What is Horizons?

Horizons is an Entrance Exam Familiarisation Programme offered to Year 5 pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium. The aim of the programme is to substantially increase the number of pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium and Looked After Children who sit the Trafford Consortium entrance examination and secure a place at one of our schools.

Which Grammar Schools are involved in Horizons?

Horizons is proudly offered by:

• Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
• Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
• Sale Grammar School
• Stretford Grammar School
• Urmston Grammar School

Who can attend Horizons?

The programme is open to Year 5 pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding. This means that Year 5 pupils who are Looked After Children, Previously Looked After Children or who are/have been eligible for means-tested Free School Meals at any point in the last 6 years are eligible to attend.

What does the Horizons programme involve?

Horizons is a 12-week programme which begins during the Summer term of Year 5. It aims to enhance your child's literacy and numeracy skills and equip them with the skills required for our entrance exam. However, it is much more than just that! As part of the programme, we also provide the opportunity for you to visit a selection of Trafford Grammar Schools, meet members of our school community, take part in enrichment activities which showcase our school facilities and access online exam familiarisation materials. Parents/carers have access to support with our admissions processes and can find out more about the extensive Pupil Premium support that we offer to eligible families. The course is designed to provide all participants with a fun and memorable flavour of life at a Trafford Grammar School, regardless of whichever secondary school they eventually opt to attend. 

How do I apply for a Horizons place?

In January, we email primary schools in Trafford and beyond with information about how they can nominate eligible Year 5 pupils for a place on the course. If your child is in receipt of Pupil Premium and you would like them to attend, please speak to your child's primary school. If the primary school has not received the relevant information, please ask them to contact horizons@agsb.co.uk directly.

Where can I find out more?

For more information about Horizons, please contact Alison Cathcart, Assistant Head: Inclusion, at horizons@agsb.co.uk or call 0161 928 0858.

For our Admissions policy, check the Admissions section of our website.

For information on our entrance criteria for Looked After Children and pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium, please see our Admissions Policy.

For information on how we use Pupil Premium funding, please see here: Pupil Premium

In 2019 AGSB expanded to 7 form entry in line with the Selective School Expansion Fund. Please find use this link to the AGSB Fair access and partnership plan summary (FAAP). 

Feedback

“I would like to thank you very much...each visit has been an absolute pleasure as well as being extremely informative.”

• Year 5 Parent

“We really appreciated the additional practice materials that were provided.”

• Year 5 Parent

“Our son has asked me to pass on his thanks to you, and to let you know he really enjoyed the course and would happily encourage (others) to attend, he feels the experience really helped him prepare for his exam and put any worries he had to rest. Better still he got a certificate at the end of the course, which he’s now put in his notice board, hoping for more!” 

• Year 5 Parent