Sale - Sale Grammar School

In 1896 a group of local professionals and businessmen leased Park House, a property located on Northenden Road , with the aim of creating a school for their daughters. The school was intended to provide the girls with an education that was, in those days, available only to boys. Park House was located near the junction of Northenden Road and Holly Grove and was replaced in 2018 by a new housing development.

The school later moved to Marsland Road, the present site of Sale Grammar School.

Originally the school buildings consisted of the “Old House” and a structure known as the “Tin Tabernacle” which was used for assembly, gymnastics and indoor games.  Foundations for a new building were laid in 1909 and the build completed in 1911 to include a Hall, Laboratory, Art room, Domestic Science room, Library, Gymnasium and seven classrooms. The plans are held in the Historical Building Plan Collection at Trafford Local Studies, cat.ref. PLA/2/SAL/1909/2/2937.

At this time there were 150 girls registered at the school with a junior section that remained in the “Old House.”  In 1931 a New Wing was constructed to further expand the school.

In the Second World War while some incendiaries fell on the playing fields no direct damage was done. The war, however delayed the construction of the new gym which, having been hastily given a new roof in 1939, remained without a floor until 1949.  Further additions during the postwar era included a Canteen, a Physics and Geography hut and internal alterations to create a Biology laboratory.

By the mid 20th century, Sale County Grammar School for girls had established itself as one of the most respected girls' schools in the region. The school was known for its strong academic achievements and its commitment to providing young women with opportunities in a wide range of subjects.

In the 1990s, the school faced a period of restructuring and reorganisation including a merger with Sale Boy’s Grammar School, previously situated on Moss Lane.  The merger attracted some controversy with parents concerned that the new school would be too small and requesting a government enquiry.  There were also some objections to the early closure of summer term and delayed start to the new term to allow for completion of works.  

The new co-educational Sale Grammar School was opened by Princess Alexandra on the Marsland Road site in 1991.  Over the years the school has continued to expand and modernise its facilities, undergoing significant transformation while maintaining a commitment to high educational standards.

Further research

You can find more building plans and archival records using the Trafford Local Studies catalogue.

Sources

Trafford Local Studies, cat.ref. PLA/2/SAL/1909/2/2937

Sale County Grammar School for Girls Jubilee Magazine, Trafford Local Studies Collection, cat.ref. LHC/332.

Manchester Evening News

Altin Homes: The_Place-Final-Brochure-for-Emailing-1.pdf, page 3. Accessed 7 Dec 2024.