St. Ambrose College – 11+ Parent’s Guide
Essential Details
- Address: St. Ambrose College, Hale Barns, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 0HE
- Number of pupils: 1,000+ (boys aged 11-18, co-ed Sixth Form)
- Admissions contact: admissions@st-ambrosecollege.org.uk
- Number of places in Year 7: 150
- 11+ exam: Trafford 11+ selection test
- Catchment area: Priority given to Catholic pupils in Greater Manchester
Mark Your Calendar
See St. Ambrose College’s website for latest information and key dates.
Exploring St. Ambrose College: A Parent’s Guide
Founded in 1946 by the Diocese of Shrewsbury, St. Ambrose College is a leading Catholic grammar school renowned for its academic excellence and strong pastoral care. Consistently ranked among the top state schools in Greater Manchester, the college provides an outstanding faith-based education for boys aged 11-18, with a co-educational Sixth Form that attracts students from across the region.
The school offers a rigorous curriculum with particular strengths in STEM subjects, modern languages and theology. As a designated Teaching School with specialist science status, St. Ambrose boasts exceptional facilities including advanced science labs, a theology centre and a dedicated sixth form study hub. The school’s unique “Virtue Project” integrates Catholic values across all aspects of school life.
Beyond academics, the college offers an impressive enrichment programme including championship-winning rugby and cricket teams, award-winning choir and orchestra, and extensive leadership opportunities through the Combined Cadet Force. The school’s house system fosters healthy competition and community spirit.
Navigating the Application Process for St. Ambrose College
- Understand Requirements: Review Trafford 11+ testing process and faith criteria
- Register for Testing: Complete Trafford Council’s registration by June deadline
- Attend Open Evening: Visit in September to experience the school’s ethos
- Prepare Documents: Have baptism certificate and two proofs of address ready
- Submit SIF/CAF: Complete Supplementary Information Form and Local Authority CAF by 31 October
- Test Day: Trafford 11+ administered in September at test centres
- Results: Receive standardised scores in October (national offer day 1 March)
- Appeals: Understand process for considering faith-based admissions
Help your child succeed in 11+ Exam
11+ Verbal Reasoning (VR)
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11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning Book set (NVR)
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What to Expect on the Trafford 11+ Test at St. Ambrose College
The Trafford 11+ consists of two CEM (Durham University) papers:
- Verbal Reasoning (50 minutes):
- Comprehension, vocabulary and verbal logic
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (50 minutes):
- Spatial awareness, patterns and sequences
- Format: Mixed question types including standard and multiple-choice
- Scoring: Standardised age-adjusted scores
- Pass Mark: Typically requires top 25% of performers
Tailored Preparation for Success
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Expert Tips for Trafford Test Preparation
- Vocabulary Development: Focus on academic and theological terms
- Spatial Skills: Practice with 3D rotation puzzles
- Timed Practice: Simulate full test conditions weekly
- Error Analysis: Maintain detailed logs of mistake patterns
- Wellbeing: Implement structured prayer/study breaks
- Mock Tests: Complete 5+ full practice tests
- Test Strategy: Learn intelligent guessing techniques
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