Classpot

The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College

Manchester, M20 6BXSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Jun 2024
Progress 8
+0.12
Above average
−20+2
Competition
0.7×
Not oversubscribed
120 1st-choice / 170 places
Ranking
#1,265
of 3,141 nationally

About The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College

The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College achieves a Progress 8 score of 0.12, which sits slightly below the Manchester local authority average of 0.18 for secondary schools. This places the school 19th out of 31 schools in the borough, putting it in the middle of the pack rather than among the top performers. However, the score is still positive, meaning pupils on average make slightly more progress than the national baseline. The school's Attainment 8 score of 50.6 is respectable, and 75.9% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths, a strong figure that suggests solid core subject outcomes. The school is oversubscribed, with 462 applications for 170 places in 2025/26, and 117 of those offers went to first-preference applicants, indicating genuine local demand.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterRoman Catholic
AddressParrs Wood Road, Manchester, Manchester, M20 6BX
HeadteacherClaire Wallace
Local AuthorityManchester
Number of Pupils918
Free School Meals (FSM)38.8%
School Capacity918 / 900 (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

12 Jun 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (12 Jun 2024): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 8 Jul 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

13
Science LabsSports HallICT SuitePlaying FieldsGymnasiumLibraryAstro TurfArt StudiosTennis CourtsDining HallMusic RoomsTheatreChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

11

Sports

DanceTennisNetballGymnasticsCricketRugby

Clubs & Activities

DramaChoirModel United NationsFilm ClubOrchestra

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

SEND Support

Resourced Provision
AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyResourced ProvisionOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College

The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.