School Open Days
School open events are usually organised throughout the year. There may be school open days, taster days, open mornings or evenings. Whatever the event, prospective parents are normally invited to visit classrooms, hear a talk by the headteacher or the head of the relevant section of the school, ask teachers and pupils about the school. Open events are aimed at families looking for a school place for their child to start the following September, but it’s a good idea to have your first visits a year before and then revisit the schools you are most interested in.
Here is this year’s list for Greater Manchester and Cheshire put together by Mums&Dads Magazine. Schools are welcome to add their information either via contact form or through the comments box below.
Altrincham Preparatory School for Boys
Whole School Open Morning: Saturday 7th March 2026, 9.30am – 12 noon
Pathways Beyond APS 11+ Preparation & Secondary Transition Evening: Thursday 12th March
Whole School Open Morning: Tuesday 16th June 2026, 9.30am – 12 noon
Altrincham Preparatory School, Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Cheshire WA14 2RR
Tel. 0161 928 3366
E.mail nursery@altprep.co.uk, enquiries@altprep.co.uk
Beech Hall School
Book an Open Morning at Their website.
Open Morning Tours:
Friday 27th February 2026, 9am – 12noon
Thursday 26th March 2026, 9am – 12noon
Thursday 30th April 2026, 9am – 12noon
Friday 26th June 2026, 9am – 12noon
School Taster Days and Settler Sessions within the Nursery:
All throughout the school year. For more info or to make arrangements please contact the Registrar.
Beech Hall School, Tytherington, Macclesfield, Cheshire. SK10 2EG
Tel: 01625 422192 secretary@beechhallschool.org
E.mail secretary@beechhallschool.org
Bolton School
Entrance Examinations
for September 2026 entry in Year 3, 4:
Tuesday 13th January 2026
for September 2026 entry in Year 5 and 6 (current Year 4 and 5) and Year 7:
Thursday 15th January 2026
Junior Boys’ and Junior Girls’ Taster Mornings
Saturday 28th February 2026, 9.30am – 12noon
Infant & Juniors Open Evening
Thursday 23th April 2026, 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Boys’ Division Taster Morning For Year 5 boys and their parents,
Tuesday 2nd June 2026
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Girls’ Division Taster Morning For Year 5 girls and their parents,
Wednesday 17th June 2026, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Please call 01204 840201 to book onto one of these events.
Virtual Tour available on the website
Bolton School, Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 4PA
Tel: 01204 840201
E.mail: info@boltonschool.org
Bowdon Preparatory School
School Open Morning
Tuesday 3rd February 2026, 9.30am – 11.30am
Thursday 19th March 2026, 9.30 – 11.30am
Tuesday 16th June 2026, 9.30 – 11.30am
Virtual Tour available on the website.
You could book a short zoom call with Mrs Gee, our Headmistress or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
It is possible to arrange a 1-2-1 meeting with Admissions Officer to discuss entry the school.
Bowdon Prep School
Ashley Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2LT
Tel: 0161 928 0678
Email: office@bowdonprep.org.uk
Brabyns Preparatory School
School & Nursery Discovery Morning: Saturday 7th March 2026, 10am – 12noon
School & Nursery Discovery Morning: Saturday 9th May 2026, 10am – 12noon
Brabyns Preparatory School,
34-36 Arkwright Rd, Marple, Stockport SK6 7DB
Tel: 0161 427 2395
E.mail: admin@brabynsprepschool.co.uk
Bridgewater School
Senior School Entrance Exam: Monday 3rd November 2025 to Friday 23rd January 2026
EYFS & Prep Open Morning: Saturday 28th March 2026, 10am – 1pm
Check Senior School Admissions for further details
You could check website for virtual open day experience or contact the school to arrange a private weekday appointment or personal tour.
Bridgewater School, Drywood Hall, Worsley Rd, Worsley, M28 2WQ
Tel: 0161 794 1463
E.mail: admin@bwslive.co.uk
Bury Grammar Schools
Pre-School Open Morning:
Saturday 28th March 2026, 9.30am – 11am
Reception Open Morning:
Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Primary Division Assessment Morning:
Thursday 7th May 2026
Senior School Experience Day for year 5 pupils:
Tuesday 2nd June 2026
Check school’s website for videos:
Year 6 into Year 7 Online Experience Days
Sixth Form Online Experience Day
Life in Sixth Form video made by current Sixth Form students
and more
If you are unable to visit us in person, you could explore our 45-acre campus online through school’s Virtual Tour, available on school’s website.
