Parrs Wood High School
101%
Capacity
1,867
Pupils
3.0x
Demand
About Parrs Wood High School
Parrs Wood High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Manchester community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,867 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (101% of 1,854 places).
Ofsted has rated Parrs Wood High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Mark McElwee, it falls under Manchester local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.07 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.2. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 1697th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 22nd out of 31 in Manchester.
Parrs Wood High School is a popular choice with families — it received 888 applications for 292 places, making it 3.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 239 were first-preference applications.
Parrs Wood High School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 85% recommending the school (199 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 Parrs Wood High School include Science Labs, Library, Music Rooms, Art Studios, Sports Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Tennis, Netball, Cricket and 6 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Art Club, Coding, Book Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 31.2%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Manchester, Parrs Wood 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Wilmslow Road, Manchester, Manchester, M20 5PG |
| Headteacher | Mark McElwee |
| Local Authority | Manchester |
| Number of Pupils | 1,867 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 31.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,867 / 1,854 (101% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Mar 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (5 Mar 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 24 Dec 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.07)
1697th of 3,141
Nationally
190th of 445
In North West
22nd of 31
In Manchester
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
29.7
'22/23
30.8
'23/24
27.4
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
199 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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed292
888
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
239 families put this school as their 1st choice (27% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parrs Wood 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
Wilmslow Road, Manchester
Manchester, M20 5PG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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