The hardest schools to get into in Manchester

What is the hardest school to get into in Manchester?

For secondary places, 313 families put William Hulme's Grammar School first in 2026 and 141 of them (45%) were offered a place. For Reception, 112 families put The Olive School, Manchester first and 60 of them (54%) were offered a place.

William Hulme's Grammar SchoolThe Olive School, Manchester

How many families in Manchester get their first-choice school?

77.1% of families applying for a secondary place got their first preference, and 95.0% of those applying for Reception did (offers for September 2026).

Does putting a school first improve our chances?

Not at the other schools you name. Councils in England use an equal-preference system: every school you list is considered against its own admissions criteria, and if more than one could offer a place you get the one you ranked highest. So list schools in your genuine order of preference, and include at least one you are very likely to get.

What does "last distance offered" mean?

For schools that give places by distance, it is how far from the school the last child offered a place under that criterion lived. It changes every year with the number and location of applicants, so treat it as a guide, not a guarantee. We show it where Manchester published it in its admissions booklet.