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Local authority · North West

Schools in Manchester

  • 189State-funded schools
  • 138Primary
  • 32Secondary
  • 15Special
  • North WestRegion
Applications per placeCircle size: applications
First choice · secondary 2026
77%
6 pts below England (84%)
6,542 families applied
First choice · primary 2026
95%
3 pts above England (92%)
5,736 families applied
Applications per place · secondary
2.5
0.3 above England median (2.2)
Median school
New Ofsted report cards
26of 189 schools
Results by area

How hard is it to get a place here?

DfE · families living in Manchester
Secondary (Year 7) · Sept 2026
77%got their first choice
6 pts below England (84%)

6,542 applicants · 5.3% offered none of the schools they named

  1. 2026 77%; England 84%
  2. 2025 74%; England 84%
  3. 2024 76%; England 83%
  4. 2023 76%; England 83%
  5. 2022 83%; England 83%
  6. 2021 74%; England 81%
  7. 2020 74%; England 82%
  8. 2019 77%; England 81%
  9. 2018 77%; England 82%
  10. 2017 75%; England 83%
  11. 2016 76%; England 84%
  12. 2015 75%; England 84%
  13. 2014 76%; England 85%
  • Manchester
  • England
Every year as a table
EntryApplicantsFirst choiceOne of first threeNone they named
Sep 20266,54277.1%93.1%5.3%
Sep 20256,68374.4%90.8%6.8%
Sep 20246,91275.6%92.1%6.0%
Sep 20236,84676.5%91.6%6.5%
Sep 20226,29083.1%98.5%0.0%
Sep 20216,80174.0%89.4%8.1%
Sep 20206,81174.0%90.4%8.0%
Sep 20196,57976.7%92.1%6.6%
Sep 20186,51476.8%91.5%7.2%
Sep 20176,34674.8%90.2%8.1%
Sep 20165,80476.4%91.9%6.7%
Sep 20155,42374.8%90.8%8.0%
Sep 20145,01375.8%91.5%6.5%
Primary (Reception) · Sept 2026
95%got their first choice
3 pts above England (92%)

5,736 applicants · 0.9% offered none of the schools they named

  1. 2026 95%; England 92%
  2. 2025 97%; England 93%
  3. 2024 96%; England 93%
  4. 2023 95%; England 92%
  5. 2022 96%; England 92%
  6. 2021 95%; England 92%
  7. 2020 92%; England 90%
  8. 2019 91%; England 91%
  9. 2018 93%; England 91%
  10. 2017 89%; England 90%
  11. 2016 88%; England 88%
  12. 2015 87%; England 88%
  13. 2014 87%; England 88%
  • Manchester
  • England
Every year as a table
EntryApplicantsFirst choiceOne of first threeNone they named
Sep 20265,73695.0%99.0%0.9%
Sep 20255,69197.3%99.4%0.5%
Sep 20245,97296.1%99.2%0.8%
Sep 20236,30295.0%99.2%0.6%
Sep 20226,07095.6%99.0%0.8%
Sep 20216,22794.7%98.6%1.2%
Sep 20206,92092.2%97.9%2.0%
Sep 20197,05290.9%97.2%2.6%
Sep 20186,75992.7%98.0%1.6%
Sep 20177,11188.8%96.4%2.7%
Sep 20166,93288.5%95.8%3.6%
Sep 20157,05287.5%95.7%3.7%
Sep 20146,81787.5%94.9%4.5%

What has Ofsted found here?

Ofsted data to 30 September 2026

Report cards 26 schools of 189 · since November 2025

  • Inclusion
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Personal development and wellbeing
  • Early years (13)
  • Post-16 provision (1)
  • Leadership and governance

Bar: share of schools; number of schools at each grade below.

Overall grade from Ofsted's previous framework 137 schools · graded 2011 to 2024

  • Outstanding23
  • Good103
  • Requires improvement8
  • Inadequate3

Includes grades confirmed by a later ungraded inspection. Not comparable with report cards.

