Classpot

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School

Salford, M27 9QPSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Feb 2024
Progress 8
-0.23
Below average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
194 1st-choice / 208 places
Ranking
#2,076
of 3,141 nationally

About St Ambrose Barlow RC High School

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School is a popular choice among Salford families, with 422 applications for 208 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.03. Of those, 180 offers went to first-preference applicants, and 194 families put the school as their top choice. While the school doesn't publish a parent recommendation percentage, the high demand suggests a strong local reputation. The school is a Roman Catholic secondary for boys and girls aged 11 to 16, with no sixth form. It currently has 1,068 pupils on roll, slightly above its official capacity of 1,050. Just over a quarter of students (27.4%) are eligible for free school meals, which is above the national average and reflects the school's inclusive intake.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterRoman Catholic
Address37 Ash Drive, Swinton, Manchester, Salford, M27 9QP
HeadteacherBen Davis
Local AuthoritySalford
Number of Pupils1,068
Free School Meals (FSM)27.4%
School Capacity1,068 / 1,050 (102% full)

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

28 Feb 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Good

Source: Ofsted, 30 Apr 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

8
GymnasiumMusic RoomsICT SuitePlaying FieldsSixth Form CentreAstro TurfDining HallChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

13

Sports

SwimmingTennisCross CountryRowingBasketballGymnastics

Clubs & Activities

Eco ClubDramaFilm ClubChoirModel United NationsArt ClubBook Club

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

SEND Support

Resourced Provision
AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultySevere LearningResourced ProvisionOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About St Ambrose Barlow RC High School

St Ambrose Barlow RC 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.