This week, Altrincham Today spoke to Graeme Wright, Head Master at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, about an ambitious initiative designed to open doors for talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds across Trafford.
The Horizons Outreach Project, a 12-week programme now delivered jointly by all five Trafford Consortium Grammar Schools, aims to widen access by increasing applications from pupils facing socio-economic barriers, including those eligible for Pupil Premium and Looked After Children.
Mr Wright explained how the consortium approach strengthens the programme's impact.
"Many capable pupils face barriers that prevent them from applying to grammar schools, Horizons seeks to change this by creating a more inclusive, diverse, and representative school community."
The programme brings together Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale Grammar School, Stretford Grammar School and Urmston Grammar School in a coordinated effort to support Year 5 pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
From 2025, selected pupils will benefit from sessions across all five schools, designed to boost literacy, numeracy and exam readiness.
Beyond academics, participants explore school facilities, engage in enrichment activities, meet staff and students, and access online exam preparation resources.
Parents and carers also receive crucial support from admissions teams and learn about extensive help available for Pupil Premium families.
The programme has grown significantly since its inception at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys in 2019 under the leadership of Ms Alison Cathcart, Assistant Head (Inclusion).
What began as a four-week initiative has evolved into the current 12-week format, expanding year by year to now involve all consortium schools. In 2025, Horizons will welcome 60 pupils.
The expansion reflects the consortium's commitment to promoting the message that "if you are talented enough – there should never be any barriers in gaining a place at a Grammar School in Trafford."
Mr Wright emphasised the programme's success in breaking down traditional barriers: "The Trafford Grammar School Consortium is proud of Horizons' achievements and remains committed to opening doors for all talented children, regardless of background."
The initiative represents one of several consortium-based outreach programmes designed to ensure grammar school education remains accessible to all capable pupils across Trafford, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.
Applications for the 2025 Horizons programme are expected to open later this year, with places allocated to ensure representation from across Trafford's diverse communities.
