Saint Ambrose College
School summary
A Roman Catholic grammar school for boys in Altrincham, Saint Ambrose College combines a faith ethos with selective academic ambition. With 1,091 pupils against a capacity of 1,050, it is a large school running slightly over its intended size, reflecting steady demand for its 140 places each year. Ofsted judged the school Good across every area at its most recent inspection, including the sixth form. It will appeal to Catholic families seeking a structured, high-achieving environment for an academically capable boy.
How hard is it to get in?
Exceptionally competitive · 5 of 5 on the Passmate scale. Demand here is among the very highest of any selective school in England - a strong exam performance matters more than at almost any other school.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
Attainment 8
76.2
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
98%
National average 47%
Inspection reports
- Ofsted overall
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Good
- Last inspected
- 18 February 2020
Teaching & academics
The results here are genuinely strong: an average Attainment 8 score of 76.2 sits well above the national average of 46.9, and 98% of pupils gain grade 5 or above in English and Maths, against a national figure of 47%. Such outcomes are characteristic of a selective intake working to a high standard. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 18.3 is fairly typical for a large secondary.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 2.57%
- EHC plans
- 0.46%
- English as additional language
- 8.9%
- Free school meals
- 6.3%
Schools nearby
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
Altrincham, North West
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
Altrincham, North West
Loreto Grammar School
Altrincham, North West
Sale Grammar School
Sale, North West
Stretford Grammar School
Manchester, North West
Urmston Grammar Academy
Manchester, North West
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A well-run Catholic boys' grammar where selective entry translates into consistently impressive GCSE results. Suited to families who value a faith-based setting and can prepare their son for a competitive 11+.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Saint Ambrose College 11+: frequently asked questions
Passmate rating: benchmarked against every selective school in England using official admissions data. It measures demand for places, not school quality. Updated July 2026.
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.