The short version
Above-average GCSE results. 87% capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 57.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2024
- 40% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, above the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
57.1
13.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
61%
18.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
87%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.18
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
21% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 13 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 9 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 137 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,181
- Capacity
- 87%
- FSM
- 40%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Manchester
- Trust
- THE LAURUS TRUST
- Head
- Miss Katie Houghton
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Outstanding
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
4 The Avenue, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2ET
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmThe Birches School
Special school · 388m away
Lancasterian School
Special school · 559m away
Shawgrove School
Special school · 574m away
Cavendish Primary School
Primary · 580m away
Manchester Muslim Preparatory School
Independent · 870m away
Loreto High School Chorlton
Secondary · 882m away
St Ambrose RC Primary School
Primary · 953m away
West Didsbury CE Primary School
Primary · 989m away
Questions parents ask
Is Didsbury High School a selective school?
No. Didsbury High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Didsbury High School's Ofsted rating?
Didsbury High School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in January 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Didsbury High School?
Didsbury High School currently has 1,181 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Didsbury High School take?
Didsbury High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Didsbury High School?
Didsbury High School is in Manchester, M20 2ET, in the Manchester local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Didsbury High School have a sixth form?
Yes, Didsbury High School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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