The Altrincham County High School for Boys, as it was originally called, was founded in 1912 as a direct result of the Balfour Education Act to provide secondary education (partly fee-paying) for an area which stretched from Sale to Knutsford an beyond.

It opened with only 57 pupils and 3 staff (a Head Master, a Deputy and one other!), housed in the distinctively decorated red brick building, which still forms the central block of the School today. The South Wing and the assembly hall were added in 1938 and the present Science Block, gymnasium and workshops in 1964. A rolling programme of school refurbishment and extension is presently in progress which will result in greatly improved facilities in a number of areas of the School. Recent additions include a new blocks for Art and Design Technology, new ICT suites and the Stamford Hall canteen.

In 1974, the School passed from Cheshire's control to the newly formed Trafford Metropolitan Borough and remained so until 1st January, 1996, when it became Grant Maintained, and was granted a new Coat of Arms by the Royal College of Arms. In September 1999 the School became a Foundation School when Grant Maintained status was abolished.

The number of boys in the School has been rising steadily in recent years as the popularity of the School has increased, so that the School has had a five form entry for several years. Indeed, 2003 will mark a further augmentation to six Year 7 forms. These forms include many pupils from outside the traditional catchment area of the School, although we are committed to being Altrincham's "grammar school."

Included here is a selection of images from throughout the history of the School. Each era tells its own story, and the development of the School can be seen through these snapshots of school life as it was in each decade.

If you have any pictures of the School that you would like to see included, please contact the School Office.

AGSB History

Marlborough Road . Bowdon Cheshire WA142RS