Manchester High School for Girls

Manchester High School for Girls offers students a vibrant atmosphere and a strong sense of community.In such a supportive environment, each girl feels happy, cared for and valued as an individual.

We know how to foster these qualities and how to educate girls; we have been doing both since 1874.We teach our girls to aim high, to take risks and to see that learning is a reward in itself, not just a means to pass examinations. We build confidence and character, qualities girls need just as much now as they did at our foundation.

From the Pankhurst sisters who fought to give women the vote, to Edith Hesling - the first female barrister called to the bar at Gray’s Inn - we have a long and proud history of educating women who have changed the world. This pioneering spirit still prevails today.Manchester High has a vibrant, stimulating environment where our girls are inspired to aim high and attain some of the best public examination results in the country.

Our school is happy and harmonious, and committed to providing a balanced education that nurtures and supports each girl’s individual needs and abilities. Artistic and sporting talents are fostered, and each girl has the opportunity to find something she enjoys participating in, whatever her level of ability.

The School provides the foundation for bright futures, helping girls to develop the skills, qualities and values that will enable them to flourish. Our girls leave Manchester High as well-educated, confident young women, equipped to enter the next stage of their lives, pursue diverse and fulfilling careers and make a positive contribution to society.

Manchester High School for Girls operates an equality policy and all girls are considered on merit.The information on this website is a summary of our admissions policy for entrants. Full policies for the Prep, Senior School and Sixth Form are available on request from the Registrar.

The Reception year is the start of the exciting journey into school life. Each Reception class has a full time class teacher and a classroom assistant to ensure the girls receive plenty of care and support.Classrooms are well resourced and have access to an outdoor area.

Girls are encouraged to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding through adult led and child instigated activities, with a strong emphasis on active learning and investigation. Our aim is to give girls the best possible start to enable them to become confident, happy learners.

A systematic phonic based approach to reading and writing is introduced within the first week at school.
For entry into the Reception class at age four plus, girls are invited into school for an assessment, during which they work on a one to one basis with a teacher, as well as socialising in small groups with girls of a similar age. In this informal and friendly atmosphere, they take part in a series of activities and tasks, which establish whether they would settle happily into our school environment.

Applicants for admission at age five plus are invited to visit the School and join their peers during lessons, as well as spending time individually with the teacher. The girls are expected to read to the teacher and their ability in English and Mathematics is assessed. A school report is requested from the Head Teacher of the applicant’s present school.

Girls applying into Key Stage 2 are required to sit an entrance test. Applicants are tested in Mathematics and English and there are problem solving and cognitive ability tests. Papers set in previous examinations are not published, as the form may vary from year to year. Guidelines indicating the kind of work applicants are expected to be familiar with is sent to parents on receipt of a completed registration form.A school report is requested from the Head Teacher of the applicant’s present school.

Manchester High School for Girls is an academically selective school and, as such, sets its own entrance examination. Applicants for entry into Year 7 are examined in Mathematics, Essay Writing, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Our Sixth Form students experience an A-level programme that best suits their interests and aspirations.
Manchester High School for Girls has a very successful Sixth Form. Each year, we welcome new students who choose to join the school for its high academic standards, excellent results and enriching extra-curricular programme. Our students consistently achieve amongst the top results in public examinations nationally.Students are challenged to reach their full potential and encouraged to take responsibility for their own academic and personal development. Sixth Formers enjoy learning in their own study centre; they benefit from expert teaching in small groups and have the space and support they need to develop as learners and as individuals.

Our girls benefit from the most advanced learning resources and enjoy using the latest technology to support their studies.We are committed to providing a holistic education that nurtures and supports each girl’s individual needs and abilities.Girls are ambitious and motivated to achieve at the very highest level and consistently attain some of the best public examination results in the country.