The 29 Manchester secondary schools to get a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating in 2022

With a whole host of young people across Manchester making the transition to ‘big school’ come September, we have put together a list of some of the best secondary schools in the region which received either a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating in 2022.

Schools across the UK are regularly inspected by the Government’s regulator for the quality of education, with ‘outstanding’ as the top rating, and ‘good’ as the second best. Schools not quite meeting expectations will either be ranked as ‘requiring improvement’ or ‘inadequate’ at worst.

Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the 29 highest Ofsted-ranked schools in Manchester in 2022.

Burnage Academy for Boys

School’s address: Burnage Academy for Boys, Burnage Lane, Manchester, M19 ER

Ofsted rating: Outstanding (last inspected in 2018)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “The school welcomes pupils of many different backgrounds. Some pupils have previously had very difficult experiences in their lives. These include pupils who have travelled as refugees from war zones. Pupils get on well together and treat each other as equals.”

Levenshulme High School

School’s address: Levenshulme High School, Crossley Road, Manchester, M19 1FS

Ofsted rating: Outstanding (last inspected in 2022)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Pupils feel safe and happy at school. Their behaviour is exceptional and they have a very positive approach to learning. Pupils know that the rare incidents of bullying will be dealt with quickly.”

Melland High School

School’s address: Melland High School, Gorton Education Village, M18 7DT

Ofsted rating: Outstanding (last inspected in 2018)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Teachers have a deep understanding of their pupils’ knowledge and skills and use this information highly effectively to plan lessons. Teaching assistants are trained very well so that they provide first-rate support to pupils. “

North Ridge High School

School’s address: North Ridge High School, Alworth Road, Manchester, M9 0RP

Ofsted rating: Outstanding (last inspected in 2018)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Pupils appreciate the support provided for them by teaching and support staff. They are set clear learning objectives for each lesson in accordance with their needs and abilities. As a result, all groups, including those who are disadvantaged, make good or outstanding progress.”

Pioneer House High School

School’s address: Pioneer House High School, 200 Yewtree Lane, Manchester, M23 0FF

Ofsted rating: Outstanding (last inspected in 2019)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Not a moment is wasted in the classroom. Teachers plan lessons meticulously so that they engage and enthuse pupils, build on previous learning and provide suitable challenge, particularly for the most able pupils.”

Piper Hill High School

School’s address: Piper Hill High School, Firbank Road, Manchester, M23 2YS

Ofsted rating: Outstanding (last inspected in 2018)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Leaders have created a culture in which safety practices and procedures are robust. Staff work together to make sure that the pupils are kept safe. They often go above and beyond in their actions when they may have concerns.”

Trinity CofE High School

School’s address: Trinity CofE High School, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester, M15 6HP

Ofsted rating: Outstanding (last inspected in 2017)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Academic achievement is above average in almost all subjects. The social, moral, cultural and academic progress made by the very large number of students from financially deprived backgrounds is exemplary.”

Wright Robinson College

School’s address: Wright Robinson College, Abbey Hey Lane, Manchester, M18 8RL

Ofsted rating: Outstanding (last inspected in 2021)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Pupils concentrate fully on their learning. They relish the opportunity to master new challenges. Pupils are highly appreciative of the learning opportunities that teachers provide. Pupils are fiercely proud of their successes.”

Abraham Moss Community School

School’s address: Abraham Moss Community School, Crescent Road, Manchestr, M8 5UF

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2018)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Pupils clearly understand what the school expects, try hard and behave very well. Instances of poor behaviour are rare and are dealt with quickly so that learning can continue.”

The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College

School’s address: The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College, Parrs Wood Road, Manchester, M20 6BX

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2019)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Leaders, including governors, promote positive values clearly and consistently. They set and support a culture where pupils are aspirational, considerate of others and hard working.”

Chorlton High School

School’s address: Chorlton High School, Nell Lane, Manchester, M21 7SL

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2021)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Chorlton High School is a highly inclusive learning community, where everyone is accepted. All pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from an effective curriculum.”

Co-op Academy Manchester

School’s address: Co-op Academy Manchester, Plant Hill Road, M9 0WQ

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2018)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “The academy has been transformed. It has raised aspiration for the local community and improved the lives of students. There is very strong capacity to continue this improvement.”

