Stockport Grammar School Review 2026: Five Centuries of Academic Excellence

Sir Edmund Shaa, Lord Mayor of London and Court Jeweller to three kings, founded Stockport Grammar School in 1487 as his legacy to the North West. Nearly six centuries later, the school occupies a Victorian red-brick campus on Buxton Road, where muted brick and distinctive yellow limestone bands create a striking architectural presence. With over 1,500 pupils spanning Nursery through Year 13, the school ranks 255th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 6% of schools. At A-level, results position the school 366th in England (FindMySchool data), within the top 25% of sixth forms. In 2024, 70% of leavers progressed to university, with one student securing a place at Cambridge. The Independent Schools Inspectorate's 2023 inspection described the school as "a vibrant and welcoming community" where respect and tolerance sit at the core of the ethos.

Stockport Grammar School balances its centuries of heritage with contemporary rigour in education. The campus feels purposeful yet welcoming, with pupils moving confidently between Victorian buildings and modern facilities. Mrs Sarah Capewell, appointed Head in 2024, came from a Cumbrian farming family and studied Classics and Music at the University of Edinburgh before training at Cambridge. Her appointment represents a fresh leadership direction, the school's first female head in its 540-year history.

The school's values of respect and tolerance genuinely permeate daily interactions. Students describe a culture where difference is respected and where feeling supported by staff is a norm rather than exception. The 2023 inspection found that pupils feel highly supported and have confidence their concerns will be heard and taken seriously. Class sizes are deliberately maintained at manageable levels; First Year pupils typically experience classes of 24, which decrease as they progress through GCSEs and A-levels, with Sixth Form groups typically 10-15 strong. This allows staff to attend to individual needs without the impersonality of larger schools.

The school's physical environment reflects care in design. The iconic Hallam Hall, named after a major benefactor, functions as both assembly hall and performance venue. The Main Hall with its fully equipped stage and tiered seating serves productions, whilst the Sixth Form Centre represents recent investment in younger sixth formers' working space. Across the 60-acre site sit sports pitches, an indoor swimming pool, and climbing wall, creating the feel of space and possibility rather than constraint.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, Stockport Grammar School achieved strong results across the cohort. 42% of entries achieved grades 9-8 (the top two grades), with an additional 21% achieving grade 7. Cumulatively, 63% of GCSE entries reached grades 9-7. These figures place the school comfortably above the England average, demonstrating consistent academic achievement. The school ranks 255th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the elite tier. Locally, it ranks first among Stockport secondary schools, reflecting its standing within the area.

Students are resilient learners, eager to self-correct and improve their work. This mindset, fostered from Year 7 onwards, produces exam results that reflect genuine understanding rather than surface learning.

A-Level Performance

At A-level, performance is equally commendable. 13% of grades achieved A*, with 33% earning A grades. The cumulative figure of 70% achieving grades A*-B represents strong progression from GCSE. The school ranks 366th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool data), placing it within the top 25% of sixth forms and first among Stockport schools. In 2023, the average grade was B+, comparing favourably to both local and national benchmarks.

Sixth form pupils benefit from subject specialisation, with over 25 A-level subjects available. Class sizes continue to shrink, ensuring personalised attention in advanced study.

At Stockport Grammar School, teaching is characterised by subject expertise and high expectations. The 2023 ISI inspection noted that pupils are "inspired by the school's aim for them to be academically ambitious, interested and motivated in their learning." Teachers use detailed knowledge of pupil attainment to plan learning that enables different groups to progress at optimal pace.

The curriculum is broad and deliberately inclusive at Key Stage 3. By Year 7, pupils encounter separate sciences, languages including French and Latin, and humanities encompassing history and geography. Computing and design technology sit alongside traditional English literature and mathematics. This breadth is maintained throughout Key Stage 4, where pupils select from humanities, languages, sciences, and creative subjects alongside core GCSEs. The curriculum design signals that the school values curiosity across disciplines, not merely narrow academicism.

At sixth form, the academic rigour intensifies. A-levels are taught in specialist teaching rooms with small cohorts. Subject departments emphasise stretch and challenge for all, whether targeting top grades or developing proficiency. Enrichment beyond the curriculum includes essay competitions, academic societies, and lecture programmes with visiting speakers.

The destination data reflects Stockport Grammar's position as a serious academic institution. In 2024, 70% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with one student securing an Oxbridge place at Cambridge. A further student was rejected by Oxford despite applying, illustrating the school's honest assessment of achievement without inflating expectations. Beyond Oxbridge, pupils regularly secure places at Russell Group universities, with many entering medicine, law, engineering, and sciences.

The school's university programme includes UCAS support, careers guidance, and liaison with universities across the country. Parents note that expectations for progression are high but achievable; the school does not position itself as exclusively Oxbridge-focused, instead celebrating the breadth of student outcomes across the full spectrum of higher education.

