The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2019).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 54.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2019
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
54.2
10.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
60%
18.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
19%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
92%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 137 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 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, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 67 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 777
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 17.5%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Trafford
- Trust
- THE HAMBLIN EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mr L R Bergin (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Previous reports
Location
Dunham Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4AJ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmLoreto Grammar School
Secondary · Very close
Altrincham CofE (Aided) Primary School
Primary · Very close
Bowdon Preparatory School
Independent · 779m away
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
Secondary · 836m away
St Vincent's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 935m away
Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College
Secondary · 995m away
Navigation Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
Stamford Park Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is North Cestrian School a selective school?
No. North Cestrian School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is North Cestrian School's Ofsted rating?
North Cestrian School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in November 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend North Cestrian School?
North Cestrian School currently has 777 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does North Cestrian School take?
North Cestrian School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is North Cestrian School?
North Cestrian School is in Altrincham, WA14 4AJ, in the Trafford local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does North Cestrian School have a sixth form?
No, North Cestrian School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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