular independent day school for boys, offering education from Year 3.

    It holds definite appeal for our clients, and a significant number of our students choose MGS as their preferred school.

  • MGS is nationally renowned for its rigorous academic standards and consistently high exam results.

    The school offers a wide and varied curriculum with an impressive range of subjects at KS3, GCSE, and A-Level.

    Its students often achieve outstanding results, and many win places at top universities in the UK and worldwide.

  • The school emphasizes not just academic success, but also the personal development of students across all areas of life.

    With a strong focus on extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, drama, and debating, MGS fosters leadership, teamwork, and other essential life skills.

  • Founded in 1515, Manchester Grammar School has a long-standing tradition of excellence, with a commitment to fostering values like integrity, responsibility, and respect.

    It has a strong sense of community and an emphasis on developing well-rounded young men, who are prepared to contribute to society.

— Arithmetic A (Short) —

Arithmetic A is a straightforward 30-minute test with 20 questions. The problems are not overly complex, and your child should have come across all the relevant topics in their prep school curriculum. No extensive calculations are necessary.

— English A (Verbal Reasoning) —

English A is a 30-minute assessment that evaluates your child’s proficiency in the English language. This includes:

  • short comprehension tasks,

  • identifying missing words,

  • solving logic problems

  • working with data-based questions.

A broad and refined vocabulary will be important for achieving a strong score on this paper.

— Arithmetic B (Long) —

Arithmetic B is a more demanding 1-hour test, with questions of varying difficulty. Many will require some calculation or formula application.

The test aims to highlight mathematical strengths, and your child’s school may not have covered some topics, such as permutations.

— English B (Comprehension) —

English B is a 50-minute assessment that presents a challenging comprehension passage followed by a series of questions.

These questions require:

  • strong inference skills

  • time management

  • an extensive vocabulary.

Make sure to focus on building your child’s vocabulary during preparation to perform well in this section.

— Assessment Day —

The assessment day is a key part of the entrance process at MGS, taking place before the formal written exams.

On this day, your child will be introduced to new and unfamiliar topics, then assessed on their natural abilities.

Teachers want to see well your child performs in comparison to their peers and how they might adapt to the pace of a typical day at MGS.

We provide expert guidance, guaranteed results, and peace of mind for parents preparing their sons for Manchester Grammar School.

Ready to ensure his success?

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I complete a lot of practice tests to prepare?

It’s not recommended to complete an excess of practice tests in preparation. While practice is important, overloading with tests may not significantly improve your child’s results. It’s better to focus on strengthening their overall academic skills.

What is the best way to help my child prepare for the exam?

The key to preparation for the MGS entrance examinations is enhancing your child’s academic abilities. By improving their general knowledge and skills, they will be well-equipped to succeed both in the exam and once they are enrolled at the school.

How can reading help my child’s preparation?

Reading is always critical. A wide range off high-quality classic books is an assured way to improve your child’s vocabulary and reading comprehension. This can help them perform better in both the exam and later in their academic journey.

How should I prepare for the exam format?

Familiarize yourself with the exam’s structure (see above). Understand the types of questions, time limits, and any specific instructions. This will help your child feel more confident and prepared on exam day.

How important is physical well-being during exam prep?

Taking care of your child’s physical health is crucial. Ensure they get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in regular physical activity. Good health can enhance cognitive function and focus, which are vital for exam performance.

How can we simulate the actual exam environment?

Practice in conditions similar to the actual exam. Time the practice sessions, minimize distractions, and create a quiet, focused environment. This will help your child become more accustomed to the pressure and improve their performance.