Saint Ambrose College
104%
Capacity
1,091
Pupils
2.8x
Demand
About Saint Ambrose College
Saint Ambrose College is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Trafford community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,091 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (104% of 1,050 places).
Ofsted has rated Saint Ambrose College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Dermot Rainey, it falls under Trafford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +1.04 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 73.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B. Additionally, placing it in the top 5% of schools nationally. Additionally, ranked 65th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 19 in Trafford.
Saint Ambrose College is a popular choice with families — it received 415 applications for 150 places, making it 2.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 205 were first-preference applications.
Saint Ambrose College parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 96% recommending the school (188 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Saint Ambrose College include Swimming Pool, Sixth Form Centre, Tennis Courts, Theatre, Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Basketball, Hockey, Swimming and 5 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Book Club, Gardening, Choir and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 6.3%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Trafford, Saint Ambrose College 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 | Boys |
| Religious Character | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Hale Road, Altrincham, Trafford, WA15 0HE |
| Headteacher | Dermot Rainey |
| Local Authority | Trafford |
| Number of Pupils | 1,091 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 6.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,091 / 1,050 (104% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Jan 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (29 Jan 2025): Improved significantly
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 16 Mar 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+1.04)
65th of 3,141
Nationally
8th of 445
In North West
3rd of 19
In Trafford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
44.7
'22/23
39.4
'23/24
41.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
188 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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed150
415
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
205 families put this school as their 1st choice (49% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Ambrose College
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
Hale Road, Altrincham
Trafford, WA15 0HE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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