The short version
Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2025).
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2025
- The school has significant spare capacity
Selective intake
This school offers places by entrance exam. See how 11+ formats differ between schools — and which exam boards they use.
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Other independent special school
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 40
- Capacity
- 50%
- Admissions
- Selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Oldham
- Head
- Ms Hecabe DuFraisse
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksStandard inspection: Requires Improvement
9 official reports linked on this page, including 8 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Additional inspection
October 2024 | Inspection
Standard inspection: Good
November 2022 | Inspection
Additional inspection
February 2022 | Inspection
Additional inspection
May 2021 | Inspection
Additional inspection
November 2020 | Inspection
Standard inspection: Requires Improvement
February 2020 | Inspection
Pre-registration inspection
June 2019 | Inspection
Pre-registration inspection
March 2019 | Inspection
Location
Unit 2, Aniseed Park, Oldham Broadway Business Park, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL9 9XA
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSeymour Park Community Primary School
Primary · 481m away
Our Lady's RC Primary School Manchester
Primary · 528m away
St Mary's CofE Junior and Infant School
Primary · 742m away
Manley Park Primary School
Primary · 831m away
Kings Road Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
St Margaret's CofE Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
St Bede's College
Independent · 1.2km away
St John Vianney School
Special school · 1.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is SMS Changing Lives School a selective school?
Yes. SMS Changing Lives School has a selective intake, which means places are offered based on performance in an entrance exam. Check the school's admissions page for the current exam format and registration deadlines.
What is SMS Changing Lives School's Ofsted rating?
SMS Changing Lives School was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in June 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend SMS Changing Lives School?
SMS Changing Lives School currently has 40 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does SMS Changing Lives School take?
SMS Changing Lives School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16.
Where is SMS Changing Lives School?
SMS Changing Lives School is in Oldham, OL9 9XA, in the Oldham local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does SMS Changing Lives School have a sixth form?
No, SMS Changing Lives School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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