Rayner Stephens High School
76%
Capacity
628
Pupils
1.7x
Demand
About Rayner Stephens High School
Rayner Stephens High School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Tameside community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 628 pupils on roll, operating at 76% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Rayner Stephens High School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Martin Davies, it falls under Tameside local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -1.03 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 34.1. Additionally, ranked 3035th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 16th out of 16 in Tameside.
Rayner Stephens High School is a popular choice with families — it received 262 applications for 155 places, making it 1.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 105 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Rayner Stephens High School include Library, Swimming Pool, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Astro Turf, Science Labs, Theatre, Sports Hall, Art Studios, Tennis Courts.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Hockey, Rounders, Cross Country and 2 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Debate, Model UN, Coding and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 43.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Tameside, Rayner Stephens 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 | None |
| Address | Yew Tree Lane, Dukinfield, Tameside, SK16 5BL |
| Headteacher | Martin Davies |
| Local Authority | Tameside |
| Number of Pupils | 628 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 43.8% |
| School Capacity | 628 / 831 (76% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
26 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 8 Nov 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.03)
3035th of 3,141
Nationally
419th of 445
In North West
16th of 16
In Tameside
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less 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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed155
262
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
105 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 Rayner Stephens 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
Yew Tree Lane, Dukinfield
Tameside, SK16 5BL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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