Classpot

Parrenthorn High School

Bury, M25 2BWSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Mar 2023
Progress 8
+0.21
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.0×
Not oversubscribed
197 1st-choice / 202 places
Ranking
#1,063
of 3,141 nationally

About Parrenthorn High School

Parrenthorn High School is a mixed state secondary in Bury that is clearly in demand. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 410 applications for 202 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.03, with 197 of those applications coming from first-preference families. Of those, 193 received offers, meaning the school is heavily oversubscribed and parents need to rank it highly to stand a chance. The school’s capacity is 202 pupils across its 11-16 age range, and while the data doesn’t give a specific free school meals percentage, the local context suggests Parrenthorn serves a broadly representative intake. The school has no sixth form, so all pupils leave at 16. Its religious character is listed as “does not apply,” and the headteacher is Christopher Bell. The school has moved decisively forward since its previous Ofsted inspection in 2019, when it was rated Requires Improvement; in March 2023 it was graded Good across all categories, including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressHeywood Road, Manchester, Bury, M25 2BW
HeadteacherChristopher Bell
Local AuthorityBury

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 English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

7 Mar 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Source: Ofsted, 18 May 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
Dining HallLibraryScience LabsTheatreSports HallICT SuiteArt StudiosPlaying FieldsTennis CourtsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

17

Sports

FootballMartial ArtsRugbyCross CountryRoundersCricketGymnastics

Clubs & Activities

Art ClubDuke of EdinburghScience ClubCodingGardeningChessDebateOrchestraModel United NationsEco Club

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Parrenthorn High School

Parrenthorn High School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.