Extracurricular provision is extensive, with the school offering over 200 co-curricular activities. The Independent Schools Inspectorate's 2011 rating described this provision as "outstanding," a judgement reinforced by the school's receipt of Platinum Artsmark Award status from Arts Council England, the highest possible grading.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music permeates the school at all levels. Around 300 pupils receive instrumental tuition each week from a team of full-time teachers and visiting peripatetic staff. An additional 250 pupils take private lessons independently, reflecting genuine engagement with music-making. The school maintains choirs, orchestras, wind bands, and chamber music groups structured by age and experience.

The Hallam Hall houses a Yamaha C8 Grand Piano, whilst the Main Hall features a three-manual Copeman Hart organ. Eleven smaller practice rooms support preparation and rehearsal. The Monday Afternoon Recital Series offers informal performance opportunities in the Hallam Hall, free to attend with open doors.

Recent performances have seen ensembles tour internationally, visiting Paris, Venice, Salzburg, and Barcelona, performing in distinguished venues including the cathedrals of Brussels, Bruges, Cologne and Ghent. Domestic performances include concerts at the Royal Northern College of Music, the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, and Manchester Cathedral. Former pupils pursuing music have studied at Oxbridge, UK conservatoires, and leading universities.

Pupils participate in regional ensembles including the Hallé Youth Orchestra, the Hallé Youth Choir, and national ensembles including the National Youth Orchestra, National Children's Orchestra, and National Youth Choir. The school's chamber choir has appeared regularly on BBC Radio 4's Daily Service programme, speaking to the calibre of performances achieved.

Drama: Professional Standard

Drama occupies three dedicated teaching spaces, with the Hallam Hall, Main Hall, and outdoor spaces (the Quads and Sixth Form workspace) available for productions. The department is staffed by three fully qualified subject specialists. Extracurricular drama runs year-round, including a weekly Drama Club, a Backstage and Lighting Club that focuses on set construction, prop-making, stage makeup and technical operation, and regular major productions.

Recent productions have demonstrated professional ambition. A production of 'Teechers' by John Godber featured an ensemble of 20 sharing 19 roles, incorporating Brechtian techniques and physical theatre. An ensemble cast brought a summer production of a community theatre comedy to life with energy and timing. Previous major productions include Chicago and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, plus A Christmas Carol (with 150+ pupils involved) and The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe.' The department holds GCSE and A-level drama as formal qualifications, with pupils following the Pearson EdExcel specifications.

Sport: Inclusive and Competitive

The school's sporting philosophy is captured in the directors' motto: "We are a sporty school also not a sports school. The approach is sport for everyone, with elite competition for some." This distinction is important. Participation is encouraged across football, rugby, hockey, netball, tennis, cricket, badminton, athletics, swimming, basketball, and golf. Whilst recreational fixtures and B-team appearances celebrate broader involvement, A-teams compete at representative level locally and regionally.

The Sports Hall houses a climbing wall and hosts badminton, basketball, and volleyball. Multiple grass pitches support rugby, football, cricket, and athletics. An all-weather pitch accommodates hockey and tennis. An indoor swimming pool provides year-round aquatic provision. Strength and conditioning coaching supports competitive athletes, and Duke of Edinburgh's Award schemes offer outdoor challenge at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.

Academic and Co-Curricular Societies

Beyond the performing arts and sport, the school sustains academic societies and cultural clubs reflecting student interests. Pupils noted include Chemistry Club, Mandarin Club, Digital Skills Club, Linguistics Club, Introduction to Medical Society, Art Illustration Club, and Lower School Languages Club. The school hosts its own Model United Nations (MUN) conference biennial, having run the programme since 2006. Historical significance attaches to the school's 1990 win of Best Delegation at The Hague Model United Nations and its 1985 representation of the USSR at the 40th UN anniversary conference at Central Hall, Westminster.

Quiz competitions, Young Enterprise schemes, and school council structures provide leadership pathways. Outdoor education includes residential trips to the Lake District and further afield. Charity and community links focus on both local and international need, with fundraising supporting causes from Stockport to Peru and Borneo.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The school operates as its own Duke of Edinburgh's Award operating authority. Pupil uptake is significant. In 2010, the school issued its 1,000th award, a milestone marked by a visit from Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. The award scheme runs through Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, with expeditions supporting personal challenge and team development.

Tuition fees for 2024-25 are £3,649 per term for Nursery, £3,857 for Junior School, and £4,995 for Senior School. On an annual basis, this equates to approximately £10,947 for Nursery, £11,571 for Junior School, and £14,985 for Senior School. Sixth Form fees align with Senior School rates. The registration fee is £75 (non-refundable); an acceptance deposit of £150 is credited against second term fees for UK pupils, or £1,000 for overseas families.

School fees include tuition, examination entries, textbooks, and most co-curricular activities. Parents are not required to purchase IT equipment. Lunch, optional instrumental lessons, and school trips incur separate charges.

Bursary Support

The school operates a means-tested bursary scheme for families whose income falls below £62,001 per annum. Limited assistance is available; some pupils receive part-funded or fully funded places. Additional hardship awards support existing pupils facing unexpected financial difficulty. The school actively markets bursaries through its admissions channels and publishes the scheme on its website.

Scholarships

Academic scholarships are awarded for demonstrated achievement and potential; music scholarships recognise musical aptitude. All-Rounder awards celebrate excellence across disciplines. Scholarships typically offer 10-25% reduction in fees and can combine with bursaries for eligible families. The school's commitment to financial accessibility ensures that breadth of socioeconomic background does not inhibit admissions.

Entry Process

Stockport Grammar is a selective school. Admissions use entrance exams at 11+, 13+ and 16+, with places allocated on the basis of aptitude and ability. At 11+, the entrance test comprises three papers assessing English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning, followed by interview. For 13+ entry, candidates sit papers in maths, English and a modern language. For Year 12 (16+) entry, successful GCSE results, particularly A* and A grades, attract consideration, though acceptance is at the school's discretion and includes interview.

Progression from Junior School to Senior School is not automatic; pupils must pass an internally set examination. Approximately 35% of Junior School pupils continue directly to the Senior School, with the remaining cohort drawn from external candidates. This approach signals that access is based on capability, not precedent.

Practical Details

School hours for Senior School are 8:30am to 3:40pm. Pupils progress through nine terms per academic year. The school calendar aligns with national holidays but maintains independent flexibility on specific closure dates. Lunch is provided daily and charged separately per term. A varied menu accommodates dietary preferences and requirements.

Transport links are accessible. Stockport railway station lies approximately 1.5 miles distant; buses serve the Buxton Road location. The school participates in school travel planning and publishes transport information online.

Pastoral structure is hierarchical and accessible. Form tutors oversee daily welfare; heads of year manage specific cohort concerns. Two full-time school nurses work closely with teaching staff and parents on health matters. Additional support includes a Learning Support Department coordinating reasonable adjustments for pupils with additional or special educational needs.

The 2023 ISI inspection confirmed that pupils feel supported and that pastoral care is a genuine school strength. Staff know pupils as individuals; the school size and class structure facilitate this. Behaviour is calm and purposeful. The school operates a clear behaviour policy referenced to school values of respect and responsibility. Sanctions are applied consistently; positive recognition celebrates effort and improvement.

Safeguarding is taken seriously. Two dedicated safeguarding leads oversee compliance with statutory obligations. The school responds promptly to parental concerns and communicates transparently with families about pastoral issues.

Breakfast and after-school provision is available for Junior pupils through formal childcare arrangements. Senior pupils are expected to manage their own logistics, though extension of school day is offered for those requiring supervised time after standard dismissal. Holiday clubs operate during main school holidays, marketed to families needing full-year support.

The school publishes term dates annually on its website; parents receive digital calendars and newsletters. Information is accessible via the school's parent portal and formal communication channels. A robust online safety policy manages acceptable use and safeguarding in digital contexts.

Selective entry creates competition. Places are limited; more candidates apply than spaces exist. Securing admission requires strong performance in entrance examinations and interview. Families should research the school's academic profile and honestly assess their child's aptitude before investment in entrance preparation. The entrance test cannot be bypassed, and the school explicitly states that excessive test practice is unlikely to improve results beyond genuine academic standard.

Progression to secondary is not automatic for Junior pupils. Approximately 35% of Junior School pupils continue directly to the Senior School. This may disappoint families who expect continuity; parents should clarify the transition process with school leadership early. The policy reflects selective principle but necessitates preparation for potential external secondary applications.

Fee increases occur annually. Fee figures provided are for 2024-25; expect modest increases in subsequent years. Parents should budget for sustained commitment, not merely first-year costs. Bursary income thresholds are strictly applied; small salary fluctuations can affect eligibility.

The school sits within a competitive educational landscape. Stockport has other strong independent and state schools. Families should visit multiple institutions before commitment. Open days occur annually; the school website advertises timing.

Stockport Grammar School combines centuries of heritage with genuine contemporary excellence. The school is not fashionable in a superficial sense, it prizes substance over glamour, academic rigour over marketing, but delivers consistent educational outcomes that satisfy ambitious families. Results are strong; facilities are good; pastoral care is genuine. Teachers know their pupils; pupils feel heard.

The school is best suited to academically capable families who value breadth of opportunity alongside academic seriousness, who appreciate that musical theatre and STEM clubs sit equally alongside Latin and model UN, and who are prepared to pay fees proportionate to the provision offered. The selective entry process means admission is not guaranteed; families should research thoroughly and prepare seriously.

For those who secure places, Stockport Grammar provides an education that opens doors to strong university outcomes and sustained intellectual confidence. Six centuries of Old Stopfordians have found success across law, medicine, business, the arts, and public service. The school's strength lies not in producing a single type of success but in enabling individual achievement across a genuinely broad palette of human endeavour.