North Cestrian School
103%
Capacity
777
Pupils
6.2x
Demand
About North Cestrian School
North Cestrian School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Trafford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 777 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (103% of 755 places).
Ofsted has rated North Cestrian School "Good", the school is led by headteacher L R Bergin, it falls under Trafford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.49 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 55.0. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 518th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 9th out of 19 in Trafford.
North Cestrian School is a popular choice with families — it received 1,088 applications for 176 places, making it 6.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 156 were first-preference applications.
North Cestrian School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.4/5 from 4 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 78% recommending the school (143 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at North Cestrian School include Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Art Studios, Library, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall, Theatre, Music Rooms.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Rugby, Dance, Gymnastics and 3 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Drama, Choir, Science Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 17.5%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Trafford, North Cestrian School is one of the options available in the North West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Dunham Road, Altrincham, Trafford, WA14 4AJ |
| Headteacher | L R Bergin |
| Local Authority | Trafford |
| Number of Pupils | 777 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 17.5% |
| School Capacity | 777 / 755 (103% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 Nov 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (20 Nov 2024): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 29 Apr 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.49)
518th of 3,141
Nationally
54th of 445
In North West
9th of 19
In Trafford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
Ofsted Parent View
143 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed176
1,088
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
156 families put this school as their 1st choice (14% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Cestrian 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
Contact Information
Dunham Road, Altrincham
Trafford, WA14 4AJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at North Cestrian School!
Write a Review