Graded 2024/25, no overall grade 22 schools

Key judgementOutstandingGoodRequires improvementInadequate
Quality of education4117–
Behaviour and attitudes8131–
Personal development814––
Leadership and management6106–

Not yet inspected (new or reorganised schools): 4.

Latest report cards

Every new report card, month by month · RSS for Manchester

Secondary schools in Manchester

32 schools · Year 7 entry 2026

Change the order (visual only)

Sorted by applications per place for September 2026 entry, highest first.

Sorted by Attainment 8, highest first.

Sorted by the date of the latest Ofsted inspection, newest first.

Sorted by name.

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS4 results, Ofsted.
SchoolLatest OfstedApplications per placeAttainment 8FSM
Didsbury High School Outstanding2024 6.1 applications per place 57.8 42%
William Hulme's Grammar School Faith Improved significantly2025 5.9 applications per place 49.7 41%
Co-op Academy Belle Vue Outstanding2024 4.6 applications per place 52.9 61%
St Peter's RC High School Faith 2026 4.1 applications per place 50.7 48%
Trinity CofE High School Faith Good2023 4.1 applications per place 49.4 31%
The Barlow RC High School Faith Remains Good2024 3.5 applications per place 49.2 40%
Loreto High School Chorlton Faith Requires improvement2024 3.3 applications per place 42.3 58%
Saint Paul's Catholic High School Faith 2026 3.3 applications per place 38.4 54%
CHS South Good2023 3.3 applications per place 47.2 48%
Chorlton High School 2025 3.2 applications per place 54.5 30%
Parrs Wood High School Standards maintained2025 2.9 applications per place 48.7 30%
Co-op Academy North Manchester Remains Good2024 2.8 applications per place 39.4 48%
Our Lady's RC High School Faith 2025 2.8 applications per place 49.6 45%
Eden Boys' Leadership Academy, Manchester Faith 2026 2.8 applications per place 48.5 48%
Eden Girls' Leadership Academy, Manchester Faith 2026 2.7 applications per place 61.8 46%
Wright Robinson College 2026 2.5 applications per place 52.2 48%
Levenshulme High School 2026 2.5 applications per place 51.2 55%
Dean Trust Ardwick Remains Good2023 2.4 applications per place 48.4 62%
The King David High School Faith 2026 2.3 applications per place 52.7 20%
Abraham Moss Community School 2026 2.3 applications per place 38.8 56%
Manchester Enterprise Academy Central 2026 2.2 applications per place 47.3 53%
Burnage Academy for Boys Remains Outstanding2024 2.2 applications per place 51.9 53%
Manchester Communication Academy Good2024 2.2 applications per place 44.9 63%
Whalley Range 11-18 High School Remains Good2022 2.2 applications per place 52.1 55%
Co-op Academy Manchester Remains Good2023 2.2 applications per place 43.5 53%
Cedar Mount Academy 2026 2.1 applications per place 40.5 64%
Dixons Newall Green Academy 2026 2.1 applications per place – 57%
The East Manchester Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 1.9 applications per place 46.2 63%
St Matthew's RC High School Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 1.9 applications per place 37.6 59%
Dixons Brooklands Academy Graded · no overall grade2024 1.8 applications per place 39.9 52%
Manchester Academy Faith Good2022 1.8 applications per place 46.9 59%
Manchester Enterprise Academy Special measures 2026 1.2 applications per place 33.0 59%

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS4 results, Ofsted. FSM: free school meals.

  • Exceptional
  • Strong standard
  • Expected standard
  • Needs attention
  • Urgent improvement
  • Does not apply

Eight dots, one per area: inclusion, curriculum, achievement, attendance, personal development, early years, post-16, leadership. Colours follow Ofsted's report card scale; Schoolfile is independent of Ofsted.

