Is The Barlow RC High School a good school?

Ofsted rated the school Good at its last graded inspection on 12 June 2024. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded C, 15th of 32 secondary schools in Manchester. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

What are The Barlow RC High School's GCSE results?

In the 2026 GCSEs, pupils at The Barlow RC High School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 49.2 (England: 46.2). 49.7% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths.

How do I apply for a place at The Barlow RC High School?

Applications for Year 7 places at The Barlow RC High School starting in September 2027 close on 31 October 2026. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another area, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March 2027 (or the next working day).

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The Barlow RC High School

Parrs Wood Road, East Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6BX

Local ranking15th of 32 secondary schools in Manchester

Ofsted: GoodUpdated

Secondary

Phase

940

Capacity

11-16

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: 2026 GCSEs · Ofsted inspection 12 June 2024. Figures last updated 15 October 2026.

Year:

GCSE Results

2025-26

Average Attainment 8: 49.2 nat46.2
Grade 5+ Eng & Maths: 49.7% nat46.3%
Grade 4+ Eng & Maths: 69.0% nat64.8%
Cohort Size: 171

Destinations

After GCSE 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 87.0%
Continued in education: 84.0%
Apprenticeships: 2.0%
Employment: 1.0%
Not sustained: 8.0%

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 918
Boys: 487 (52%)
Girls: 443 (48%)
Capacity: 940 (99% full)
SEND: 15.6%
FSM Eligible: 41.6%
EAL: 17.3%
SEN with EHC Plan: 7.7%
SEN Support: 7.8%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 15.1:1
Teachers (FTE): 60.9
Budget per Pupil: £9,254/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Overall Absence Rate: 7.8% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 21.7% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Voluntary aided school
Phase: Secondary
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Nursery: No Nursery Classes
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Non-selective

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 46.7%
Black African: 12.2%
White Other: 8.4%
Other: 5.2%
Mixed White & Black Caribbean: 4.1%
Asian Indian: 4.1%
Asian Pakistani: 3.9%
Mixed Other: 2.8%

46.7%

White British

12.2%

Black African

8.4%

White Other

Historical Trends

GCSE Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Contact & Location

01614458053

admin@thebarlowrchigh.co.uk

Visit website

Parrs Wood Road

Manchester, North West

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Administrative

URN: 105581
UKPRN: 10017761
Establishment No.: 4768

Common questions about The Barlow RC High School

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