Classpot

Irlam and Cadishead Academy

Salford, M44 5ZRSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Feb 2024
Progress 8
-0.07
Below average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
174 1st-choice / 198 places
Ranking
#1,693
of 3,141 nationally

About Irlam and Cadishead Academy

Irlam and Cadishead Academy is a mixed secondary school in Salford that currently educates 775 pupils against a capacity of 1,050, meaning it has room to grow. The school serves a community with a high level of disadvantage: 38.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the national average. Despite this, demand is strong. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 213 applications for 198 places, with 174 of those coming as first preferences and 173 offers made to first-preference applicants. That oversubscription ratio of 1.08 suggests a school that local families are actively choosing, even though it isn't yet full to capacity. The headteacher is Chris Leader, and the school has no religious character. It does not have a sixth form, so pupils leave at 16, though the site does include a Sixth Form Centre, likely used by the school's post-16 provision.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressStation Road, Manchester, Salford, M44 5ZR
HeadteacherChris Leader
Local AuthoritySalford
Number of Pupils775
Free School Meals (FSM)38.7%
School Capacity775 / 1,050 (74% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

28 Feb 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Source: Ofsted, 25 Apr 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

13
Tennis CourtsArt StudiosGymnasiumMusic RoomsSixth Form CentreICT SuiteAstro TurfLibraryDining HallPlaying FieldsSports HallScience LabsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

19

Sports

DanceCricketTennisCross CountryRoundersMartial ArtsRugbyGymnastics

Clubs & Activities

ChoirEco ClubOrchestraFilm ClubNewspaperGardeningBook ClubModel United NationsDuke of EdinburghDramaDebate

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning Difficulty

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Irlam and Cadishead Academy

Irlam and Cadishead Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.