Primary schools in Manchester

138 schools · Reception entry 2026

Sorted by applications per place for September 2026 entry, highest first.

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS2 results, Ofsted.
SchoolLatest OfstedApplications per placeSATs standardFSM
Cringle Brook Primary School Remains Outstanding2024 6.5 applications per place 72% 31%
Didsbury CofE Primary School Faith Good2022 6.1 applications per place 79% 8%
St Anne's RC Primary School Faith Standards maintained2024 5.0small intake applications per place 67% 43%
Crowcroft Park Primary School 2025 4.9 applications per place 66% 67%
St Brigid's RC Primary School Faith Good2024 4.3 applications per place 48% 63%
St Bernard's RC Primary School Manchester Faith Remains Good2022 4.3small intake applications per place 21% 62%
Chorlton CofE Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 4.1 applications per place 82% 9%
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 4.1 applications per place 73% 29%
Abbott Community Primary School Remains Outstanding2024 4.0 applications per place 75% 46%
St Joseph's RC Primary School Manchester Faith Standards maintained2024 3.8 applications per place 60% 29%
St. Aidan's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Requires improvement2023 3.7small intake applications per place – 40%
West Didsbury CE Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 3.7 applications per place 73% 13%
Barlow Hall Primary School Standards maintained2025 3.6 applications per place 77% 60%
Longsight Community Primary Standards maintained2024 3.6 applications per place 52% 53%
St Peter's Catholic Primary School Faith Remains Good2022 3.5 applications per place 59% 41%
The Olive School, Manchester Faith Not yet inspected 3.4 applications per place – 50%
Our Lady's RC Primary School Manchester Faith Remains Good2024 3.4 applications per place 52% 42%
Alma Park Primary School Remains Good2023 3.4 applications per place 67% 32%
Brookburn Community School Good2024 3.3 applications per place 87% 7%
Irk Valley Community School Remains Good2023 3.3 applications per place 46% 52%
Plymouth Grove Primary School Remains Good2023 3.3 applications per place 53% 72%
Cheetwood Primary School Good2024 3.3 applications per place 43% 52%
St John Bosco RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Requires improvement2024 3.2 applications per place – 35%
St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School Faith Good2024 3.2 applications per place 52% 36%
Cravenwood Primary Academy Remains Good2023 3.2 applications per place 73% 48%
Cavendish Primary School Standards maintained2025 3.2 applications per place – 30%
Peel Hall Primary Academy Special measures Inadequate2023 3.2small intake applications per place 31% 65%
St Patrick's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Good2021 3.2small intake applications per place – 51%
Sacred Heart RC Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 3.1 applications per place 75% 46%
St Philip's Church of England Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 3.1 applications per place 41% 41%
Higher Openshaw Community School Remains Good2023 3.1 applications per place 58% 63%
All Saints C of E Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 3.1 applications per place 56% 56%
Button Lane Primary School Good2023 3.0 applications per place 49% 58%
Rolls Crescent Primary School 2026 3.0 applications per place 64% 53%
The Willows Primary School 2026 3.0 applications per place 60% 58%
All Saints Primary School Good2022 2.9 applications per place 41% 58%
St Clement's CofE Primary School Faith Standards maintained2025 2.9 applications per place 58% 63%
St Edmund's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Good2024 2.9 applications per place – 61%
St Ambrose RC Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 2.9small intake applications per place 41% 56%
Oswald Road Primary School Remains Good2023 2.9 applications per place 67% 11%
Holy Name Roman Catholic Primary School Manchester Faith Outstanding2024 2.8 applications per place 73% 35%
Manley Park Primary School Outstanding2024 2.8 applications per place 73% 22%
Acacias Community Primary School Remains Good2023 2.8 applications per place 58% 37%
St Mary's CofE Primary School Moston Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 2.8 applications per place 31% 53%
