Are you considering a private school in Greater Manchester for your child?
Find out everything you need to know about private schools in Manchester, including fees, exam results, and how to apply for a place.
What are the best private schools in Manchester?
Greater Manchester is home to some of the best private schools in the northwest – and in the UK. The following 5 senior schools were ranked the best in the area for 2024 based on recent exam results.
- Withington Girls' School
- Manchester High School for Girls
- Cheadle Hulme School
- Bolton School Boys' Division
- Bolton School Girls' Division
Find out more about the top private schools in the UK.
How much do private schools cost in Manchester?
The fees for private schools in Manchester vary from school to school, but are generally less than most independent school fees in the country. The average cost of day fees in Greater Manchester is £4,500 per term. The only boarding school in the area is Cheltham's School of Music, but the boarding fees are charged on a sliding scale according to the family's finances.
The cheapest private school in Greater Manchester is Manchester Islamic Grammar School for Girls. The most expensive day school is Withington Girls' School.
What's included in the school fees?
Independent school fees always include the cost of teaching. Some of the fees which might be charged separately include school lunch and exams (e.g. GCSEs, A levels and the IB Diploma). If your child goes to a boarding school, the fees usually include the full cost of boarding (lodging, meals etc.).
Before you register your child for a school, it's best to check exactly what's included in the fees. You will usually need to pay a non-refundable registration fee on application (often £100–£300) and a deposit when you accept an offer.
Help with school fees in Manchester
Most private schools in Manchester offer financial assistance to children who meet certain criteria. The most common type of assistance is a bursary, which is means-tested. Lots of schools also offer scholarships, but these are based on talent and are not means-tested.
Bursaries
Bursaries are a type of means-tested financial assistance. They're normally offered on a sliding scale, so children from lower-income families receive more support. Eligible children still need to meet the school's entrance criteria.
Most private schools in Manchester offer bursaries, with some covering up to 100% of school fees. Some also help with the other costs of private education, such as school uniforms, lunch, transport, and extracurricular activities.
If you think your child might be eligible for a bursary, you'll need to complete a bursary application form for your target school. This will involve supplying detailed financial evidence. You might also have a home visit from a member of the school's bursary team or an independent advisor.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to children who show talent in a particular subject or a co-curricular activity. Common scholarships include academic, art, drama, music, and sport.
Some private schools in Manchester offer scholarships. Some come with a financial reward, such as a discount on school fees.
Academic scholarships are usually awarded based on the results of entrance exams. Co-curricular scholarships are applied for separately. Your child will have extra assessments and/or interviews alongside the main admissions process.
Sibling discounts
A couple of private schools in Greater Manchester offer discounted fees to families with multiple children attending the same school. Discounts can range from 10% to 50% off school fees.
We've listed the schools which provide sibling discounts below.
