Marple Hall School
About Marple Hall School
Marple Hall School is a mixed, non-denominational secondary for pupils aged 11 to 16 in Stockport, and it is clearly a school in high demand. For the 2025/26 admissions cycle, the school received 735 applications for just 307 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.39. Of those applications, 370 were first-preference choices, and the school was able to offer places to 289 of those families. This level of competition suggests a strong local reputation. The school’s intake reflects a broad community, though specific free school meal percentages are not available in the data to compare against national or local averages. The headteacher is Joe Barker, and the school operates without a sixth form, so pupils typically move on elsewhere after Year 11. The school’s capacity and popularity signal that it is a central option for Stockport families seeking a state secondary education.
Key Details
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 EnglishStrengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
- Parent View survey resultsWhat parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
- Where Ofsted and parents disagreeGaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
- Admissions & catchmentAdmission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
- Nearby schools comparedBackup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
- Attendance & behaviour dataPersistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
26 Sept 2013Source: Ofsted, 18 Oct 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
School day
Teaching hours
08:45 – 15:15
Source: marplehall.stockport.sch.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.
Was this page helpful?
Frequently Asked Questions About Marple Hall School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices