Our Lady's RC Primary School Manchester

About Our Lady's RC Primary School Manchester

Our Lady's RC Primary School in Manchester is a state-funded Roman Catholic primary that runs very close to its full capacity of 210 pupils, with 206 children currently on roll. The school serves a community with a notably high proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at 42.2%, which is significantly above the national average and reflects the local demographic context. Demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 53 applications for just 11 available places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 4.82. All 11 first-preference applicants were offered a place, but the numbers suggest that families who don't put it first face very long odds. The school has a nursery provision, so children can join from age three, and its Roman Catholic character is likely a key draw for local Catholic families in the Manchester area.

Academically, the school's most recent Ofsted inspection in May 2024 confirmed it remains Good, a significant improvement from its previous graded inspection in 2015 when it was rated Inadequate. The inspection found leadership and management, early years provision, and overall effectiveness all at Good. At Key Stage 2 in 2023/24, 48% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is below the local authority average of 57% and places the school 95th out of 122 primaries in Manchester. However, individual subject results tell a more nuanced story: 80% met the expected standard in maths and 76% in reading, with average scores of 103 and 105 respectively. The proportion reaching the higher standard in reading was 44%, a strong figure, while writing at the higher level was just 4%. The school ranks in the bottom 50 nationally on the combined measure, but the reading results suggest some pupils are performing well above expectations.

The school offers a practical range of facilities including a library, playing fields, gymnasium, sensory room and chapel, with sports such as tennis, swimming, netball and dance available. Clubs include gardening, chess, coding and science club, giving a decent breadth of enrichment. For children with additional needs, the school has identified provisions for moderate learning difficulty, social emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication needs. The nearest outstanding-rated primary is Manley Park Primary School, just 0.3 km away, which may be a consideration for families weighing options. This is a school that suits Catholic families in Manchester who prioritise a faith-based environment and are comfortable with a setting that serves a high-FSM community. The oversubscription means applying as a first preference is essential, and even then places are limited.

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