Boys School: Tenterden Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0HN
Tel: 0161 797 2700
Girls School: Bridge Road, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0HH
Tel: 0161 797 2808
Cheadle Hulme School
Senior School Entrance Examination for Year 7 entry in September 2026:
Tuesday 6th January 2026
Year 5 Open Event: Behind The Green Door
Tuesday 27th January 2026, 4:15pm – 5:15pm
Junior School Open Afternoon
Monday 27th April 2026
Personalized Tours
Private tour which can be tailored to suit your individual needs are available. Contact the school for details and availability.
Virtual Open Events available on the website:
Senior School Virtual Open Week
Infant & Junior Virtual Open Event
Sixth Form Open Event
Senior School Entrance Examination:
Monday 16th January 2025
Cheadle Hulme School, Claremont Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 6EF
Tel. 0161 488 3330
E.mail admissions@chschool.co.uk
Chetham’s School of Music
The UK’s largest specialist music school, offering an unparalleled music and academic education in the heart of Manchester. Entry by audition; government funding up to full fees. Newly expanded Junior department in 2018-19.
Please note: Chetham’s does not accept admissions in Years 11 or 13.
Open Day booking required:
Saturday 7th February 2026, 10am · 1.30pm
Advice and auditions available throughout the year.
Chetham’s School of Music, Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB
Tel: 0161 834 9644
E.mail hello@chethams.com
Forest Preparatory School
School Open Morning: Saturday 7th March 2026, 10am – 12noon
Personalised Tours available throughout the year.
Forest Preparatory School, Moss Lane, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 6LJ
Tel: 0161 980 4075
E.mail enquiries@forestschool.co.uk
The Grange School
Senior School (11+) Entrance Assessment:
Tuesday 6th January 2026
Reception Entrance Assessment:
will take place week commencing 19th January 2026
Year 2 Experience Days:
Wednesday 25th February 2026
Pre-School Stay and Play, for children aged 0-4, no booking required:
Thursday 15th January 2026
Thursday 26th February 2026
Thursday 19th March 2026
Pre-school Activity Mornings for children aged 3-4 years old:
Summertime Smiless – Friday 8th May 2026, 9.15am – 10.15am, 10.45am – 11.45am
Discover! Days for current Year 5 pupils for 11+ entry into the Senior School:
Thursday 4th June 2026
Tuesday 9th June 2026
Thursday 11th June 2026
Senior and Junior Virtual Tours are available on the website.
Private tours and Insight Days are available.
The Grange School, Bradburns Ln, Hartford, Northwich CW8 1LU
Tel: 1606 539 039
E.mail admissions@grange.org.uk
Greenbank Preparatory School
School, Preschool and Nursery Open Morning:
Saturday, 7th March 2026, 10am · 12noon
Greenbank Preparatory School, Heathbank Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, SK8 6HU
Tel: 0161 485 3724
info@greenbankschool.co.uk
Hulme Hall Grammar School
In Session Open Events:
Tuesday 13th January 2026, 9.15am – 11.00am
Year 7 Assessment Day: Friday 16th January 2026, 10am – 3pm
Pre-School Open Morning:
Friday 9th January 2026, 9.30am – 11.00am
Friday 19th January 2026, 9.30am – 11.00am
Friday 23th January 2026, 9.30am – 11.00am
Friday 30th January 2026, 9.30am – 11.00am
In Session Open Events:
Tuesday 3th March 2026, 9.15am – 11.00am
Wednesday 11th March 2026, 9.15am – 11.00am
Year 5 Taster Day:
Wednesday 17th June 2026, 10.00am – 3.00pm
Virtual Tour is available on the website
Personal Tours are available, by appointment only.
Hulme Hall Grammar School,75 Hulme Hall Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire SK8 6LA
Tel: 0161 485 3524
E.mail secretary@hulmehallschool.org
King’s School, Macclesfield
11+ Entrance exam for September 2026 entry: 16th January 2026
Infant & Junior Open Morning:
Saturday 21rd March 2026, 10am – 12noon
Infant & Junior Taster Morning for families considering joining King’s in September 2026 and 2027:
Thursday 23th April 2026
Senior School Taster Day – for Year 5:
Friday 3th July 2026, 9am – 2.40pm
Individual tours during the school day are available. Booking is essential. For details and to book, please contact the Admissions Department on 01625 260000.