Broad Oak Primary School Good2024 2.8 applications per place 74% 31%
Northenden Community School Standards maintained2024 2.8 applications per place – 19%
Crumpsall Lane Primary School Good2023 2.7 applications per place 60% 54%
St Dunstan's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Remains Good2020 2.7 applications per place – 45%
St Agnes C of E Primary School Faith Good2022 2.7 applications per place 48% 51%
Webster Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 2.7 applications per place 65% 60%
CofE School of the Resurrection Faith Good2023 2.6small intake applications per place 71% 51%
Moston Lane Community Primary School Good2022 2.6 applications per place 59% 57%
Pike Fold Primary School Remains Good2023 2.6 applications per place 57% 44%
St Catherine's RC Primary School Faith Good2023 2.6 applications per place 55% 11%
St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy Faith Good2024 2.6 applications per place 77% 65%
St Willibrord's RC Primary School Faith Remains Good2022 2.6 applications per place 71% 56%
Gorton Primary School Good2023 2.6 applications per place 41% 58%
Green End Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 2.5 applications per place 81% 51%
Ladybarn Primary School Good2023 2.5 applications per place 75% 44%
St Margaret's CofE Primary School Faith Good2023 2.5 applications per place 69% 53%
Chorlton Park Primary Good2024 2.5 applications per place 62% 28%
St James' CofE Primary School Gorton Faith Remains Good2023 2.5 applications per place 48% 66%
St John's CofE Primary School Faith Standards maintained2025 2.5 applications per place 65% 50%
Ss John Fisher and Thomas More Catholic Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 2.5 applications per place 48% 45%
Beaver Road Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.4 applications per place 75% 15%
Old Hall Drive Academy Good2024 2.4 applications per place 67% 68%
Old Moat Primary School Outstanding2024 2.4 applications per place 64% 63%
St Wilfrid's RC Primary School Faith Good2023 2.4 applications per place 92% 58%
Benchill Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.4 applications per place 60% 65%
St Anne's RC Primary School Crumpsall Manchester Faith Good2023 2.4 applications per place 46% 47%
St Francis RC Primary School, A Voluntary Academy Faith Special measures Inadequate2023 2.4 applications per place 65% 39%
Crown Street Primary School Not yet inspected 2.4 applications per place – 23%
Newall Green Primary School Remains Good2023 2.4 applications per place 42% 68%
Haveley Hey Community School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.3 applications per place 59% 76%
Moston Fields Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.3 applications per place 40% 52%
St Paul's CofE Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 2.3 applications per place 71% 36%
The Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Primary School Faith Requires improvement2024 2.3 applications per place 38% 48%
Co-op Academy Medlock Requires improvement2021 2.3 applications per place 54% 57%
Christ The King RC Primary School Manchester Faith Remains Good2023 2.3 applications per place 64% 58%
Co-op Academy Broadhurst Remains Good2023 2.3 applications per place 62% 35%
Saviour CofE Primary School Faith 2026 2.3small intake applications per place 45% 64%
Heald Place Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.3 applications per place 52% 42%
Oasis Academy Aspinal Good2022 2.3 applications per place 86% 55%
St Clare's RC Primary School Faith Remains Good2024 2.3 applications per place 55% 46%
Mauldeth Road Primary School Remains Good2023 2.3 applications per place 63% 49%
Ringway Primary School Remains Good2023 2.3 applications per place 39% 54%
St Augustine's CofE Primary School Faith Standards maintained2025 2.3 applications per place 72% 65%
Wilbraham Primary School Remains Good2022 2.3 applications per place 56% 61%
St Wilfrid's CofE Junior and Infant School Faith Good2023 2.2 applications per place 72% 67%
Varna Community Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 2.2 applications per place 39% 48%
St Luke's CofE Primary School Faith Remains Good2024 2.2 applications per place 54% 53%
Oasis Academy Temple Remains Good2022 2.2 applications per place 55% 62%
