The very useful information below was posted on a previous thread. It looks like the number of passes has risen each year. Any one know why they some times take 7 classes and some years don't? Would it be related to the number in catchment wanting it as their first choice?!? I also have no concept on how much easier it is to get 324 as opposed to 334.

'The number of passes is fairly consistent - for entry in 2014 (333), 2015 (337), 2016 (345), 2017 (351), 2018 (371). The thing that changes is whether they take a 7th class - so the stated PAN (which is around 180 so 6 classes of about 30) but they have taken a 7th class some years. Looks like 2014, 2015, 2016 all had 7 classes - 205/206 girls in Yr 7, 2017 had 6 classes (180 girls in Yr 7). 2019 entry was 7 classes too.The admission policy for 2020 entry has changed in lowering the pass mark for Pupil Premium pupils (to 324) so remains to be seen whether that has much impact on distances / allocations'.

I don't know why they take 7 classes in some years and 6 in the others.

This is quite useful reading though about scores - https://www.trafford.gov.uk/residents/s ... -2019.aspx although I appreciate it only relates to Sale Grammar results, but suggests nearly 300 students got between 324 and 333 last year. Trafford has a very low % of children with PP, but other surrounding areas are higher (20%+ in some areas) - its obviously not just Trafford pupils who take the exam. AGGS ran a series of familiarisation sessions for PP children considering taking the exam over the summer (presumably because they're unlikely to be tutored) so the school is demonstrably keen to attract and assist these children.

Thank you Very useful. You have to assume that if they ran familarisation sessions and have amended the score, there is a serious intent to increase the number PP children offered places.

I had a look at the admissions policy again and see that any PP getting over 324 are also prioritized. All PP within 8 miles who get 324 would be offered a place.
Even if only 5% of the 300 (estimate) getting between 324 and 334 are PP, that gives 15 children access; or 7/8 girls if you assume 50% are girls.
It there were 10% PP and 50% girls, that's 15 girls.

All still a guessing game, but very interesting non the less.

Policy:
'4.2Applicants residing within the school’s catchment area who are in receipt of pupil premium;4.3Applicants residing within the school’s catchment area who have a sister who will be a pupil of the school at the time of the applicant’s proposed admission;
4.4 Applicants residing within the school’s catchment area'.

The number of intended admissions for the year commencing 1 September 2020, will be 174 at age 11. Applicants who attain the required standard in the prescribed arrangements for selection by reference to ability will be eligible to be considered for admission to the School.

The prioritisation of PP pupils over non PP pupils is not new - that's been the same for a couple of years now, but the 2020 intake is the first time they've dropped the qualifying score for PP pupils.

Thankyou for clarifying. I'd assumed the two things go together. They must have realized that they were getting very low PP numbers... ofsted would look at this I am sure.