Location – please note that there are two sites:
Infants & Juniors and Senior Girls (11-16 years) – Fence Avenue site (SK10 1LS)
Senior Boys (11-16 years) and Sixth Form – Cumberland Street site (SK10 1DA)
Postal:
The King’s School, Cumberland Street , Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 1DA
Tel. 01625 260000
admissions@kingsmac.co.uk
Lady Barn House School
Early Explorers Play Session And Discovery Event:
Wednesday 11th February 2026, 9.30am start
Pre-booking for events required
If you wish to view the school on a different day or at more convenient time, please contact the school.
Lady Barn House School, Schools Hill, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 1JE
Tel. 0161 428 2912
admissions@ladybarnhouse.org
Manchester Grammar School
Entrance Examination for for September 2026 entry:
Wednesday 14th January 2026
Whole School Open Events
Open Evening: Thursday 7th May 2026, 4.30pm – 7pm
There is no need to pre-register for whole school open events; simply turn up and we will be happy to show you around the school.
The Manchester Grammar School,
Old Hall Lane, Manchester, M13 0XT (satellite navigation M14 6HL)
For questions please contact our Admissions Manager, Kath Heathcote:
Tel. 0161 224 7201 ext Ex 234
E.mail k.heathcote@mgs.org
Manchester High School for Girls
Senior School Entrance Examinations for September 2026 entry:
Wednesday 14th January 2026
Preparatory Department’s Entrance Examination for September 2026 entry:
Saturday 17th January 2026
Preparatory Department Open Day
Saturday 7th March 2026, 8.50am – 11.30am
Reception and Pre-School Come & Play Morning
Saturday 14th March 2026, 9.30am-12 noon
Year 5 Taster Day
Saturday 9th May 2026, TBC
Thursday 14th May 2026, TBC
Personal “Working Day” Tours available
Private weekday appointments can be arranged by contacting the Registrar on 0161 224 0447 or emailing Mrs Paula Percival at registrar@mhsg.manchester.sch.uk
Manchester High School for Girls, Grangethorpe Road, Manchester, M14 6HS
Tel. 0161 224 0447
administration@mhsg.manchester.sch.uk
Moor Allerton Preparatory School
Assessment Day:
Wednesday 22nd October 2025, 9am – 2pm
Open Mornings:
Tuesday 28th April 2026, 9am – 11am
129-131 Barlow Moor Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2PW
Tel. 0161 445 4521
E.mail: office@moorallertonschool.manchester.sch.uk
North Cestrian Grammar School: (senior school)
School Open Evening: Thuesday 16th September 2025, 4.20pm · 7.30pm
North Cestrian Grammar School, Dunham Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4AJ
Tel. 0161 928 1856
E.mail: office@ncgs.co.uk
Pownall Hall School
Official Open Week: Monday 8th – Friday 12th September 2025
You can arrange a personal visit during term time to see the school in action.
Pownall Hall School, Carrwood Road, Pownall Park, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5DW
Tel. 01625 523141
genoffice@pownallhallschool.co.uk
The Ryley Preparatory School
Reception Taster Morning: Wednesday 14th – 16th January 2026
Whole School Taster Morning: Wednesday 18th – 16th March 2026, 9am · 11am
Personal Tours available
The Ryleys, Ryleys Lane, Alderly Edge, SK9 7UY
Tel. 01625 583241
reception@theryleys.com
Sandbach School
Sandbach School Open Evening: Thursday 18th September 2025, 4pm – 6.30pm
Sandbach School Tours:
Monday 15th September
Wednesday 17th September
Monday 22ndth September
Monday 29th September
Monday 6th October
Wednesday 8th October
Monday 13th October
Monday 20th October
Wednesday 22nd October
Book through the website or by phoning to Main Reception on 01270 758870
Sandbach School, Crewe Rd, Sandbach, Cheshrie CW11 3NS
Tel. 01270 758870
E.mail: enquiries@sandbachschool.org
St Ambrose Prep School
Open Morning:
Saturday 29th March 2025, 10am – 12noon
St. Ambrose Preparatory School, Wicker Lane, Hale Barns, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 0HE
Tel. 0161 903 9193
secretary@stambroseprep.co.uk
St Bede’s College Preparatory School
Whole School Open Day
Saturday 4th October 2025, 9.30am – 12.45pm
You can also make an appointment to visit the school at any time during the academic year.