Abbey Hey Primary Academy Improved significantly2024 2.1 applications per place 85% 61%
St Chad's Roman Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith 2026 2.1 applications per place 71% 51%
Claremont Primary School Good2023 2.1 applications per place 42% 66%
Rack House Primary School 2025 2.1 applications per place 79% 50%
Holy Trinity CofE Primary School Faith Requires improvement2024 2.1 applications per place 45% 57%
St Richard's RC Primary School Faith Good2024 2.1 applications per place 75% 51%
Seymour Road Academy Remains Good2024 2.1 applications per place 72% 68%
St Anthony's Catholic Primary School Faith Standards maintained2025 2.0 applications per place 49% 35%
Briscoe Lane Academy Remains Good2024 2.0 applications per place 61% 71%
St Wilfrid's CofE Aided Primary School Northenden Faith Remains Good2024 2.0 applications per place 43% 27%
Cheetham CofE Community Academy Faith Remains Good2023 2.0 applications per place 55% 53%
Crossacres Primary Academy Outstanding2023 2.0 applications per place 67% 49%
Rushbrook Primary Academy Good2024 2.0 applications per place 66% 61%
Mount Carmel RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 2.0 applications per place 77% 36%
Birchfields Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.0 applications per place 49% 59%
Lily Lane Primary School Requires significant improvement 2026 2.0 applications per place 44% 64%
E-ACT Blackley Academy Good2024 1.9 applications per place 62% 62%
Manchester Communication Primary Academy Remains Good2023 1.9 applications per place 65% 70%
St Andrew's CofE Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 1.9 applications per place 54% 44%
New Moston Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 1.9 applications per place 45% 42%
Charlestown Community Primary School Remains Good2023 1.9 applications per place 36% 63%
St James' CofE Primary School, Birch-in-Rusholme Faith Remains Good2023 1.9 applications per place 74% 48%
Stanley Grove Primary Academy Standards maintained2024 1.9 applications per place 56% 58%
Bowker Vale Primary School Remains Good2023 1.9 applications per place 61% 47%
Oasis Academy Harpur Mount Remains Good2024 1.9 applications per place 79% 65%
St Kentigern's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Remains Outstanding2024 1.8 applications per place 71% 48%
St Margaret Mary's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Good2024 1.8 applications per place – 29%
Crab Lane Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 1.8 applications per place 56% 62%
Park View Community Primary Academy Requires improvement2024 1.8 applications per place 74% 67%
St Chrysostom's CofE Primary School Faith 2025 1.8 applications per place 71% 39%
Sandilands Primary School Remains Good2023 1.7 applications per place 56% 45%
Armitage CofE Primary School Faith Standards maintained2024 1.7 applications per place 57% 48%
Chapel Street Community Primary School Standards maintained2024 1.7 applications per place 55% 61%
St Mary's CofE Junior and Infant School Faith Outstanding2024 1.7 applications per place 58% 63%
Baguley Hall Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 1.7 applications per place 57% 56%
Co-op Academy New Islington Graded · no overall grade2025 1.7 applications per place 60% 14%
Crosslee Community Primary School Special measures 2026 1.7 applications per place 50% 61%
Ravensbury Community School Requires significant improvement 2026 1.7 applications per place 46% 53%
Unity Community Primary 2026 1.7 applications per place 47% 52%
King David Primary School Faith Remains Outstanding2023 1.6 applications per place 64% 7%
Ashbury Meadow Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 1.4 applications per place 32% 50%
Connell Co-Op College Not yet inspected no data – 0%
St Cuthbert's RC Primary School and Nursery, A Voluntary Academy Faith Remains Good2024 no data – –
St John's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Standards maintained2024 no data – –
St Malachy's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Remains Good2023 no data – –
St Mary's RC Primary School, Manchester, A Voluntary Academy Faith 2026 no data – –

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS2 results, Ofsted. FSM: free school meals.

Special schools and other provision

19 schools