Co-op Academy North Manchester

School’s address: Co-op Academy North Manchester, 300 Victoria Avenue East, M9 7SS

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2019)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Pupils are courteous, happy and confident. Pupils’ conduct around school and attitudes to learning are positive. Pupils are provided with regular opportunities to develop their literacy. As a result, they read, speak and write with impressive confidence.”

Dean Trust Ardwick

School’s address: Dean Trust Ardwick, 345 Stockport Road, Manchester, M13 0LF

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2018)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Governance is outstanding. Governors are very well qualified to evaluate the work of the school. They provide strong support for school leaders, but also challenge them to achieve even more.”

Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Manchester

School’s address: Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, 38 Rayburn Way, Manchester M8 8DT

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2021)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Across the curriculum, leaders have thought carefully about the broad topics and concepts that they intend pupils to learn. They have considered how these topics will cultivate rich opportunities for pupils to develop their vocabulary and cultural awareness.”

Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Manchester

School’s address: Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, 40 Rayburn Way, Manchester, M8 8DT

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2022)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Pupils are furnished with a spectacular range of extra-curricular opportunities. They are exposed to political, cultural and economic debates with guest speakers. Pupils engage in a raft of charity work.”

Lancasterian School

School’s address: Lancasterian School, Elizabeth Slinger Road, Manchester, M20 2XA

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2019)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “The newly appointed headteacher, alongside her senior leaders and governors, has taken decisive action to ensure that pupils enjoy their learning, thrive and make good progress.”

Loreto High School Chorlton

School’s address: Loreto High School Chorlton, Nell Lane, Manchester, M21 7SW

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2019)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “The progress of disadvantaged pupils and those with (SEND) has improved significantly. This is due to the strong leadership of these areas. Senior leaders are not complacent and have put actions into place to improve the progress of these pupils even more.”

The Manchester College (LTE Group)

School’s address: The Manchester College, Whitworth House, Manchester, M11 2WH

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2020)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “A high proportion of students achieve their vocational qualifications. A high proportion of students on study programmes and a very high proportion of adult students achieve their functional skills qualifications.”

Manchester Communication Academy

School’s address: Manchester Communication Academy, Silchester Drive, Manchester, M40 8NT

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2019)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “High-quality personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education helps pupils to keep themselves safe and prepares them to be valued members of Britain’s multicultural society.”

Meade High School

School’s address: Meade High School, Chain Road, Manchester, M9 6GN

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2018)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “This is a caring school where vulnerable pupils build their self-esteem and re-establish their trust in education. This is because of the care and guidance that they receive.”

Our Lady’s RC High School

School’s address: Our Lady’s RC High School, Alworth Road, Manchester, M9 0RP

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2021)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Teachers expect pupils to do their best. Pupils work diligently to meet the high expectations that teachers have for their learning. They value the support that their teachers give them. Pupils achieve well.”

Parrs Wood High School

School’s address: Parrs Wood High School, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 5PG

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2019)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Leaders and staff have created a tolerant and respectful school community. Pupils report that incidents of bullying are rare. They are confident that staff deal effectively with any concerns they may have. Neither pupils nor staff tolerate any form of discrimination, including racism or homophobia. “

Southern Cross School

School’s address: Southern Cross School, Roundwood Road, Manchester, M22 4AB

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2018)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Behaviour is good. Relationships between staff and pupils are very positive. Pupils trust their teachers to help them to do the best that they can. Pupils take pride in their work and in their school.”

St Peter’s RC High School

School’s address: St Peter’s RC High School, Kirkmanshulme Lane, Manchester, M12 4WB

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2022)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Pupils said they learn how to keep themselves safe. This happens through effective citizenship lessons, assemblies and opportunities to talk openly about issues that affect them. For example, pupils learn about healthy relationships and the dangers of drug misuse.”

Whalley Range 11-18 High School

School’s address: Whalley Range 11-18 High School, Wilbraham Road, Manchester, M16 8GW

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2022)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “Trustees, governors and leaders have high expectations of what pupils and students should achieve. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language, receive a strong quality of education and they achieve very well.”

William Hulme’s Grammar School

School’s address: William Hulme’s Grammar School, Spring Bridge Road, Manchester, M16 8PR

Ofsted rating: Good (last inspected in 2019)

Selected quote from Ofsted report: “The curriculum is well planned across all phases, leading to good outcomes. By the end of Year 11, pupils’ attainment is high. The proportion of pupils who achieve a strong pass in English and mathematics is above the national average.”

More details of all 29 schools, including links to their full Ofsted reports, can be found on the gov.uk website.