Our Lady's RC High School
117%
Capacity
1,050
Pupils
3.2x
Demand
About Our Lady's RC High School
Our Lady's RC High School is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Manchester community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,050 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (117% of 900 places).
Ofsted has rated Our Lady's RC High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Lee Ormsby, it falls under Manchester local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.33 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.6. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 785th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 12th out of 31 in Manchester.
Our Lady's RC High School is a popular choice with families — it received 641 applications for 203 places, making it 3.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 259 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Our Lady's RC High School include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Playing Fields, Science Labs, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Martial Arts, Rowing, Cross Country and 6 more, as well as clubs including Debate, DofE, Science Club, Eco Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 43.0%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Manchester, Our Lady's RC High 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Alworth Road, Manchester, Manchester, M9 0RP |
| Headteacher | Lee Ormsby |
| Local Authority | Manchester |
| Number of Pupils | 1,050 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 43.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,050 / 900 (117% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
4 Nov 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (4 Nov 2021): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 17 Mar 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.33)
785th of 3,141
Nationally
81st of 445
In North West
12th of 31
In Manchester
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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed203
641
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
259 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Lady's RC High 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
Alworth Road, Manchester
Manchester, M9 0RP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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