The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2019).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 49.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2019
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
49.8
6.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
53%
11.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
36%
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
87%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
84%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
8%
Based on 179 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
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 88 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Voluntary aided school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 918
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 38.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Manchester
- Head
- Ms Claire Wallace (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
June 2019 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2016 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
October 2012 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
September 2011 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
March 2011 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
October 2007 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
October 2003 | Full Inspection
Location
Parrs Wood Road, East Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6BX
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSt Catherine's RC Primary School
Primary · Very close
Beaver Road Primary School
Primary · 573m away
Didsbury CofE Primary School
Primary · 722m away
Parrs Wood High School
Secondary · 887m away
Stella Maris School
Independent · 944m away
St John's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
Didsbury Road Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Priestnall School
Secondary · 1.4km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College a selective school?
No. The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College's Ofsted rating?
The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College was rated Good at its most recent inspection in June 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College?
The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College currently has 918 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College take?
The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College?
The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College is in Manchester, M20 6BX, in the Manchester local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College have a sixth form?
No, The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.