Whalley Range 11-18 High School
100%
Capacity
1,647
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Whalley Range 11-18 High School
Whalley Range 11-18 High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Manchester community, welcoming girls from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,647 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,650 places).
Ofsted has rated Whalley Range 11-18 High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Michael Lea, it falls under Manchester local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.79 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 51.9. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 196th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 31 in Manchester.
Whalley Range 11-18 High School is a popular choice with families — it received 598 applications for 252 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 192 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Whalley Range 11-18 High School include Theatre, Music Rooms, Swimming Pool, Art Studios, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Library, Sixth Form Centre, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Swimming, Dance, Gymnastics and 5 more, as well as clubs including DofE, Eco Club, Film Club, Drama and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 51.6%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Manchester, Whalley Range 11-18 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 | Girls |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Wilbraham Road, Manchester, Manchester, M16 8GW |
| Headteacher | Michael Lea |
| Local Authority | Manchester |
| Number of Pupils | 1,647 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 51.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,647 / 1,650 (100% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
28 Apr 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (28 Apr 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 12 Nov 2012. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.79)
196th of 3,141
Nationally
21st of 445
In North West
5th of 31
In Manchester
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
30.4
'22/23
27.0
'23/24
31.7
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed252
598
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
192 families put this school as their 1st choice (32% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whalley Range 11-18 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
Wilbraham Road, Manchester
Manchester, M16 8GW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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