Moorside High School
About Moorside High School
Moorside High School is a mixed state secondary in Salford that is significantly oversubscribed, a clear signal of its local standing. For the 2025/26 admissions cycle, the school received 302 applications for 156 places, with 179 of those coming as first preferences, resulting in an oversubscription ratio of 1.94. This demand is all the more notable given the school's current pupil count of 1,140 against a capacity of just 781, meaning it is operating well above its intended size. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 19.2%, which is above the national average for secondary schools and reflects the school's inclusive intake within Salford. The headteacher is Helen Ryles-Dean, and the school does not have a sixth form, a religious character, or boarding provision, catering solely to the 11-16 age range.
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
21 Feb 2024Source: Ofsted, 17 Apr 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moorside High School
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Ofsted Ratings Explained
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Understanding Progress 8
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SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
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Understanding School Catchment Areas
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