The competition for Altrincham’s schools is brutal - as a former student I know nothing has changed

Trafford’s grammar schools are the pride of the region. But despite the opportunities they provide, their existence creates an inescapable two-tier system that impacts the entire community.

Altrincham Girls Grammar [AGGS] is one of the best schools in the country and competition for places is fierce. At just ten and eleven years old, prospective students have to pass the 11+ and a rigorous entrance exam - but there are many more hoops that families have to jump through to keep themselves in the running, and the strain can be immense. 

As an…