Best Secondary Schools in Manchester 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 30 schools across Manchester. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

23%

Outstanding rate

60%

Avg KS2 SATs

45.3

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Didsbury High School Secondary	Outstanding	74	View school
🥈	The King David High School Secondary	Outstanding	72	View school
🥉	Levenshulme High School Secondary	Outstanding	71	View school
4.	Wright Robinson College Secondary	Outstanding	71	View school
5.	Eden Girls' Leadership Academy, Manchester Secondary	Good	69	View school
6.	Burnage Academy for Boys Secondary	Outstanding	67	View school
7.	Trinity CofE High School Secondary	Outstanding	66	View school
8.	Eden Boys' Leadership Academy, Manchester Secondary	Good	65	View school
9.	St Peter's RC High School Secondary	Good	63	View school
10.	Our Lady's RC High School Secondary	Good	63	View school
11.	Chorlton High School Secondary	Good	61	View school
12.	The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College Secondary	Good	60	View school
13.	Whalley Range 11-18 High School Secondary	Good	59	View school
14.	Manchester Enterprise Academy Central Secondary	Good	58	View school
15.	CHS South Secondary	Good	56	View school
16.	Loreto High School Chorlton Secondary	Good	54	View school
17.	Manchester Communication Academy Secondary	Good	54	View school
18.	Dean Trust Ardwick Secondary	Good	52	View school
19.	Parrs Wood High School Secondary	Good	51	View school
20.	Co-op Academy Belle Vue Secondary	Outstanding	47	View school

See full data for any school in Manchester

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many secondary schools are there in Manchester?

There are 30 secondary schools in Manchester, of which 7 (23%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Manchester?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Manchester is Didsbury High School. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Manchester?

Primary and secondary school applications in Manchester are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Manchester council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Manchester?

23% of secondary schools in Manchester are rated Outstanding and 53% are rated Good. 79.9% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.