Alexandra Park, Manchester, M16 8HX
College : 0161 226 3323
enquiries@stbedescollege.co.uk
Prep : 0161 226 7156
prepschool@stbedescollege.co.uk
Stella Maris School
Open Day: Thursday 19th September 2024, 9am – 3pm
Open Morning: Friday 27th September 2024, 9.15am – 12 noon
Open Events:
Wednesday 24th January 2025, 4pm-6pm
Thursday 25th January 2025, 1pm-3pm
You could always arrange a personal tour on another day at your own convenience or a free Taster Session for your child to experience a morning or afternoon of school life.
Stella Maris School, St. John’s Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire, SK4 3BR
Tel. 0161 432 0532
Email: office@stellamarisschool.co.uk
Stockport Grammar School
Senior School Open Events:
Saturday 20th September 2025, 9.30 am – 12 noon
Saturday 8th November 2025, 9.30 am – 12 noon
Nursery and Reception Open Events:
Saturday 20th September 2025, 9 am – 12 noon
Junior School, Year 1 – 4, Open Events:
Saturday 20th September 2025, 9 am – 12 noon
Sixth form Open Evening:
Tuesday 7th October 2025, 6 – 8.30 pm
Entrance Exam: Tuesday 13th January 2026
School day tours available throughout the school year so that you and your family can see what SGS is like on a normal school day and meet our children and staff. You could also book a taster day on any convenient day from September to April.
Stockport Grammar School, Buxton Road, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 7AF
Senior School tel: 0161 456 9000
Junior School tel: 0161 419 2405
sgs@stockportgrammar.co.uk
Terra Nova School
Personal tours are offered
Terra Nova School, Jodrell Bank, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, CW4 8BT
Tel: 01477 571251
To register for open day please call Admissions on 01477 571261 or email
Email: admissions@tnschool.co.uk
Trinity Church of England School
Morning Tours of the school:
every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 16th September 2025 until the half-term break, 23rd October 2025.
Book your place on a tour by contacting school reception on 0161 212 1900 or e-mailing admissions@trinityhigh.com
Trinity C of E High School, Cambridge Street, Hulme, Manchester, M15 6HP
Tel. 0161 212 1900
admissions@trinityhigh.com
William Hulme’s Grammar School
Year 7 Open Evening
Thursday, 2th October 2025, 4.30pm – 7pm, no booking required
William Hulme’s Grammar School, Spring Bridge Road, Manchester, M16 8PR
Tel. 0161 226 2054
Email: enquiries@whgs-academy.org
Admissions Email: admissions@whgs-academy.org
The School is Open for Enquiries
Term time: 08:30 – 18:00
Holidays: 08:30 – 16:00
Wilmslow Preparatory School
Open Morning:
Saturday 20th September 2025, 11am – 1pm
Wilmslow Preparatory School, Grove Avenue, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5EG
Tel: 01625 524246
Email: secretary@wilmslowprep.co.uk
Withington Girls’ School
Whole School Open Evening:
Thursday 6th November 2025, 4.30 – 6.30pm
Whole School Open Morning:
Saturday 8th November 2025, 10am – 12noon
Year 5 Taster Morning – If your daughter is in Year 4:
Wednesday 12th November 2025 – tbc
Year 4 Taster Morning – If your daughter is in Year 3:
Thursday 13th November 2025 – tbc
Year 3 Taster Morning – If your daughter is in Year 2:
Friday 14th November 2025 – tbc
Junior School Entrance Assessment Day – Year 4 (8+), Year 5 (9+) and Year 6 (10+) only
Friday 9th January 2026
Year 3 (7+) Assessment mornings:
Tuesday 13th January 2026
Thursday 15th January 2026
Tuesday 20th January 2026
Thursday 22nd January 2026
Pre-registration for open events is strongly recommended
Virtual Open Events 2020 available on the website
School Tours: You are welcome to have a tour of the School either during the school day or just after school has finished. If you would like to arrange to visit the School, please contact our Registrar, Mrs Louise Jefferies, on jefferiesl@wgs.org or 0161 224 1077
Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6BL
Tel. 0161 224 1077
office@wgs.org
Although every effort is made to ensure that information is correct at time of going to press, M&D cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. We strongly advise you to check details with schools before attending their open days.